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Solenn Heussaff’s tips for styling your shorts
Jean shorts / Denim shorts
When to wear them: Dressy or casual occasions
Pair with: Silk tops, High heels (for dressy affairs) or flats (for casual affairs)
Word of caution: Never wear jean shorts to the office!
Jean shorts are very versatile. You can wear almost anything from boyish t-shirts to girly tops with this classic pair. Just remember that the key to nailing your look is your shoes. For example, if you want your silk top and jean shorts combo to stand out, pair them with high heels. If you want to dress your silk top down, wear flats instead. Either way, both are perfect looks for casual summer nights out with friends. Also, remember that even if you dress up your jean shorts, these are a no-no for the office, even on casual Fridays.
Dressy shorts
When to wear them: Weekend lunch with friends or family; Casual Fridays
Pair with: Colored or printed tops
Word of caution: Don’t go too short!
If you want to wear shorts on occasions that still require you to look polished, keep an eye out for dressy shorts. These come in different fabrics– some are light cottons, some are silk, and some even have prints.
For a “meet the parents” casual lunch, Solenn suggests wearing a light colored lacey version of dressy shorts and pairing it with a bright colored top. The lace can give you a very feminine look. Just remember to get a pair that isn’t too short so that you still look classy.
You can also wear dressy shorts in dark colors like navy blue or black for a “Casual Friday” look. Just pair them with a basic top and a blazer, and finish the look with a sleek pair of heels.
“Skorts”
When to wear them: Casual affairs
Pair with: Girly tops
Word of Caution: Make sure that the shorts part of your shorts are well hidden under the skirt. Exposing the shorts won’t do your outfit any favors.
Sequined shorts
When to wear them: A sassy night out
Pair with: Plain white tank top, blazer, and high heels; Dressy top and high heels
What to avoid: Wearing these during the daytime – sequins are a strictly nighttime affair!
For a sassy night out look, opt for shiny sequined shorts. If worn with heels and dressy tops, these shorts can look a bit more formal than most pairs. Solenn suggests wearing these at night as the shine on your shorts can’t really be maximized during the day.
You can also wear these with a plain white tank top, a blazer, and a pair of heels if you want a simple but sophisticated look.
Short shorts / Hot pants
When to wear them: At the beach
Pair with: Swimsuits; Bikini tops with coverups
Word of caution: This is a tough look to pull off anywhere but the beach!
This pair is too short for casual day wear or even nights out but if you really want to don this trendy piece, Solenn suggests bringing them on your next beach trip and wearing them for beach parties.
High waisted shorts
When to wear them: Girls with long torsos
Pair with: Polo shirts; Tank tops
Word of caution: Avoid if you’re petite or have a wide midsection.
According to Solenn, high waisted shorts give you that hippie-slash-bohemian vibe. For ladies with long torsos, high-waisted shorts can give the illusion of a shorter, more evenly proportioned upper body. This pair is not for everybody, though. If you’re a little wide at the midsection, this pair will only accentuate that. Petite girls also won’t benefit from wearing this pair. Instead, Solenn suggests opting for low waist shorts to elongate the body, or short shorts to make the legs look longer.
–Grace Gaddi/PF, GMA News
