I’m in love with a skort

I’m having a love affair with a flared skort from Athleta. 

Let me tell you why.

I have not been a short skirt or short shorts person for the past several years, except in extremely hot weather and with people I don’t care to impress. Somewhere in my early 40s I grew out of my 110-pound body. Middle age dragged me across the threshold into the world of more concealing, less restrictive clothing. For the most part, I am okay with that transition. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. But I still want to wear something cute.

This transition ushered in various wardrobe adjustments for me: flowing tees instead of fitted, long tunics instead of cropped, medium-weight sweater fabrics instead of bulky. And blue jeans grew positively undesirable, tight around the legs and either gapping or suffocating at the waist. (Don’t get me started on skinny jeans!)

Lycra became the new fiber of choice and necessity. (See my yoga pants blog if you don’t know what I’m talking about.) Shorts and shorter skirts were no longer a first option, due to increased ripples and curves on my legs, hips, butt, and waist. (In your 40s or 50s, cellulite becomes the new friend that you put up with because she’s also family.)  If you’re over 40, you might understand what I’m talking about. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, tuck this information away. At some point in time, you will meet this new friend, whom you will not like; but you will have a deep and interactive relationship with her. 

So, I didn’t think I’d ever find a pair of shorts or skirt that was breathable and comfortable, roomy without looking matronly, and stylish but not too trendy. That hid my curvey upper legs and didn’t accentuate my spindly lower legs.

Until now. It proves that there’s someone out there perfectly suited for everyone. I found just such a garment online last year (or the year before) for about $60.

So disappointing. I really don’t spend $60 on any type garment. I was duly disappointed and conflicted. I continued to envy my friends that sported this exact skort. They looked so cute and comfy.

And then last week, I found this skort at a consignment store for $34. On a normal day, that’s still too high a price for me. (But not once you’ve fallen in love.) I bought it immediately.

It’s no longer in stock at Athleta. I checked. They have a similar version, only shorter, which negates its primary purpose. (Remember my friend, Miss Cellulite?) And it’s $54.

So it’s true. I can admit it. I’m head-over-heels. This skort makes me so happy, I want to twirl in it. Its virtues are as follows:

• flares out from the hips, hiding hip and thigh bulges; also allows for easy movement (I could ride a bike, run, or hike in this!)
• above the knee, hiding cellulite
• shorts under the skirt, keeping thighs from sweating on each other (you know it happens) and liberating me to be active
• wicking fabric–breathes and cools me
• versatile color (marine blue)

I have made a commitment to this skort. I will never love another.