Where to find 'smart' shorts to wear with opaque tights

[purplegadget]

Following on from the 'what not to wear over 45' thread I started and the 'denim shorts with opaque tights' thread mentioned therein given that I wear short skirts with opaques thought I'd give shorts (not denim or pvc) with opaques a try.

Trouble is where do I find good quality, not too short shorts? River Island and Top shop are the only places I've found so far and I'm not sure they fit the bill for length and quality. I've even tried Next older girls as I can fit in an age 15 but other than the black school wear ones(possibly inappropriate but maybe could get away with less good quality if black?) there wasn't anything.

Will keep searching but any suggestions will be gratefully received.

Thanks

Although I think that you can wear denim shorts if they're dark and sensibly cut (just avoid the ripped, acid-wash and cut like a pair of knickers ones!).

I've bought smart shorts from River Island, Primark and New Look. I was in Matalan of all places the other day and they had some nice tweedy houndstooth ones. Try a few pairs on, I often find they look shorter on the hanger than when on, IYSWIM.

I have a pair of houndstooth check shorts from Jack Wills (of all places!) that I bought in AW11. They are very smart and Chloé-a-like and cost £70.

Mango have quite a lot of shorts.

I love these skorts from Zara.

Ooh - am liking the Mango pinstripe shorts. May just have to place a quick order!

And, Zara is a favourite of mine too.

Never shopped at Jack Wills - will take a look.

Thanks ladies

As well as ordering the Mango pinstripe shorts that haven't arrived yet I did find some black denim ones in Next - sensibly cut, good length with a turn up.

Sadly the black ones were already out of stock in my size. Ordered the dark blue and they are a fab fit and look great with opaques, a loose top (don't want to look tarty or desperate) and boots (ankle or knee length - thought they'd look tarty with knee length boots but they don't). 50ShadesOfMaybe you were right!

May celebrate my 48th birthday next month by wearing them to work now we have a 'dress to express' dress code new for 2014.

They actually sent me two pairs by mistake (charged me for both). I'm wondering about keeping both pairs and dying one pair black.

How were the pinstripe ones?

How about these - you can't beat the price tag!
www.whistleandwolf.com/shop/product/1165/tailored-tie-waist-shorts

Shorts update

• black denim Next ones came back in stock (hurrah) so bought those
• TheBuskersDog pinstripe Mango ones not arrived yet, should be here Weds
• Avenue57 they are very nice but out of stock in my size, saw some in M&S today very similar but without the bow and bought those. Also stocked up on 100 denier Autograph opaques.

So, I am getting all 'shorted up' and loving them.

TheBuskersDog Mango pinstripe shorts arrived this afternoon. Ordered 3 different sizes as haven't bought from there before. Size 6's fit on my waist but 8's sit quite nicely on my hips which a) makes them a bit longer (I am 5'10") b) lengthens my body and stops me looking all legs c) means there's enough room to tuck in a skinny rib polo neck. So, am keeping the 8's.

Many thanks dexter73 for bringing Mango to my attention :-)

Glad to be of service pinkflamingo!

The M&S ones are nice. I tried them on the other day but decided they were too short for work (and I am only 5'2). Might try a size up and see what they look like on the hips instead.

Thanks, is 8 your usual size? I'm an 8 and was wondering if I should order a 10 because Mango can be a bit on the small size, but will go for 8 if they are true to size.

You'll end up like me, pink! I seriously think I must have more shorts than skirts these days.

As for Mango. I'm a 10 and can fit a Mango 10 easily. (M&S I'm usually an 8, H&M I sometimes need a 12 in.)

Love those Whistle & Wolf shorts. May well be tempted. Am anywhere between an 8 and a 12 depending on where I'm shopping so will take a chance on the 12 available.

Am wearing a pair of magenta tweed shorts today from H&M (last year's). Gorgeous and fully lined so it is worth braving the racks of tat for the odd gem in there.

Also, I bought HeatGen 100 denier opaques from M&S yesterday and wore them this morning on the school run with my shorts. Toasty warm - even warmer than my merino version from Autograph.

TheBuskersDog Yes, 8 is generally my usual size. The 8's are actually very slightly big but the 6's just a bit too tight - sitting down wasn't comfy and the pleats pulled apart a bit too much.

50Shades I am definitely converted. Wish I could find some a bit longer. I want to wear them for work and though we have a 'dress to express' dress code I'm not quite sure if they're a bit too short. Have even thought of getting out the sewing machine and butchering some trousers!

Ujjayi Totally with you on H&M! Magenta tweed sound lovely. And, I must try the HeatGen opaques for when I'm not in the office.

I tried the m&s ones on

www.marksandspencer.com/Limited-Edition-Tailored-Shorts/dp/B002RD2PUG?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_23&nodeId=342625031&sr=1-23&qid=1390432100#CustomerReviewsHeader here

But I didn't like the pleat which gave them too much volume.