Dress Shorts

When I think about dress shorts, I think of my dress shorts here below:

Seriously, these are my nice shorts. They are an upgrade from my everyday uniform shorts from Target (that would be the Champion brand!).

For non-exercise times, shorts have become a staple for all sorts of occasions, most notably, dress occasions.  Where one might have selected a nice skirt or a nice pair of slacks before, now shorts are now becoming the new default for bottoms (pun intended). I can see why, too: shorts have all the aesthetic draw of a skirt, with the functionality of a pant. They’re like a mini-skirt, without the unfortunate underwear flash.

But, let me send up a flare first. Some of these on-trend shorts are, well, for lack of a better term, “short.” Let’s take an honest look in the mirror before wearing these. Are you over 35? When you sit down, can you feel your bare booty on the seat? When you cross your legs, can I see all the way up your shorts? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, think about choosing a longer short. While I’m sure you have beautiful legs for the shorts, its best to leave the upper portion of them a mystery. (Thank you, gentle reader.)

Here’s are some great versions of dressy shorts:

SHINY

Shiny shorts can be dressy at night and then toned down during the day for a more casual look. These are perfect for a dinner out or a summer party. Treat them as a neutral; every color complements them.

 

 

 

BEADED

The quickest way to spice up your shorts into the dressy category is to add beads or bling. Here are two great examples of really dressy shorts. I would call these the “cocktail dress” of shorts.

 

 

LEATHER

Leather in the summer seems a little … tricky. But, just like a leather skirt or leather pants, it sure looks good. So, be sure not to sweat in these pretty shorts. They are definitely an investment piece.

 

 

LACE

You can’t have leather without lace, right? Lace is a very delicate, feminine touch, and so on trend this summer.

 

 

 

PLEATS

You read that right. For all you hoarders that kept your pleated shorts from the 1980’s and 1990’s, you are in business! You have vintage pleated shorts. Hate to admit it, but they are flattering and do resemble skirts.

 

 

HIGH-WAISTED

To follow up “pleated” with “high-waisted” might be baffling. The word ‘Mom Jeans” comes to mind. These high-waisted short are flattering and current, which is why we first bought into this trend in 1980.

 

 

 

THE WACKY

No other way to describe these shorts. But, a fun way to end the shopping tour today:

So, in the Alexander Wang pair below, there is a big line cut out of the bottom of the shorts and they are hanging on by a thread. Which means if I wore them, that part would accidentally come off immediately.

Ever wanted to wear a painting (and pay as much)? Well, here is your chance.

 

Enjoy your short shopping ladies!

(And remember, this might be a good time to get your razor back in the beauty gameplan after a long winter and cold spring in hibernation.)