Is It Possible to Wear Shorts in the Winter?

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed)
Feb 26th 2011 at 8:02AM

It seems like a crazy question to ask - who would wear a pair of shorts baring their legs to the harsh elements of winter? Most likely no one. But even the dreariest and coldest winter season has mild days where outfitting yourself in a pair of shorts doesn't seem like an insane idea. And with a little sense of adventure, it can become one chic outfit.

To start, pick a pair of shorts that are well fitting, not skin tight, and fall mid-thigh. That may sound counterintuitive, but shorts that fall to your knees or a little beyond the knee appear dated and are not as classic looking. The material should be thick - wool, leather, suede - not to necessarily keep you warm but to complement the season. So while your shorts may say summer, the material says fall/winter creating a balanced and wearable look.

Once you've selected a pair of shorts, be adventurous when it comes to the rest of outfit. But keep in mind that a classic, non-trendy outfit will have limited bold pieces that tie everything together rather than suffocate an outfit with its presence. For example, if you've got a pair of simple shorts, complement those shorts with a feminine top and short waisted jacket that is toned down and use your accessories for extra sparkle and visual interest. A sleek clutch, scarf, colorful or textured tights, and killer high heels can go a long way.

A great pair of shorts to create this look would be Alexander Wang's Ponte Shorts ($150). It's a pair of basic black shorts with leather piping at the front and back seams. Wang's Ponte Shorts is a great foundation for any outfit, will match whatever you pair with it, and can be worn throughout the year. Paired with a simple, plunging v-neck chiffon blouse by Iro ($315) and Falke's grey tights ($59), the foundation is set and bold accent pieces can be added.

Preen Line's Patchwork Leather Jacket ($1050), a colorful silk satin clutch by Diane von Furstenberg ($295) and Raphael Young's black Suede Ankle Boots ($925) with rose gold leather trim are all unique and inject a dose of zest to the outfit while Yves Saint Laurent's grey Scarf ($495) is understated but adds texture. If wearing shorts in the winter still seems like a crazy idea, this look could easily translate to the other seasons.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Tags: alexander wang, ankle boots, apparel, blouse, clutch, diane von furstenberg, Falke, Iro, leather jacket, Preen Line, Raphael Young, scarf, shorts, tights, Yves Saint Laurent