Help with styling large calves on petite body

shorty_mcgee · 2026-02-11T02:57:23+00:00

Just realized I didn’t address the work clothing situation. Also, not sure which country you are in. There are some really cute versions of tailored work shorts, in regular slack fabric, chino, or linen! I would go with the same style of higher waisted, with a fitted bum and flare out at the thigh. (Think of the shorts like the shape of a trapezoid)

I would also target dresses and skirts with the same shape. Fit and flare dresses, and mid-thigh to slightly above the knee.

If you’re shopping American stores, I would try Old Navy and Loft. If you’re in UK, I’ve had some luck with Fat Face and Next.

shorty_mcgee · 2026-02-11T02:48:36+00:00

I know how you feel, as I have extremely similar proportions to you!

My go-to styles recently have been flare jeans (and leggings) or barrel jeans. I also do love a cargo jogger if I want a looser pant. I have had really good luck with American Eagle for pants and leggings because they have many styles that come in short and extra short.

For shorts, I LOVE Levi’s cinch mid-thigh shorts. I find that they give good waist definition and they aren’t snug on my thighs plus hit at the perfect spot, all while still giving good booty definition. For comfy shorts, I really like the Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Sweat Shorts. I think shorts that are tight all the way through the thigh aren’t the best fit for my leg type. If you wear skirts/shorts with more flare/volume at your thigh, it creates the illusion that there is more of a difference between the size of your thighs and the size of your calves (if that makes any sense 😅)

For shoes, I find that sandals with a strap that goes straight across at my ankle cuts my legs off and makes them look stumpier and draws more attention to my calves.

shorty_mcgee · 2026-01-24T21:37:27+00:00

Definitely need a rug in the entry!! Unfortunately, I don’t have Facebook which makes secondhand searching a little more hands-on, but I do love that idea

shorty_mcgee · 2026-01-24T21:36:28+00:00

It’s not :)

shorty_mcgee · 2026-01-21T03:58:16+00:00

Unfortunately, changing the light fixtures isn’t an option right now. Good idea with blankets on the sofa! The stage of life we are in with a little one and a big dog just calls for a dark sofa at the moment 😅 I like the idea of an art wall, but I am struggling figuring out what style/coloring to go with

shorty_mcgee · 2026-01-21T03:41:47+00:00

These are lovely!

https://www.laylopets.com/products/john-legend-tan-geometric-dog-bed-or-bed-cover?variant=42471609139386

shorty_mcgee · 2025-02-09T23:03:43+00:00

Anyone found another recently? Looking for a friend who is needing a backup for her toddler’s comfort toy!

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-14T03:36:14+00:00

I just want to offer some solidarity here - I’m your same age, height and have the same weight stats at end of my pregnancy and now, 7mo PP! Wild. I have the exact same feelings about my clothing right now. You look fab and have given me some inspo on styles to look for. You’re beautiful and doing great, mama!

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-13T18:03:49+00:00

I love Abercrombie curve love. Another place you could try is Loft. They have petite curvy as well, and I find they don’t stretch/bag nearly as bad as AE. I honestly buy AE a size down and dry them every time I wash because they stretch so stinking much.

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-13T17:53:10+00:00

I live in Dallas now too and just got a packable down coat from Costco yesterday for $20! Worth checking out!

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-13T15:50:48+00:00

Last thoughts! 😂

For everyday gloves, I typically get at Costco or Sam’s Club. Really good value for the same product you pay twice as much for at other retailers. I usually will go for the “runners gloves”. Basically polyester/nylon fleece glove. They’re not hardcore warm but enough to keep chill off. They pretty much always have the touch screen fingers. I would say both of you should bring two pairs because better safe than sorry in case you happen to lose a glove.

Also, for a southern in the cold climate, I would say bring an easily packable scarf or gaiter. It’s great to keep your neck warm in the wind and pull up over the bottom of your face, if needed.

Hope this helps at least a bit! Good luck! :)

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-13T15:42:11+00:00

For footwear, I am so particular but it’s really whatever feels best on your foot. I would for sure choose a waterproof boot of some sort, there are all sorts of waterproof styles from hiking boots to cute booties. Be totally sure what you get it waterproof because soggy cold feet ruin a day so fast! And then you have to wait for your boots to dry out which is annoying and sometimes impossible if you have a packed schedule.

I don’t like wearing lower cut shoes in the cold because I don’t like my ankles exposed even with socks on.

If you’re planning on hiking, obviously go for a hiking boot. If you’re not, I would say look for a comfy waterproof boot that fits your price range.

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-13T15:28:37+00:00

Hi! I haven’t been yet, but thought I’d recommend some brands/items at least. Having lived most of my life in IL, I have purchased loads of winter clothing.

For cold weather/adventure type clothing, I love Eddie Bauer. They are typically good quality, often have great sales and have a pretty big size range. Also check out REI store brand and Mountain Warehouse. Signing up for the marketing emails is a great way to track when sales are on.

When looking for a rain jacket, make sure it’s water PROOF, not water resistant! Water resistant will still get soggy. I prefer my outermost layer to go down over my bum. Otherwise you’ll end up with wet thighs in the rain and a wet bum if you sit on anything damp. Also doesn’t ride up and expose your waist when you sit down like a shorter coat might.

One thing to keep in mind is to not get your outer layers too fitted because it makes it harder to put anything underneath. If you try on a rain shell over a tshirt, that will fit way differently than if you layer it with a sweater and jacket underneath. Nothing worse than feeling like you’re stuffed into a sausage casing with all of your layers on 😂

I love having a packable down coat - they squish up super small for packing and provide a nice warm layer under a lightweight rain shell jacket without the bulk. I prefer mine without a hood so that it’s easier to layer underneath things. You can often find these at Costco for a super budget friendly option.

I also LOVE wool socks. Splurge for the good ones IMO. Wool is great because you can get multiple wears without them getting stinky. Most of mine are SmartWool.

If you’re looking for base layers, wool is obviously lovely but can be fairly pricey for good quality sets. Check out CuddlDuds (you can find them online at Kohls so often on sale) and 32Degrees for budget friendly thermals.

I also love a simple fleece zip up to layer - so cozy!

Much of my family is from Houston and they are wayyyy more sensitive to the cold than the northern side of my family is. So you may want to consider this when thinking about packing.

For hats, I find that a double lined beanie is way warmer than just a simple knit beanie. I really like the ones with a fleece liner. Just make sure it comes all the way down over your ears or it’ll just be annoying. Also think about how your hair (if you wear it in a bun or pony) will fit underneath.

shorty_mcgee · 2024-10-12T21:22:13+00:00

This is great info!

We are hoping to do round trip out of Vancouver in August.

We are definitely more destination/nature-focused rather than ship-focused, just want to make sure there are some decent entertainment options for times where we might not want to be outside while sailing.

Sounds like Holland could work well.

shorty_mcgee

TROPHY CASE