Easy-breezy dresses are definitely my go-to pieces during the summer.  Actually, I almost exclusively wear dresses all year round.

I can’t help but notice all the fabulously chic summer shorts that are everywhere at the moment.  I am so attracted to these pants and think they are quite versatile.  I mean, they can be dressed up with a tailored jacket and pumps or cuffed and worn with flats for a laid-black look.  The only thing is, my 32-year old, bottom-heavy self is usually not very comfortable in short pants.

The slightly relaxed silhouette and longer lengths of boyfriend shorts, however, seem to provide the perfect balance between my fascination with and reservations about summer shorts.

I have found two pairs of shorts, both at the Loft recently.  One is a more polished, darker denim pair, and the other a laid-back, vintage-inspired, cuffed denim pair.

Here’s how I have been wearing these shorts this summer.

1.  Loft Pumice Wash Boyfriend Shorts ($54.50 $19.50 after $10 facebook coupon + $25 savings card)

Shorts—Loft, White tee—Express, Swimsuit—Jantzen via Marshalls, Flip-flops—Havaianas, Straw Bag

2.  Loft Julie Polished Denim Walk Shorts ($49.50 $25 during Loft special sale on shorts)

Shorts—Loft, Color-blocked tee—Gap, Belt—Talbots Outlet, Blouse—BCBG Max Azria, Black wedges, Tan wedges

I am not teaching a summer class this year, so my days no longer entail going to my office and classroom.  As a result, I have not been feeling driven to get “dressed up” everyday.  For my first week off, I literally wore two pairs of jeans all week.  You know, I just rotated them.

This week, I challenged myself to carve out a casual chic style, a uniform of sorts for my off-campus days.  Here is a look that I am currently excited about.

A diagonal stripe, tiered tank is paired with denim walk shorts.  These two items are so versatile too.  You will probably see me mixing them in with many outfits this summer.  To personalize the basic pieces, I tucked the tank in the shorts and added a green skinny belt for a splash of color.  Since I get cold in air-conditioned spaces, a bright orange cardigan is mixed in to keep me warm and also to warm up the look with an additional splash of color.

Tank—Loft
Shorts—Loft
Cardigan—Talbots Outlet
Belt—Talbots Outlet
Shoes—BCBG Paris via DSW

See this look featured on the Loft facebook fanpage, in its Memorial Day Weekend Style album