Midsummer Midlife Fun: Shorts

A short while ago, I showed you my first in probably a good 10 years pair of shorts (here). I admitted in that post that shorts were never my favorite garment, not even back when I was very young and yes, in better physical shape. But one thing that aging unmistakably changes for me is my level of self-acceptance.  I think like many of us, I was way, I mean waaaaay too hard on myself when I was younger. So many things don't seem to be such a big of a deal to me anymore. Now I wear jumpsuits, overalls, rompers, culottes and even shorts. I don't do it to rebel or seek for approval of anyone, or for any such reasons. I do it for one reason only, and it is to drop my own inner barriers, which is all that ever matters, really. And it feels liberating!

Today, I invited two of my dear blogging friends to join me in a fun collaborative link-up (or blog hop) where each of us would wear shorts to inspire women to feel free to wear either what used to intimidate them, or what they rejected as age (or size) "inappropriate". It can be anything really, as each of us has her own inner taboos. We wanted to show that we middle-aged women (or those approaching middle age), some delightfully plump, some having troubles accepting one or the other part of our changing bodies, not only can look good wearing those "taboo" garments, but truly feel wonderful wearing them! We invite you to join us! Let us all have a good time, middle age or not, shorts or not. Feel free to simply be yourself and enjoy it. The link-up is open for one week. Anyone is welcome to participate. Link your new or old posts, visit each other and have the best time!

Introducing Midsummer Midlife Fun beautiful and talented co-hostesses, 

my blogging friends from Germany - Tina and Beate. 

Come over to their blogs to learn about their own unique takes on styling shorts HERE and HERE!

Beate writes passionately about sustainable living, vintage fashion, cottage gardening and the magical place in the mountains where she lives. She gave an interview for In the Writer's Closet last year, which you can read here. 

Romantic Beate of Bahnwaerterhaeuschen (her blog name translates as "railroad keeper's house")

Tina takes beautiful photos of the places she visits and posts wonderful mother-and-daughter outfits, often with unexpected elements of whimsy and humor. She also hosts her own fashion link-up every Friday, do check it out! 

Glamorous Tina of Tina's Pink Friday

Aren't they gorgeous girls? Don't be put off by a language you don't understand - Google Translate usually can give you a good idea of what bloggers write about, and Style is a universal language, as is heart, and there is plenty of both heart and style in their blogs!

So where to start when you'd like to approach a garment which used to intimidate you? If you ask me, I'd say go for what touches your heart! It can be that something about the item that reminds you of your childhood, or about your hero (don't we all have them). It can be the texture of fabric, or a particularly inspiring color, or a detail that makes you swoon. You gotta love what you wear! And for that, a garment has to be personal, not generic.

For me, it was the beautiful linen blend and old-fashioned color/pattern of this set. Some of you call this type of outfit a playsuit, and I like that. (Earlier, I showed the top here and the duster here.) I really love the outfit I created this time. It has this charming 1920-1930s vibe that just melts my heart. I think wearing top+shorts would be awesome for a day in a park, and having a duster or long cardigan is a great option for a stroll in town and dinner at your favorite place. And a hat elevates any outfit! If you want just one thing to add to your wardrobe to get an instant stylish effect, I think it needs to be a hat! :)

It does not really matter why, where and when we get our "taboos" and which of them are justified by who-knows-whose standard. If they feel restricting to you, let them go! What matters is feeling good about ourselves - 

today, 

here,

 now! 

Top, shorts and purse - Old Navy

Duster - ASOS Curve

Hat and sunnies - Lane Bryant

Canvas oxfords - Toms (old)

Linking up with Visible Monday

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An InLinkz Link-up