Shorts season is definitely here. Typically, I tend to shy away from shorts because I really am never totally comfortable in them like I am a skirt. Last summer when I made the Wearing History 40s Sailor Playsuit pattern, I completely fell in love with the shorts—and have worn them many, many times. For the first time I felt like they were flattering, hit the right length and were comfortable (I hate shorts that are too tight).
Last month I pulled out the trusty WH pattern again and decided to make the shorts with a few easy modifications. I eliminated the side button plackets for a side seam zipper as I felt the fit and finish would be a more more subtle and versatile this way. I also left off the pocket, though in retrospect I wish I had used welt pockets on the front instead—live and learn! The fabric is a mid-weight rayon I reclaimed from a thrifted skirt (since I need more skirts like a hole in my head). Funnily enough, the zipper I used was also a thrift find, so these sorts were made for next to nothing—my kind of sewing project!
There is nothing really earth-shattering about these (except maybe that they remind me of the shorts Rita is wearing in this photo), but again I feel extremely comfortable in them. Not to mention now I have shorts that go with so many other tops in my closet—not just what went with the nautical navy blue ones from last year. Now just to tackle the denim shorts on my to-sew list! I picked up 1 yard of denim before I had to go out of town and need to finalize my design ideas. Since I like pockets—but don’t want to add bulk over my hips with in-seam pockets—I think I’m going to go with welt pockets. I’ve been eying Patty’s tutorial for shaped welt pockets and I think denim shorts might just be the project to use them on.
In the meantime–until I get to making those, here are a few images I pulled from my files that I thought would be apropos for this post!
Betty Grable | Elizabeth Taylor | Lauren Bacall | Ginger Rogers | Rita Hayworth | Audrey Hepburn
Amazing Casey! I love them!
You look like a vogue model Casey! Also, I love the hair it is so cute. I can’t wait to start making the sailor playsuit pattern.
Thank you dear!
I hope you enjoy sewing that pattern up–and do let me know when you finish it; I’d love to see your version! 
♥ Casey
Those look great, Casey! So funny how you posted this today- I was just looking at the shorts I made and thinking I needed to make another pair now that it’s getting warm again. Yours are so cute, and I love the inspiration photos, too!
hehe! Obviously we’re thinking along the same lines with shorts lately!
What sort of fabric are you thinking of using for your’s?
♥ Casey
You wear those great!!!
Nice Casey, they are really cute. I have been working on shorts too, but they aren’t working so well. Yours look very nice, enjoy.
Aw, thank you, Gina!
I’ve found sometimes shorts take a bit of working with to get the right fit. I really lucked out with this pattern; most of the ones I’ve used (or drafted) take a bit more fiddling and fitting to get even anywhere close to “right”. (If at all! :p) Here’s hoping you get some shorts to work for you!
♥ Casey
You are right! 50s shorts are so much more flattering. I made some last summer and now have a pair in blue, white, navy, and red! They are just so versatile. And you look lovely in them : )
Oooh! The red ones sound so cute! Definitely adding red (or some other bright and cheery color) to my sewing wishlist.
lol.
♥ Casey
Cute, Casey! The outfit is adorable, and I love the way you did your hair.
These shorts have such a feminin and sexy touch.
I like the one you made !
Love these shorts on you! I’m currently making my first pair of shorts ever, in yellow-and-white cotton gingham (BurdaStyle #111B from 6/11, they’re 50s inspired but not nearly as high-waisted) and I’m already plotting how to wear them out this summer!
Yellow and white gingham sounds so cute and summer-perfect!
Love it!
♥ Casey
Your new shorts look fantastic! I need to make a pair. I want to try out the Wearing History Smooth Sailing pattern which I got earlier this year. Love the inspiration pics. I think I need a pair of red shorts, striped shorts, and plaid shorts!
All this talk of red shorts is making me want to drop everything I’ve got going right now sewing-wise and make some!
lol.
♥ Casey
Love! I made the sailor versions of these and just love how they fit! I’m definitely going to make another pair, but that probably won’t happen until next summer. And I really want to try out your scallop collar tutorial for the Pendrell blouse. I’m going to try and squeeze that in before it starts getting chilly again.
Do let me know how it works for you, Stephanie!
I’d love to see your scalloped collar version!
♥ Casey
These are really cute! Also I love your hair in that top knot!
Such a gorgeous outfit- I love the shorts. And with your hair and makeup done that way too, you look so cute!
I think there is everything earth-shattering about these shorts! They are so flattering and you look fantastic!
I adore high-waisted shorts! The pair you’re wearing are gorgeous- they fit you really well
It’s a nice change from the ghastly tight mini shorts that you see many girls wearing these days- they almost look like underwear! It just goes to show that shorts don’t need to be skimpy to look sexy 
I always hate when I try on shorts in the stores only to find they are those mini-shorts. They just don’t do me any favors!
(Plus I’m always terrified of the idea that I’ll accidentally show something I’d rather not. rofl.)
