As if it weren't obvious enough from my article yesterday on nude shoes, I'm in full-on Spring mode. However, the weather is not necessarily cooperating. Despite the constant Denver sunshine, temps continue to hover around "too cold for bare legs". Which is pretty much my barometer of real Spring.
One of my favorite styling tricks for gray days is to bust out my patterned shorts. Patterned shorts are almost dressy in a Palm Beach chic kind of way…so they help to elevate comfy mom clothes.
Throw them on over tights or leggings, add rain boots (or really, any boot would do), and something warm and comfy on top. It's an outfit that requires little thought, but looks a bit more interesting than the usual.
(wearing: Flexees shaper cami, Splendid v-neck tee, Juicy Couture tie-front cardigan to distract from the pooch, J. Crew shorts, textured tights from Nordstroms, Hunter rainboots and a Lands' End jacket)
Or do like J.Crew and throw these shorts on with a sweatshirt (I'd add a scarf and boots)….
PrintedShorts1 by aintnomomjeans featuring j crew pants
Or try them with Spring's ubiquitous stripes and a denim jacket:
PatternedShorts2 by aintnomomjeans featuring buckle shoes
For more guidance on pattern mixing, see our article from last year, How To Mix Prints For Spring / Summer 2010. It still applies!!
What other summer staple are you guys trying to bust out now?
xo,
S
Love your backdrop!! I used to work at 9th and Sherman. Saw it everyday…..
What are some good Spring uniform ideas for those of us with unfortunate legs? I don’t wear shorts at all because my legs are not very nice. I loved your winter uniform ideas, but now that the weather is warming up, I’m clueless.
You look FANTASTIC – I have to say that you always look fabulous in all of your postpartum pics!
I agree with S.L.O; I don’t feel comfortable rocking the shorts and would love other ideas for spring uniform ideas.
Thanks for the inspiration!
I think this might be a regional thing-around here, I don’t remember the last time I saw someone out of elementary school wearing patterned shorts. But you look adorable & pink floral shorts would totally be me, so I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for this trend near me. ‘Cause maybe people are doing it & I just haven’t noticed.
Personally, I’m pumped for skorts. It’s supposed to get into the 60’s next week so I’m going to have to bust out my Rubbermaid tubs full of warm weather clothes and rotate some things!
We were stationed in upstate NY last year where it wasn’t very hot for very long. I saw an outfit at the Gap that I was able to replicate with things from my wardrobe. I paired my denim shorts with a plaid shirt. I tucked the shirt into the shorts and rolled up the sleeves to my elbows. I also added a cute southern inspired belt with a silver belt buckle. I’m pregnant this year. (first baby due in August!!) but can’t wait to wear that outfit next year!!
BTW I LOVE your site!! This has really helped me find clothes to wear during my pregnancy.
SLO & Beth – Another reader sent in the very same request. I’ll work on it and get back to you.
Maman – Really? I luuuurve my patterned shorts! LOL But now that you mentioned it, I may have had a similar pair as a kid…hunh. I’m going to pretend we never had this conversation. 🙂
Beth – Nice outfit!! And congrats on the pregnancy!
Shana, do you like your Hunters? I have been waiting to get some…I have two pairs of great leather (waterproof) boots, but the Hunters seem to be calling my name…I am wondering though, given that I need a whole new wardrobe, if I can get by without them.
Also, thanks on working on spring uniforms for moms. I am looking forward to seeing it!!!
Beth, I LOVE my Hunters. For a while I was wearing Target knock-offs….but the Hunters are much more comfortable and much sleeker looking. I wear them as my version of tall boots half the time. However, since Denver is so dry, I really only need them in the winter and for the next few weeks….so you could wait until next Fall. If you typically have a very wet April, they might be your saving grace, however.
S
Since I too am a non-short wearer, I’d love another idea. Maybe the colored capri pants trend? Or possibly a floral skirt that hits right above the knee. Or maybe I should just take my Bro-in-law’s advice and wear shorts. He said “Your almost 30, your married, you’ve got a kid and by any standard you look great -just wear what feels good and get over it” I knew I married into the family for a reason 🙂 (no, my bro-in-law is not gay just a nice guy)
I’ve been trying to gather the courage for this sort of thing and was unsure if it was age appropriate. Thanks for the tips!
I too am interested in some other spring options…I’m a 40 year old new mom; any shorts with tights are going be ridiculous on me!!
Nell – I’ve worn a version of this exact outfit with a short, floral skirt. I have the pic around here somewhere….if I find it I’ll post it to our Facebook page. And I’m currently looking for a shorter, swingy skirt. But in short: YES. Skirts will also work. But I agree with your bro-in-law: you might be surprised about shorts!!
Cedar & Kim — Not sure what the upper age limit is on this one…I’m 35. I suspect it has more to do with how comfortable you are than your actual age. For example, I would totally put my mom in shorts & dark tights – she has really great legs. So you never know.
But I’m working on some other options for Spring, so stay tuned. 🙂
Hi ,thanks for this post.
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