SIZZLING SHORTS STYLES...FOUR FITS FOR YOU

Lots of women say I can't wear shorts...I don't like my legs.  Or they cut me off, my hips are too wide, etc.  Wearing shorts is about finding the right style and fit that works for you body.  Some women can wear all four styles dependent on which shoes and top you choose and others work best in one type.  Find the length and style that works for you and designers that carry this trend.  Fit, fabric, your height, and the cut of the leg opening are all things to consider when shopping for shorts and determine how dressy or casual the shorts are.

Short Shorts:  Yes, they have been around for years.  There are always new styles, colors, and designs that come out.

Fit Tip:  Works well for petite statue, those with a boyish frame, or shorter legs.  This look lengthens the leg.

Avoid If:  You have full thighs and hips or a curvy body (pear shape).  

Theory Airfic Woolstretch shorts, $190

Milly Print Shorts, $109

Ann Taylor Oasis Teal Petite Resort Shorts, $78

Mid-Length:  This is the most flattering length for most body types and coordinates with most style tops the best.  

Fit Tip:  Typically has a 5 to 7 inch inseam so look for your best length in these.  Stand with your arms hanging straight down by your sides and the hem should be within an inch or two of your fingertips.  This style works with short or long legs and all body types.

Ann Taylor Stretch Linen Twill Shorts with Sash, $78

Bermuda:  This style is great to dress up or down.  Perfect for women who are older and don't want to show as much leg but also looks great on younger ladies. This knee length style offers more coverage and creates a taller, slimmer figure.

Fit Tip:  If you have longer legs, are pear shaped, or curvier figure, this style is for you. 

Avoid If:  You have super short legs or are extremely petite which can end up looking like ill fitted capri pants.  This cut visually breaks up your leg.

Diane von Furstenberg New Boymuda Shorts, $285 (silver)

Caslon Stretch Twill Shorts (Fuchsia, Berry, Pink, White, Sand, etc.) 9 inch inseam, $29.90 

Catherine Malandrino Cutout Shorts, $106.90

Pleated Shorts:  Are back this season.  The look is not your straight leg short with pleats in the front, but instead a looser flowy fit similar to a skirt.

Fit Tip:  Wear with a fitted blouse or top to emphasize the waist and dress up the look.

Juicy Couture Silk Short, $138

SHEER BLOUSES FOR DAY & NIGHT

Sheer blouses are a gorgeous way to update your look this spring/summer.  Printed blouses in bold patters and bright colored blouses are a great option for work or a night on the town.  

Pair it with a cami tank top in a contrasting or complimentary color.  White, black, and navy tank tops are always safe choices for a work environment to wear underneath a sheer blouse.  But try it with a bold spring color tank or a skin color tank top to add a little pizazz.  Style example might be an orange sheer blouse with a navy tank top and a white pencil skirt.  Add chunky gold jewelry to compliment the look.  Not sure you can wear this to work?  Add a three quarter length sleeve blazer or a flowy cardigan over top.

Fit Tip:  If the blouse is flowy, pair it with a fitted bottom to show your shape.  If it is a wrap top that is sheer you can wear a more forgiving skirt or pants with it.

Pair this striped blouse with a tangerine skirt and a fuchsia tank top and bold jewelry.  For a more casual look try slim fit white capri pants with a tangerine, fuchsia, or bright blue tank top.  

Catherine Malandrino Tie Waist Sheer Silk Blouse, $275

Casual Studio Band Collar Sheer Print Blouse, $69 (Nordstrom's)

Malene Birger Josittia Pink Leopard Silk Chiffon Blouse, $315

Pair this striped blouse with a navy pencil skirt or fitted capri's.  Jeweled sandals are great for daytime and switch to heels for night.

