Do we love short shorts?
Or is the discussion about something more important than the-long-or-the-short of it?…..
What\’s it all about when we discuss Michelle Obama\’s wearing short shorts and their appropriateness? The Huffington Post had thousands of votes and opinions on it. WOW!
Here\’s my two cents worth. First–I have to sympathize with any celebrity who gets to be the focus of constant attention (but it\’s part of the deal in exchange for the obvious upside). Every time I see a tabloid make the most of a private vacation frolic by the sea to expose cellulite –I cringe.
But Ms Obama undoubtedly knew that this choice would be scrutinized as she stepped out of the limo in AZ (where temps are high, “but no humidity!”-sigh!)… I believe she is part of a younger–way less conservative demographic than any of her predecessors. She is less self-conscious and seems to have much self-confidence.
However there\’s a part of me (the “stylist? the wishful thinker?) that would\’ve loved to see her give a bit of style and propriety to her look –and be equally comfortable in the process. Had she sought my advice (definitely the “wishful”) I would have advised wearing white “city shorts” (long shorts close to the thigh that flatter 99% of women) as an alternate. A solid Lacoste short-sleeved polo (or RL version) in any color would have given her a comfortable, refined look.
My point? I long to see some modernized ageless propriety infused into today\’s style norms. Michelle has the unique opportunity to raise the bar for casual style. She has a terrific opportunity to do for it what she did for JCrew ( Yes, a firm I\’ve endorsed many years prior to doubting Boomer minds).

I wish she\’d grab it!

Sherrie Mathieson Author, costume designer

Sherrie has a growing and diverse clientele of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles and professions for whom she consults on all matters of personal style. It was the men and women who were beginning to have concerns about the aging process and how it translated to their appearance that called her attention to a void in good expert advice and the inconsistency in the marketplace. She was a pioneer with her book "Forever Cool", and dedicates much of her time to seminars on the subject of ageless, youthful and modern style for boomers and the unique challenges they face. ”Steal This Style” (April,2009) is her latest book.*Sherrie has costumed and styled for roles, Academy Award-winning actors, sports figures, comedians, rock stars, dancers, industry leaders---and worked with top directors in the film industry.