SHORTS - LIKE A COOL ADULT
It’s officially summer! With summer comes summer wardrobe and the desire to wear as little as possible to combat the uncomfortability of the heat.
The real question begins how do you wear shorts while maintaining a youthful and mature demeanor?
I have always viewed clothes and the body like architecture. Meaning, how a piece drapes and where it hits will subconsciously divert the eye to what you want noticed and everything else will be ignored.
I build my outfit- shoes and top- around the hem length and fabric of the short I’m wearing. Personally, I don’t follow “color” trends or what’s in or out because I believe “buy what you like, and like what you buy.” When you invest in quality pieces you can wear them whenever you like.
I will describe my 3 staples for shorts below:
Style 1
This style is what I call “The Girly Tomboy.” My personal favorite shorts are Alice & Olivia Dylan High-Waisted Pintuck Shorts because it’s a loose tailed but relaxed fit that is still short. Plus this cut nicely highlights athletic thighs. The cut of the short provides the “girly” aspect of this style.
Now for my shoes I will always wear either ballet flats- if I am meeting friends or going out or sneakers if I’m running errands or just want to be uber comfortable. Sam Edelman is my favorite for both sneakers and ballet flats but I will do either Alexander McQueen platform sneaker (if I want to feel taller but without the stress of heels) or Adidas Stan Smiths because they’re just classic.
I prefer either the ballet flat or sneaker style with this short because they are interchangeable and regardless of the top it always looks polished.
Now the top is truly about how you’re feeling that day! My personal rule is I always wear a crewneck with a pintuck or tailored short so the only focus is on the legs. I LOVE a graphic tshirt and wearing it with a tailored style short gives off very relaxed but “put-together” vibe. A light sweater is my fail safe because even if there is a change of temperature I won’t be affected. I prefer to buy my sweaters larger so it drapes nicely and I can tuck it inside the shorts. A blouse is just an essential way to look young, professional and fresh. With blouses I always play with different colors and fabrics that compliment the color of shorts I wear because I think it’s a way to let your personality shine through.
The “Girly Tomboy” is a seamless way to meet up with friends or colleagues.
Style 2
This style is what I call “Preppy Grunge".” I wear this style more frequently becuase it’s so relaxed and exudes “i woke up like this” attitude. Levi’s are a staple in EVERY wardrobe and flatter every body shape. I prefer the longer hem short shorts because those 2 inches is what can make an outfit look juvenile vs. respectable.
Now when I wear Levi’s I have to wear Dr. Martens. They are the essential boot and can be worn year-round and are super comfortable. Ballet flats if I intend to grab lunch with friends etc.
A linen blazer is great to not only be a chic jacket if the temperature changes but I love mixing traditional style, preppy style with a grunge style. I love a navy blazer because it’s a basic so it goes with everything BUT it has so many tones that it still keeps an aire of youthfulness.
As I said above I love a graphic tee so I will always try to work it into most outfits. A light sweater is a classic that adds “prep” to the denim jean. With “Preppy Grunge” I prefer muted colors because I think the duality between the styles speaks for itself. A classic white button up is the sexiest because if I want to be real grunge I button to the top and if I’m feeling more preppy I will add the blazer to the white blouse but maybe only button half-way.
Duality is fun and I think it keeps life interesting.
Style 3
This style is what I call the “Avant-Garde.” The word speaks for itself- this is where I mix patterns, colors, fabrics/ textures and have a BLAST. Again, the same conservative rules apply- a crewneck or higher.
I love waxed or leather high waisted shorts. I love this style because the hemline is longer and cuffed so it makes it more mature and alluring. The waxed or leather fabric already dresses up the outfit so you can go seamlessly from day-to-night.
The cuff of the short is the “detail” so my shoes need to have detail as well. The Eva Birkenstock is rubber and comes in fun colors so its fun and playful and exudes summer. I’m obsessed with Sigerson Morrison becuase he always creates architectural genius in a shoe. I love the cage mule because there are so many elements: solid closed toe, open body, and a mule.
The leather overshirt can be worn as either a jacket or stand-alone shirt. It just depends on your mood. As I mentioned in my other 2 styles; I LOVE graphic tshirts. This graphic tshirt has more embelishment with the sequins. A great chunky knit sweater is breathable and creates a sexy drape that can be tucked in. I also love a “simple” black top but having the details tone on tone so it’s a little harder to see.
The avant-garde style is all about having fun and mixing and matching.