Your Stylist: Ditching the ‘denim bikini’ in favor of shorts that fit and flatter

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Resident Image stylist and market editor Melissa Magsaysay soothes your sartorial woes in the weekly Your Stylist blog column.

I need a pair of go-to jeans shorts for the summer, but all the ones I see in stores are way too short. I’m 5-foot-5 with an athletic build. Can you recommend any brands that are kind of worn-in/vintage and fall around mid-thigh? MD, San Jose

The ‘denim bikini’ or ‘jeankini’ -- shorts so short that they basically take the shape of bikini bottoms -- are far too ubiquitous for my comfort level. Everywhere I look I see girls and women wearing shorts that seem to be constricting their upper thighs and riding up into areas where stretchy fabric is mandatory.

I am beyond thrilled to hear that you’re eschewing the jeankini in favor of summer shorts that will flatter your legs and overall look.

The ‘Boyfriend’ shorts fromJ Crew are just as they sound -- a bit slouchy and relaxed through the seat, low slung on the hip and not too tight on the thighs. You can roll them up to show more leg or keep them down to hit mid-thigh.

Old Navy also has a cute pair that have a straighter fit through the thighs for that ‘Dirty Dancing’ appeal. Tie up a button down, slip on some Keds and bam! A carefree yet sexy style that works.

Ann Taylor Loft’s version are cool and easy. These shorts can be rolled up or down and look great with heels. The roll up/down option is perfect because although showing more leg makes them look longer, that little trick doesn’t work in every case. Make sure shorts hit you at a point of your thigh that is completely flattering to your leg length, shape and body type.

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Top photos, from left to right: Ever denim shorts; Ann Taylor Loft denim shorts. Bottom photo: Old Navy denim shorts