HotmailGet the long and short(s) of this summer trend
They're not just for the beach anymore! ‘Today’ style editor Judy Gordon highlights the hot styles and lengths, including office-appropriate choices
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From the beach to the boardroom, shorts are making news this summer. You've seen them on your favorite “it” girls ... and maybe even on your officemate next door. They come in all lengths and are super-trendy. Find out how to wear them for day and evening in this week's edition of The Trend Report!
Hot pants
Super short shorts are looking hot for summer and the “it” girls agree. They're the look du jour from the red carpet to the beach for stars like Eva Longoria, Charlize Theron, Jessica Simpson, Mischa Barton and Jessica Alba. Sleek and chic, they most often have a flat front or tiny pleats and inseams that range from 2-1/2 to 4 inches — just enough to cover that troublesome “top of thigh” area. Choice picks include the streamlined, stretchy “Saundra” shorts by Theory in neutral colors (a real celeb favorite), tailored pinstripes or flirtatious eyelet. We love them paired with a body-skimming, feminine top and a great pair of low-heeled or flat sandals.
Trend tip: Short shorts are suprisingly flattering — if you have the legs to carry them off. Make sure yours are toned and bronzed with a self-tanner, or this look could be a real fashion “don't.”
Let's cargo
Buckles and tabs and pockets, oh my! Cargo shorts aren't just for camping out — they are a major fashion pick for casual occasions. Trendy girls will wear them with a rocker tank top and metallic heels, but they can also add fashion punch to a simple T-shirt or a crisp white sleeveless shirt. Grab a great woven belt and a pair of woven leather wedge sandals to complete the look. You'll find them in cotton twill in military-inspired neutrals and camouflage prints, for sure, but don't overlook them in fashionable bright colors and in unexpected fabrics like fluid silk twill ... pretty!
Trend tip: Make sure the rest of your look — from head to toe — is polished and pretty to offset the rugged silhouette.
Denim daze
No, you're not having a flashback. Open your eyes, because cut-off and frayed five-pocket jeans are back in style. You may have worn them in the '60s and '70s (but you'll never tell), and now a new generation adores them for their “vintage” appeal. The hottest trend going is authentic Levi's that savvy designers are cutting off, patching and embroidering and reselling for $250 plus ... but you'll find lots of less expensive options to choose from as well. Go for a slightly loose fit (like you are wearing your boyfriend's jeans) and the length that feels most comfortable for you.
Trend tip: If you own a pair of scissors and a needle and thread, you can head right over to the closest thrift store. Pick up a beat-up pair of jeans, cut and patch. Voila!
Roll with it
One of the most versatile shorts of the season is the slouchy, rolled-cuff short that can take you with ease from shopping or lunch to the neighbor's backyard barbecue. Because they are slightly looser in fit with wider legs, they are flattering on most figures. And here's a fashion plus — choose your length, because anything from the thighs to the knees is fair game. Just be sure to pair them with a fitted top or a little jacket to keep things feminine. Go for lightweight cotton or linen for the best look.
Trend tip: Your choice of shoe can take any pair of shorts from frumpy to dressy in a second. A sexy little wedge or a pair of flat gladiator sandals or ballerina slippers will add a fashionable finish. And do steer clear of stiletto heels, please!
The Bermuda angle
The fashion world's abuzz with the “shorts in the office” debate. Our verdict? It depends on your office, of course, but there are ways to transform longer “city” or Bermuda shorts into very polished, professional looks that we love! They should fit as well as your favorite trousers and be well-tailored with a clean, flat front or crisp pleats, and they should hit right above the knee. Pair them with a jacket or blouse plus a good belt and moderate heels for day. And do consider them in black for evening with a little cami ... tres chic!
Trend tip: For the office, neutrals or dark colors in linen, rayon blends or lightweight wool are your best bets. Save cotton twill or preppy plaid Bermuda shorts for more casual dressing.
Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.
firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to http://www.firstview.com/ for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.
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