Short Story

SHOP THIS LOOK

Shorts c/o Gap, top & sunnies c/o LOFT, Rebecca Minkoff bag,

jacket c/o Gentle Fawn (similar), watch c/o Daniel Wellington,

Club Monaco scarf, Jeffrey Campbell boots c/o Free People

A bit later than usual getting to today’s post because as is often the case around this time of year, events tend to turn into post-event drinks (last night’s were with my girls Kiara and Alicia to cap off my floral event at Whole Foods, so much fun!) and being the old fart I now am, getting to bed any time after midnight and having anything more than one drink makes me feel groggy the next day. Pathetic but true. Though I should know not to do this during the week when I have work early in the morning to get to, something about the onset of summer always makes me want to linger around longer in the evenings and soak in the days more fully. This anticipation for warmer temps probably can explain today’s look too – a transition outfit if there ever was one! With temps starting to creep up here on the West Coast, it’s officially time to break out your favourite denim cut-offs (or in my case, these Gap boyfriend shorts) and start working them into your current spring looks. Click through to discover 5 ways of wearing your shorts now!

Photos by Kiara

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this utility jacket has saved my ass sartorially speaking more times than I can count. I nabbed it in January I believe and have steadily worn it through winter-spring transitions, full spring looks and now, our spring-summer transition. It’s such a great piece for adding a dash of cool to your outfit and my favourite way of styling it is usually with more femme prints or silhouettes (like this delicate printed scarf) as it creates a beautiful contrast between girly and tough.

Other than a utility jacket, try styling up your shorts (denim or otherwise) with 1 of these 5 styling tips:

1. Take your biggest, coziest oversized sweater (turtleneck, preferably), sloppily tuck in the front and also keep your hair tucked in the neckline and pair with either delicate ballet flats or some minimalist heels.

2. Pair simply with a tank (like this LOFT one pictured here) and create some proportion play by taking your favourite button-down maxi dress and opening it up (a floor-length cardigan would work well here too), balancing out the short, well, shorts with some length! PS little tip here – if you have trouble finding a dress like this, I would personally suggest hitting up a vintage or thrift store. I always find this style tucked away in them and quite frankly, you’ll likely find cooler prints and silhouettes in the older pieces anyway!

3. If you have an oversized pair of denim shorts or bermuda shorts (or culottes, for that matter), really streamline the whole look by pairing them with a delicate T-shirt or tank top, a super structured blazer and strappy heels. The structure and edge of the other pieces will help balance out the slouchiness of the shorts!

4. Similarly to that first tip, grab that oversized tunic you’ve been waiting to wear and give it a sloppy tuck. Wear your leather jacket draped over your shoulders and put on a pair of ankle boots or sneakers.

5. Go boho and grab a pair with a slightly higher waistline, tucking in a floral or embroidered blouse and wearing the pairing with strappy gladiator sandals. If you need a bit more warmth, throw on a cardigan or better yet, a suede jacket to really add more boho elements to this look!

What summer pieces are you guys most excited to break out? I’ve got another summer-oriented post coming at ya later this week so stay tuned for that as well!