On-Duty
Shorts at the office are undoubtedly tricky, but with an appropriate length and jazzed up fabrics, you’re well on your way to a seriously stylish warm-weather work outfit. Balance out the above-the-knee bottoms by playing with proportions. Opt for a button-down shirt with long sleeves and a classy, tailored jacket to give the getup instant polish. Finish the look with modern accessories, like a tribal-meets-sports-chic collar, a neon cross-body bag and structured snake skin steppers to play up the outfit’s sophisticated yet fun vibe.
Mango Snake-Effect Shorts ($40) + J.Crew Metallic-Striped Ikat Popover Shirt ($90), United Nude Valery Mid Heel ($269), Cambridge Satchel Company Large Fluoro Push Lock Bag ($150), J.Crew Metal Sphere Pom Pom Necklace ($128), Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Farouche ($18), Surratt Automatique Lip Crayon in Fuchsine Details ($34), Makeup Forever Mist & Fix ($14), Krewe Louisa Interstellar Sunglasses ($220)
Party On
A skirt, dress or sassy pair of pants might be your go-to for date-night dressing, but high-waisted shorts can deliver just as much after-hours style. An oversized blazer and simple shell top introduce clean lines that will give the look an elegant edge, so you can get super funky with the add-ons. Think unexpected colors, unusual shapes and mixed metals to bring the outfit to life.
Mango Snake-Effect Shorts ($40) + Butter London Nail Lacquer in Knackered ($15), Zara Side Cutout Top ($40), River Island Gold-Tone Feather Front-and-Back Earrings ($24), SMK Shiny Vinyl Paper Bag Handbag ($59), Warehouse Pampas Leaf Blazer ($53), ASOS Sophia Heels ($57), Ciaté London Skinny Shadow Stick in Power Hour ($15), Berry Maquette Ring ($68)
Off-Duty
Play up the shorts’ retro roots with flirty, feminine pieces that give off a carefree, throwback vibe. An off-the-shoulder top is perfect for showing off those sun-kissed shoulders, while a circular bag offers a playful way to tote all those summer essentials, like a cool, colorful camera. Complete the look with cat eye shades and a colorful foulard for the ultimate mid-century chic ensemble.
Mango Snake-Effect Shorts ($40) + Topshop Cherie Cateye Sunglasses ($35), Halston Heritage-Printed Silk Scarf ($66), Benah for Karen Walker Marion Mini Round Bag ($348), Soludos Classic Stripe Sandal ($55), Zara Boatneck Top ($13), Sensi Studio New Erosion Panama Straw Hat ($181), Essie Nail Color in Go Overboard ($9), Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Coraline ($20), Lomo Instant Havana Edition ($169)
What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!