♥ Casey
Ooh, lots of lovely shorts inspiration! I’ve got a playsuit pattern I’m dying to make, but I haven’t found the right fabric yet. Plus it’s got to get in the queue behind all my other planned projects (I’m much better at thinking about sewing than actually sewing!). And it’s been raining all week here, so not feeling very summery
xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha’penny
Isn’t it the biggest sewing-mood killer when you can’t find the perfect fabric?! I’m really bad because I’ll come up with an idea of what I want and if I can’t find it, it really puts a cramp in my style (and progress with my sewing to-do list). :p
Hope the sun is coming back out!!! I think I’d love to trade your rain for our sunshine right now; we have had very little rain the past month and are in the middle of a drought right now.
♥ Casey
They look so good. I love them! It’s a nice change from some of the ones you see these days (so short and barely there!)
These are so cute, I always feel paranoid wearing shorts but these look really comfortable! x
Really nice. I’m not a fan of shorts myself, but these are lovely.
Very cute. Your outfit and hair look great.
The inspirationpictures are great too. I like the pictures of what the actresses were wearing. Can you think of any actresses today that anyone will care in 50-60 years what they were wearing?
Those are adorable! I really like the small print on them.I’m slowly working my way up to the idea of wearing (and sewing) shorts. I hope to get there sometime this summer. Vintage examples like the ones you shared really do help.
It took me a long time to get back into wearing–and making–shorts myself. I wore them a lot as a kid, but shied away from them as a teenager (mostly because I got the Welsh/German legs and felt so self-conscious of how they weren’t long and lithe!). Living in FL really kicked me over the edge though–and this pattern helped (longer length and looser fit=happiness!).
I think you’ll look gorgeous in any shorts you whip up, Tasha!
♥ Casey
Love the shorts, but I’m DYING over the hair! Tutorial, please?
I’m hoping to record a little tutorial on a similar hairstyle later this week–so stay tuned!
♥ Casey
These are darling! I used to not be a shorts person either, but just the other day, it was hot and I pulled out the only pair I own and Voila! they looked great. My thing with shorts is my fair skin and I seriously can not tan so I feel like I’m blinding everyone to wear them. But after going to the dermatologist a few times and after my dad finding a huge melanoma on his neck – fair skin is IN! Well it is to me and now shorts feel like a revelation!
And your hair is fabulous! Totally darling! Love!
I hear you about the pale skin thing! I always feel like the palest person where I live because everyone spends their weekends at the beach or gets fake tans. The rest of me is pretty fair, but my legs are the lightest! lol.
♥ Casey
OH they are so sweet, Casey! I’ve been wanting to try one of her lovely patterns for a while, now! I must move it up on my (ever growing) to-do list! tee hee Thanks for the inspiration! Hope your enjoying the (almost) summer!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Marjorie!!!
Hope things with you and your family are going beautifully–and you’re enjoying June!
♥ Casey
Love them!! Where did you get your shoes? Are they Remixes?
Yes they are!
They’re the Remix Picasso wedges, which I got on Amazon a few years ago super-cheap. I love them; they’ve held up well for 2 1/2 summers and are so comfortable.
♥ Casey
So pretty! I love, love, love your shorts and the fact that you made them. Le sigh, perhaps someday I’ll get there! -^_^-
Those shorts are very flattering, Casey. I have a personal question about them. See, I stay away from shorts because I am full-of-thigh and I *hate* it when the inner legs of the shorts bunch up as I walk around. So shorts have been banned. That said, there are some cuts, such as this pair, that look like they might work because of the fuller diameter of each leg.
What is your opinion on this? I suppose if you’ve never had shorts do that bunching-up thing, you maybe can’t compare, but do you think these would do that?
I have very large upper legs/thighs as well (don’t let the photos fool you
) that shorter shorts tend to ride up and bunch unattractively when I walk. These don’t really do this since they’re longer and looser. In fact, I can’t even remember them doing that! Which is probably why I find them so much more pleasant to wear than most sorts! 
♥ Casey
These shorts are just lovely! I love your sewing projects and it really inspires me to start making my own clothes, I just don’t know where to start! Are there any things I can start with that are simple to make and vintage looking?
Also I love Rita’s hair in the picture you showed but how would I recreate it? The curls look so cute and perfect for day or night..
Thank you for posting these and keep blogging
I would say start with something like a simple skirt that has the “basic” elements of any sewing project. I love the vintage styling of Colette Patterns Ginger skirt; the shaped waistbands remind me of several 40s patterns I own. It’s definitely a very easy-to-sew piece as well!
You might want to check out my YouTube channel for tips on Rita’s hair, specifically this video.
♥ Casey
Wow! These are great and you look stunning (love your hair like that). I’m almost tempted to try out some shorts like this… but noooo, my cellulite and fat knees just won’t look good in them, alas!
Aw… you shouldn’t feel that way!
I have pretty knobby/fat knees (years of leg exercises still hasn’t made it budge. I just figure that means I have sturdy knees! lol.), and veiny legs. So don’t be shy–I think you’d look so cute in shorts!
♥ Casey
Oh I love wearing shorts!
Together with a tieblouse or a striped, boatnecked t-shirt it’s my uniform as soon as the weather allows. I also love that kind of flare, over-the-knee-length model you’re wearing; cool and nice for really warm weather, but still flattering to all shapes and really good looking.
Great post with great pictures!