Paperbag shorts have been in and out of style for decades, but they are back with a vengeance. Here’s how to wear them right now.
Clothing trends come and go, but paperbag shorts never seem to fade away completely. The 90s gave us the bootylicious Jessica Simpson version of the length, where high waists met low cut lengths. These days, most retailers are selling them a bit shorter (but no less cheeky) than before for an updated take on the trend.
Paperbag shorts are considered by some to be the most stylish way for a woman to wear shorts. These kind of shorts are also called high-waisted shorts. They have a waistline that sits at or above the belly button, thus giving the appearance that there is a “bag” behind the woman’s waist. When paperbag shorts were first introduced by fashion designers, they were only available in long styles. These days some women prefer to wear them at shorter lengths, but for most of the time paperbag shorts are available in knee-length. They come in both tasteful and daring designs. Paperbag shorts are also a part of the fashion world’s obsession with denim. The use of denim is a natural choice since they were originally designed as pants rather than as skirts or sundresses.
In the 1980s, they were all the rage and looked like paperbags. They were wide-legged, loose-fitting, and came with an elasticized waistband that could also be folded down to make them even bigger. In other words, it was a fitted garment that resembled a bag or pouch. They came in different lengths and colors but this fashion trend really took off in the mid-1980s when women’s paperbag shorts became trendy. It was so popular during that era that some fashion designers even designed them for small dogs!
Paperbag shorts are a departure from the overly exposed backside trend, but they aren’t exactly modest either. Wear the trendy cut in a flattering way by pairing them with an equally short crop top or shirt. Show off some skin, yet still remain on the conservative side by wearing them with a midriff baring shirt that will draw the eye to your flat stomach and away from your rear end. You could also wear them with an oversized blazer to create a layered look that will cover up some of your skin while still drawing attention to your curves.
The key to creating a fashionable outfit out of paperbag shorts is to team them with other fashion-forward elements. Pairing the backside fashion trend with a plain white t-shirt is sure to make your look dated. Instead, choose a top that complements the length of the shorts. These complementary tops can be short, too. Just make sure everything “matches” well or you’ll be sending the message that you’re not aware of current trends. Go for bright colors and patterns like pinstripe and polka dot to add some life to your outfit and really show off those shorts!
If you’re worried about wearing paperbag shorts at work, don’t be! The length is subtle enough to wear around the office and even under a pair of capri pants when it gets hot in the summertime.
When choosing paperbag shorts, there are three factors that must be considered: color, fabric and cut. It all starts with the color chosen for the shorts; this will determine whether the wearer will look trendy or trashy. It is possible to go overboard with this factor. They are available in almost every color imaginable, including some that might not be considered proper for other kinds of clothing. The right choice is usually achieved by staying true to one’s skin tone and choosing colors that flatter the individual. The next factor is fabric.
Paperbag shorts are available in everything from denim, cotton and wool blends to silk and polyester. The most popular choices tend to be cotton or denim; however, there are some women who insist on wearing paperbag shorts made out of sheer fabrics as a way of stepping up their sexy quotient.
The last factor is cut. Paperbag shorts come in many designs and depending on the cut, they can be more or less flattering. Some cuts emphasize the legs, making them look longer or sexier. Other cuts appear more frumpy, thus making a woman’s legs look shorter than they actually are.
Of course, this style of shorts is not around much now. Paperbag shorts fell out of style for a number of reasons, though. One reason was the fact that this style was really short. Another reason is paperbag shorts were not practical as they were more of a fashion than anything else. While they were trendy and fashionable, they did not look good on everyone and were hard to wear out in public due to their impracticality. These shorts would have been too hot to wear in the summertime and too awkward in winter time because their design made it difficult to regulate body temperature as well as walk comfortably…Shorts are one type of apparel that has been modified in great ways over time.
Some Of My Favorite Street Style Ideas:
