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Is It Possible to Wear Shorts in the Winter?

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Shoes

Is It Possible to Wear Shorts in the Winter?
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.

Helmut Lang Leather Shorts

Filed under: Apparel


Leather shorts sounds a bit like an oxymoron, but it doesn't prevent me from wanting a pair. Helmut Lang's Leather Shorts ($750) have a loose fit allowing for some extra comfort and has subtle details – a cuffed hem and a jersey knit waistband – that sets it apart. I love the extra large front pockets, which make them seem suitable for casual looks. Pair them with open toed flat sandals, a slim but loose fitting tank, an extra long mixed metal necklace and skinny hoops for an effortless but chic outfit. Lang's Leather Shorts would look just as sharp with heels, any one of Valentino's Tops and finish it off with jeweled bangles for some sparkle.

The Fashion Statement: Short Cuts

Filed under: The Fashion Statement


Who likes short shorts?

Apparently everybody, as evidenced by the number of cropped breeches seen on the catwalks and red carpet recently. Ciara, Gwyneth, Nicole and a host of other celebrities have taken shorts out for a spin on the crimson. It doesn't seem to matter much whether it's cold outside or not. In fact, it was bitingly cold during fashion week in New York in February when Kylie Minogue decided to grace the front row in shiny black vinyl shorts.

Shorts have been around for centuries, of course. The descendants of kilts and togas, they were the look for young school boys. Soldiers stationed in hot places like Bermuda adopted the look for relief from the heat which then quickly influenced civilians. Women followed later. Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O. were often photographed in shorts.

Once only appropriate to wear starting this weekend (Memorial Day) through Labor Day, cut to today and the look is so prevalent almost every designer inserted a pair of shorts in his or her fall/winter collections. A few highlights: If one were to wear shorts on to the North Pole, Chanel had an option-gray fur shorts with furry boots and a patterned ski sweater. Salvatore Ferragamo struck a '70s vibe with rust leather shorts shown under a rust suede maxi coat and brown belted cable knit sweater and further punctuated with rust suede boots and a brown cable knit cap. Dolce & Gabbana had shorts you could wear to a meeting on Wall Street-a mauve boiled wool short suit with the knee length shorts, cuffed and modest.


Jodi Arnold Glistening Shorts

Filed under: Apparel

I have seen many summer shorts that have caught my eye but none as dazzling as these by Jodi Arnold. Made of a cotton and linen blend, the Glistening Low Rise Shorts would upgrade the usual casual outfit for day, while adding some pizzaz and sexiness for the evening. You could pair these with cute flats or be a little more flirtatous and wear heels. Price: $190.

Men's Short Suits for Spring?

Filed under: Apparel

One of the trends seen in many lines for Spring 2007 was the men's business suit with shorts, rather than pants. The Perry Ellis design, pictured, illustrates the idea. Designers love it and seem to be convinced that it is the wave of the future.

Not one to dash their hopes, but this is one trend that won't carry over once it is off the runway. Men don't want to wear them and the buyers for stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks know it; the suits are being passed over at almost every level. While the idea of being cool and comfortable in a professional environment is appealing, it doesn't seem like the business community is ready to embrace the business short look.

The two reasons that men can't wear the short suits are (1) a lack of appropriate footwear and (2) hairy legs.

Men's Shorts for Summer

Filed under: Apparel

Though sometimes the fashionistas turn up their noses at shorts, realists know that they can be the most comfortable choice for summer wear. After all, there is no sense in sweltering away in a pair of jeans when you can look equally good in something light and breathable. Shorts are super-short this season for women, but the men's shorts are very fashionable and easy to wear.

Keep in mind a couple of rules when choosing shorts, though. First, don't choose a thick material. It will look bulky and unflattering, not to mention that some of the cooling features will be lost. Linen and cotton/linen blends are the way to go, like these Cargo Shorts from J. Crew ($60). Second, don't take a cue from women's fashions and instead stick with shorts that are above or at the knee. A relaxed fit and a not-too-low rise will increase their wearability, like updated Marc Jacobs Bermuda Shorts ($158). Tees, polos and button-down shirts can be paired with shorts, but try not to match them to the point where it looks like you're wearing a jumpsuit, particularly if either shirt or shorts involve a print. And finally, never wear socks with your shorts and sandals. Please.

 

Vilebrequin Trunks

Filed under: Apparel

Men have it easy when it comes to swimsuit season. No struggle to fit into the teeny weeny bikini and for the most part men's swimsuit styles don't change much. Which can be part of the problem, a man can wear the same monochromatic basic pair of swim trunks for years. A much needed upgraded comes from Vilebrequin which creates trunks for men and boys in a variety of fun prints. Developed in St. Tropez in the 1970s, the suits have classic style but their distiinctive prints make them more interesting than most men's swimwear. The suits have side pockets, a velcro back pocket and are designed to be quick drying.  The suit comes with a spinaker cloth bag and a water resistant wallet. The Green Shrimp Okoa suit shown here sells for $165.

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