Chaus Embellished Stripe Blouse, $79 (Nordstrom's)

  

Urban Outfitters Dolce Vita Serena Blouse, $115

Daniel Rainn Banded Dolman Sleeve Blouse, $39.90

  

Aryn K. Hibiscus Print Blouse, $89

Sanctuary Multi Print Sheer Blouse, $86

 

Charlotte Russe Roll Cuff Button Down Blouse, $22.99

YELLOW CRUSH

Yellow is everywhere this spring/summer season.  Over and over again I hear people say "but I can't wear that color".  Yes you can!  It is a matter of finding what shade works best for your skin tone and hair color. Fair, light, medium (or olive), and dark skin tones all work with different shades.  Fair colored skin looks great in a bright citrus yellow.  Olive skin tone can wear mustard, pale yellow, citrus, or lime green/yellow.  Pale skin looks best in mustard color or marigold.  Dark skin tones can wear pale yellow, citrus yellow, or mustard though.  If you aren't sure what shade looks best for you, go to a fabric store and pull out swatches of different shades or find the shades online and print it and hold it up in a mirror and outside lighting to see which illuminates you.

Styling Tips:  Not ready to jump into a full yellow outfit or wanting to slowly ease into this color trend?  Try adding yellow accessories, such as a handbag, scarf, jewelry, or shoes to an outfit.  Wear your yellow shoes with a dark color such as navy, or black to give a fresh look that will flatter your hair and skin tone.

Tinley Road Double Stone Ring, $24  Wendy Mink Cocktail Hour Yellow Calcite Ring, $173

 

Phospho Boho Drops, Bauble Bar, $34

Sam Edelman Lorissa, $200

Melie Bianco Natalie, $54 

 JJ Winters Envelope Bag Yellow Boa, $121

Remi & Emmy Glastonberry Woodstock Satchel, $298

Wear a yellow print.  If all over yellow is not flattering to your skin tone, pick a print in a color(s) that work well for you.  Choose an eye catching print with yellow mixed in with colors that are flattering to your skin tone to look current.  Patterns are big this season.

Renee C. Blouse, $46.95

Diane von Furstenberg Moriko Dress, $255.50

Wear yellow with a more flattering color.  Are you loving the kelly green and bright blue hues that are all over this season?  Try a yellow top with bright blue pants or kelly green skirt.  Add a belt in a metallic tone, such as gold that highlight the outfit and pull it together.  Then add colored jewelry, such as bangles in gold, yellow, and other tones.  Layered bangles are great this season for adding color to an outfit.  Or try yellow with a navy suit or dress.  This is a fresh color combination.

Pair this blouse with white pants, a green slim fit pant, navy blue pants, or a white pencil skirt with blue heels.

Amanda Uprichard V-neck Cap Sleeve Blouse, $133 (lime) Guess by Marciano Contrast Piping Skirt, $94.99

  

Pair this romper with bright green or blue heels and bag for fun.  Wear with a navy or black blazer to work.

Catherine Malandrino Drape Front Romper, $295  Aqua Colorless Crop Blazer, $108

 

James & Joy Aubrey Off Shoulder Top, $70 Trina Turk Ashton Pebble Beach Textured Skirt, $228

 

CHIC WHITE DRESSES

Every woman needs a few staples in her closet.  A white dress should be one of them.  It is a "go-to" or must have just like the black dress.  

White dresses can be worn in three ways depending on the look you are going for.  All white including white shoes and accessories.  This look is very minimalist.  White with metallic, can be in shoes, pocket book or jewelry.  Or white with bold color accents.  Add a citrus color or a jewel tone.  Jewel tones with white can be worn in winter and are appropriate. White dress with navy shoes or bag is great for work.

This Diane von Furstenburg Honoka Dress, $385, knit weight is a great dress outside of summer. The way pattern makes a statement.

This Black Halo dress is perfect for work or an evening out to dinner/theater, etc.  The thin belt accentuates your waist and the sleeves and neckline create interest.  Perfect with black or navy. $345

This Catherine Malandrino crocheted dress is lined at the body while the sheer sleeves create interest.  Great pattern and hemline let the dress do the talking. $325

This BCBG Leena Dress, $278, small knit pattern and simple design is a great blank canvas for jewelry, and shoes.

 

A Splendid Tie Waist Jersey Dress is a great simple sheath.  Change the belt to a bold bright pink, yellow or blue. $104

Thread Strapless Double Ruffle Dress, $395, looks very chic with skin colored heels.  Large gold hoops would be a perfect accent.  Keep the accessories minimal.

Asos Black Dress, $161.15, woven fabric with tabs and plaques creates interest.

If you want to purchase white dresses, look to your favorite stores and designers.  Almost every designer makes white dresses.  All shapes and styles to suit your style personality.