Shorts, especially denim shorts (which we talked about styling last summer), look best with something other than a t-shirt or simple tank. A silk blouse, an embroidered tunic, a button-down, even a structured jacket or blazer – these are the pieces that pair best with shorts – denim or not. All You Need Is Style nailed it. Voila…
Fabulous, no? But not necessarily the first thing I reach for when I'm facing a day of hauling/chasing two small boys around in summer heat and humidity.
My uniform, these days, is almost always shorts and a tee. Or a tank. But this uniform can get B-O-R-I-N-G fast, especially towards the end of summer. And sure…throwing on some jewelry can help…but I wanted something different.
Soooo….here are a few ideas (and a bit of style inspiration) of easy, mom-friendly tweaks to a simple shorts-and-a-tee momiform. Try one. Try two. Try 'em all. If, however, you manage to get all of these ideas into One Glorious Outfit, you must send us a pic.
(wearing: J. Crew printed shorts and linen v-neck tee, Target fedora, insanely comfortable woven Sperry Top-Siders)
1. Oversize The Tee
A slim fitting tee and pair of flat-front shorts is a snoozefest. Grab a slightly oversized tee and perfect the half-tuck. The half-tuck you say? Yes – just tuck in a handful of shirt in the front, slightly off-center. (Mom, I know you are confused. I will demonstrate for you.) Or….
2. Knot It Like It's Hot
Remember when we used to tie our oversized t-shirts in a knot? Yes? 'Bout the same time we were rocking the banana clip? [grimace] Yeah, I had blocked it out too. Anyway, don't hate the knot just 'cause it got all tied up with the whole banana clip thing.
Get it?? "all tied up…"
Anyway, Kendi Everyday does it perfectly.
3. Mix Patterns
Patterned shorts will always look great with a simple tank, but mixing prints is huge right now. When in doubt mix with stripes (again, see Kendi above). For more discussion on pattern mixing, see last year's post on how to mix patterns.
4. Add a Belt
Somehow a belt always make an outfit look intentional, yet cool. Voila…(from the very fabulous Eat, Sleep, Denim blog. Add 'em to your reader, they're one of my must-reads.)
5. Monochrome
Wearing all one color always looks sophisticated. This look works best if you vary the textures (like the pic above).
6. Put A Hat On
Like a belt: intentional, yet cool. And Halle does it — while walking around with the kiddo. Love this pic. I heart little girls in ripped overalls and sneaks. Bet she can tear it up at the playground.
(photo credit: denim blog)
7. Throw on a Vest
This is the trick I'm constantly using this summer. Instant style. Even when baby-wrangling. And wearing flip-flops.
(wearing on S: J.Crew tank and Twill Utility Vest, Gap Maternity jeans that I cut-off, Reef flops…on little P: Charlie Rocket's hawaiian polo, Childish shorts)
8. Wear Cool Shoes
Not flip-flops…uh…like I am in the pic above. Sigh. But seriously, if you do nothing else, wearing cooler shoes (or sandals) can make the whole outfit.
Wait! I have another pic! Of basically the same outfit, but with cooler shoes:
(wearing: Gap maternity cut-off shorts, J.Crew Twill Utility Vest, random tank, same insanely comfortable Sperrys mentioned at the beginning)
Mike, after taking this pic said: "Baby, I would TOTALLY pick you up on the side of the road!"
See? It's all about the shoes.
9. Try Boots!
Personally, I like short boots with shorts (as opposed to tall boots). Even if the weather is starting to cool, it is still summer. Look at how cool Rachel Bilson looks in her shorts, t-shirt, and flat bootie combo….
(photo credit: denim blog)
Um, yeah. That Chanel bag doesn't hurt either. Although I'm not sure why it's up by her ear. I almost made "Carry Chanel Bag Like a Boombox" my 10th tip…but that just seemed like cheating.
If anyone has any additional styling tips, let me know. We still have several more weeks of summer…enjoy!!!
xo,
S
