Honestly, if you’d asked me just a couple of years back whether I’d be comfortable wearing shorts in public, I would’ve thought you were a bit off. I was never a fan of revealing my legs, which some sillily critiqued back in my teenage years. Lesson learned, I figured, and moved on.
The mere thought of putting on shorts made me cringe – yes, even at the beach! It baffled me every time fashion designers suggested we should wear them for everything from office meetings to summer parties. Give me a break! If I looked like Gisele Bündchen, sure, maybe I’d entertain the idea. But, realistically… no way!
Looking back, it’s a clear example of how embracing fashion and a dash of self-acceptance locked arms to take me to a healthier mindset.
Let’s start with the fashion change: not too long ago, short-sleeved shirts and shorts crept into summer trends. Many brands that focus on breathable fabrics began rolling out beautifully coordinated sets, boasting an array of stunning colors. Seemed great in theory, but the reality was slightly different.
Fast forward to my holiday in hot Greece, where the sweltering heat made even my sarong feel like overkill. I spotted a pair of linen shorts that called out to me from a shop window in a picturesque coastal village that seemed frozen in time. Is it time to switch sides? Shorts in a climate crisis seemed like a wittier decision.
But, alas, upon trying them, I found they were sadly not linen-like, but rather some uncomfortable and effectively unattractive fabric that wholly failed to keep me cool. What a disappointment!
Once I got home, I snagged myself a deal on a linen shorts set from Asceno during a sale. By the next trip to Greece, they claimed the title of my favorite outfit. I now have three delightful shirt-and-shorts sets. While I may skip wearing them at night, you can find me flaunting them any other moment by the pool, on sightseeing quests, and beyond. Packing for trips just got way more efficient!
Importantly, this experience has nudged me into a world of shorts I hadn’t considered before. It compelled me to challenge those outdated and judgmental thoughts tucked away in my mind. If the younger generation can proudly own their bodies, what’s stopping me? Sure, my legs aren’t going to win any modeling contests, but who cares? They’ve carried me for years and deserve a break from my internal critic.
And let’s not forget – I’m not aiming for tiny pant styles. The ones I sport these days look more like Bermudas, featuring stylish slanted pockets that (hello!) visually slim the waist and chic double buckles. Pair those with kitten heels and a long blazer in a classy Prince of Wales check (crafted in the UK by Moloh, perfect on so many levels), and voilà, we have a sophisticated work look ready for that extended Indian summer vibe.
This is the valuable lesson I’m picking up from fashion – it has all these intriguing lessons to teach if you open your mind to it. Perhaps the most vital? Be mindful of how you’re speaking to teens, and do a little self-reflection regarding the damaging comments you might’ve absorbed growing up.
Revamp Your Closet
Lisa wears: Linen-wool-blend blazer, £45, Moloh; Cotton T-shirt, £78, Livotte; Organic cotton shorts, £125, Brora; Leather sandals, £119, Massimo Dutti; Leather bag, £455, Tusting; Earrings, £27, & Other Stories; Acetate sunglasses, £99, Bloobloom
Photography: Sarah Brick; Hair and make-up: Oonagh Connor at Joy Goodman using Benefit Cosmetics and Maybelline; Styling: Sophie Tobin; Stylist’s assistant: Hansveni Dave.
Location courtesy of Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa/www.exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park/
