OK, I admit it: this entire post was really just an excuse to put up this picture. It’s from the summer of 2009, and I love it. I also have no idea what’s going on in it. Caption contest, anyone?
Anyway, as you can see, my summer uniform has been jean shorts and relaxed-fit t-shirts for years now, with occasional forays into the realm of colored denim…mostly in the form of those Forever 21 shorts pictured above, which I’ve clearly been wearing for way too long and most certainly need to be retired.
And what a great year it is to decide to say goodbye to those ancient things. Because right now, when it comes to brightly colored short shorts…
THERE ARE SO MANY OPTIONS.
Pink! Emerald green! Cobalt, neon yellow, acid orange!
Yes to all.
“But Jordan,” you say. “These shorts are far too short and bright for spring. They’re summer shorts!”
And to that, I say “Ptosh!” (I got nine hours of sleep last night.)
Spring is a way preferable time for short shorts-wearing, because in the summer it’s so hot that you have to pair them with such bare pieces on top that you veer dangerously into far-too-close-to-naked territory. In Spring, it’s much easier to make shorts look fashionable, as opposed to functional.
Here’s how you do it:
Tips for Spring shorts-wearing:
1. No tights! But since pale legs look extra-pasty in juxtaposition with neon, definitely smooth on a self-tanner.
2. Balance out the casual feel of the shorts with luxe fabrics on top (like light, beautifully-cut knits) and simple – but striking – accessories (like a great belt or patterned scarf).
3. Pick shoes that are feminine, but on the substantial side (try platform wedges with an elegant shape). No flip flops. Not yet.
4. Keep the focus on the great color of the shorts by pairing them with neutrals on top, but feel free to throw in fun pops of color with your accessories (like a contrasting bright bracelet or a gorgeous head scarf that pulls all the colors in your outfit together).
And while we’re talking neon…
How cool are these bracelets? I especially love how they match my Mason jar lantern, which you can see in the background, hanging out in my bedroom window.
Product info after the jump.
Shorts, clockwise from top left (for almost all of these, multiple colors are available, just FYI): J Brand ($103), Charlotte Russe ($25), Rag & Bone ($154), Roxy ($45), Current/Elliott ($252), J. Crew ($45), TopShop ($40).
Outfit, clockwise from left: Alma’s acrylic bracelet ($23), Warehouse jumper ($71), Dior scarf ($254; try TopShop’s gorgeous prints for something a bit more reasonable, or pick up Madewell’s pretty kerchief for just $14), Madewell belt ($52), See by Chloe sandals ($335, or try these for less than half the price), J. Crew shorts ($45).
