What is casual and comfortable and chic all over? If you guessed shorts then you’ve got the same bug I do this summer! Now stuck in some of the hottest days of the year, with the even hotter days to come, I have been reassessing my wardrobe to see what will get me through even the stickiest and the driest of days. When you feel like you’ve worn that sun dress just one too many times, or don’t know what other skirts you own to match your favorite crop top, you should never underestimate the power of shorts!
Shorts have a bit of a bad rap for being casual and less feminine than other articles of clothing. But the truth is, if styled correctly, a pair of shorts can be a knockout look! Celebrities such as Nicky Hilton, Katie Cassidy, Selena Gomez and Kourtney Kardashian show us looks that are all stylish, sexy and summery! Each one of these style starlets play up their own unique look in different ways, proving that one pair of shorts can go a long way!
So yes, shorts are casual, and you can’t necessarily wear them for every occasion. However, isn’t being casual and comfortable one of their better features anyways? What else can you find that is appropriate for a day along the boardwalk AND a night out on the town with just a few outfit alterations? Here are some of the easiest ways to spruce up your shorts so you can rock them day or night, casual or city life chic!
1. Prints
Prints! Printed shorts immediately have a nicer, tailored appearance to them. If you look for printed shorts with a bit of a wider leg to them, they can almost give the optical illusion of being a skirt! Paired with a sleek, fitted one-tone top and chunky wedges, you have never looked more ready for a summer night out! Some other styling tips for printed shorts is to keep the colors all in one family. If your shorts are filled with pinks and reds (as shown here) add those same colors on your nails and with your jewelry to bring the outfit together. Since soft, curly up-do’s are so in this summer, rock that look with some long chandelier earrings and you are far from casual!
2. Lux Fabrics
Go lux with your fabrics! Try on a pair of shorts you may not have already. Instead of dressing up your denim shorts or your washed out khakis, look for styles in lace, silk and satin for an instant boost of femininity to your outfit. To avoid looking over the top and frilly, pair these lux fabrics with soft basics, like a plain white blouse. Avoid florals with silk shorts; you want to play up their texture not compete with it! Keep your outfit more or less monochromatic and add some bold, tribal inspired jewelry to break things up and add a little bit of edge to such a soft style.
3. Tailored Basics
There’s almost nothing a classic blazer can’t add a bit of sophistication and shine to, and shorts- no matter what kind- are no exception. Most of us already own a pair of white and/or denim shorts, but keep them reserved for days at the beach or vacations, when in fact you can wear them out with your friends to dinner and not look under-dressed. Since cobalt blue and vivid green hues are so in this summer (especially paired together) try adding pops of color whether in your blazer, your shoes or your jewelry. However, keep this look tailored and sleek- if you wear jewelry, keep it to a minimum and have it match your blazer or shoes to really stand out even though its not a statement piece. If you have your shorts on during the day with a plain or striped tank, its seriously simple to throw on that blazer and heels and be ready for the evening.
How else do you wear your shorts in the summer? Will you try dressing up your denim “duds” to make them less casual and more flirty and fun?
