Trend for shorts this summer is simple, sexy
By Linda Miller | Published: June 4, 2012 | Modified: June 4, 2012 at 5:56 pm
It's no surprise that shorts have found their place in the sun, but what is a little unexpected — and appreciated — is all the colors, prints and styles.
Call it shorts gone wild.
Playful stripes hang with sexy lace. Short-shorts offer an alternative to long and lean. Florals and colors are bold and bright.
“Shorts are a summer staple, and this season they can take you almost anywhere — dressed up or down, from casual brights to feminine lace and even tailored styles paired with a blazer,” said Melissa Merriman, regional communications director for Dillard's.
For those who like the color block trend, she suggests pairing vibrant shorts with a coordinating solid top. Consider orange with blue or yellow with green.
Going bold gets you extra style points. “You can pull the look together with multicolor flats or wedges and fun accessories,” Merriman said.
Feminine details, including lace and ruffles, continue to make a strong statement this season, even on shorts. “Eyelet or lace shorts are the ultimate in femininity and look great for a more dressy style, so add a chic blouse and a pair of nude heels for a finished look,” Merriman said.
While shorts often are casual and fun, they can also be sophisticated. “A longer, more tailored style, even with a fun pattern like stripes, looks great when paired with a blazer,” she said. Don't hesitate to add a blazer to shorter styles either, and then finish the look with platform wedges or heels.
Karen Marquis, owner of Kokopelli in the Shoppes at Northpark, said it was time for shorts to come on strong again.
Women have been buying crop pants for several years, she said. “Now they're ready for shorts.”
She said her customers prefer longer shorts, and they're grabbing up colored denim styles.
“They've got the colored denim jeans and now they want colored denim shorts,” Marquis said. “Denim shorts are always so good. Everybody needs a pair of denim shorts in their wardrobe.”
There's something profoundly summer about a pair of denim shorts with a simple tank and a necklace or two. And maybe a bangle. Simple, no matter how appealing, needs to be dressed up once in a while.
Marquis said her customers appreciate longer shorts in both slim and boyfriend styles because they provide extra coverage. Cargo shorts are an option for women who want something other than denim, but Marquis said styles with several zippers and pockets can be tricky for women with larger hips and thighs.
Merriman said it's important for women to select shorts that complement their body type.
“For example, short-shorts are great for making shorter legs appear longer but should be avoided on body types with fuller thighs. On the other hand, Bermuda shorts are ideal for longer legs and/or curvier shapes,” she said. “Mid-length shorts are universally flattering.”
She also reminds women to keep fabric and style in mind when shopping for shorts.
“Materials with stretch are more fitted while cotton creates structure and a looser leg opening creates balance,” Merriman said.
