Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

How to Make Short Shorts Look Sophisticated

I’m more inclined to flaunt my shoulders than my legs. But, it’s summertime, and shorts are a must-wear, right? I purchased today’s featured pair of short shorts in Express early last year in preparation for a trip home to St. Kitts. See how I wore them on island in this post. I knew I would be spending lots of time liming (island term for hanging out) on the beach, so I didn’t pack any “dressy” clothing. I did, however pack a versatile pair of black shorts.

Mango Belt Blouse, Diba Tradin Up Sandals 1c

Top: Mango | Shorts: Express

Sandals: c/o Bronx Diba Shoes

Bag: Linea Pelle (sold out, option, option)

Earrings: J.Crew (old, option)

Bracelet: J.Crew (old, really want this one)

Rings: Kendra Scott (on sale), Kendra Scott (on sale)

Lip: Mac “Violetta” lipstick, Mac “Vino” lip pencil

Mango Belt Blouse, Diba Tradin Up Sandals 2c

Though more leg-flaunting than my staple summer shorts, I chose this particular pair (now under $30) because its front pleats and cuffed hem added an air of sophistication that appealed to me. I also got them in black, a safe color choice for versatility and polish.

Mango Belt Blouse, Diba Tradin Up Sandals 4c

When paired with a luxe blouse, like my print belted blouse, these short shorts look quite elegant. Talking about my print blouse, I’ve been wanting to build a mixed print look around it. I imagined pairing it with my striped ankle pants (seen before in this post), but the prints didn’t marry as well as I had hoped. When I put my leopard Linea Pelle bag next to the blouse, though, there was an instant connection.

How to wear short shorts, Express Pleated Cuffed Soft Shorts 1c

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mango Belt Blouse, Diba Tradin Up Sandals 3c

Inspiration: How to Style the Best Shorts This Summer

It’s the summer of shorts. If you’re like me and not a huge fan of denim cutoffs, then you’re going to love the wide selection of polished and chic shorts this summer. This summer’s coolest pairs come in fun prints, brights colors, luxe textures, and varied lengths. Here’s how I’d wear this gingham pair.

 

How to wear shorts summer 2016 2

Top | Bottom | Sandals | Sunglasses | Bag

Now, here are a few other sophisticated pairs. From print styles to knee-grazing ones, dress these up with blouses or blazers and high-heel sandals or dress them down with your favorite t-shirt and flats.

Your Gingham CHECKlist for Summer

Gingham has seemingly grown up this spring, and it’s dominating trends too. I’ve always been a fan of the check print, but must admit that sometimes it can exude an undesirable picnic-y vibe. Not the gingham of Summer 2016 though. This year, gingham is sexy, sophisticated, and even edgy. Don’t believe me? I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite styles in the print.

Gingham Style Spring Summer 2016b

Left to Right:

Bandeau dress | Cold Shoulder shirt | Romper|  Belted dress

Top and Skirt set | Shorts | Shirt Dress | Ankle pants

I really wanted the shirtdress (see how I imagined wearing it in this post), but decided to buy the belted dress, because it had a more flattering fit on my pear shape. It’s also on sale right now. If I buy another check print piece, the adorable romper would probably be next choice. What about you?

I didn’t Think I Could Wear Culottes Until Now

If you read any of the bi-weekly stories I write for Mode, you will quickly notice that I often look to Solange Knowles and Olivia Palermo to demonstrate the styling techniques I talk about over there. They just always get it right.

When Palermo released her line at Nordstrom, a collaboration with Chelsea28, I just knew I would want every single item. The line features a few pairs of culottes, and I must say that her styling of them made we want to try a pair despite the style being potentially overwhelming on my short self. I was especially curious to try on the Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28 high rise denim culottes. Somehow, I never made it into Nordstrom to see the pieces in person. Recently, though, I found a more affordable alternative for those pants.

Top: H&M (sold out online, still in some stores)

Culottes: Express

Scarf: Printed Village (similar, option)

Clutch: Kate Spade (cool new Kate Spade clutch)

Shoes: J.Crew (sandal version)

Earrings: Kendra Scott

Rings: Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott (on sale)

Bracelets: c/o Simply Chic

Watch: Movado (in silver)

The pair of denim culottes I found is equally fly. It has the same vintage-inspired style, on-trend high rise, and frayed hem as the Palermo pair, but they are priced much lower. I actually snagged a pair for under $42 during a store-wide promotional sale. I was pleased with the fit too. These culottes were clearly cut to accommodate curves. For reference, I’m wearing a size 4.

A closer look at the arm candy:

Kendra Scott “Jordan” ring | Kendra Scott “Odette” ring (on sale)

Simply Chic cuff bangles in gold, rose gold, and silver

Since I’m shorter, I’ll likely wear these culottes with heels most of the time to elongate my legs. Last Saturday, though, Howard and I were moving around the city, so flats were a must. Surprisingly, the culottes looked good even with the ankle strap flats I wore. These are special pants.

Spring Getaway Style: Wear-Anywhere Stripes

This is the final post in the Spring Getaway Style series. This lightweight, breezy, and chic striped romper (only $22.90) served me well on my recent trip to Curacao. I clocked some serious hours wearing this one, from morning to afternoon. It’s such a versatile piece that I was appropriately dressed for breakfast, some shopping, an alfresco lunch, and drinks at the beach bar.

Romper: Forever 21 ($22.90)

Sandals: Kate Spade Saturday (J.Crew option, option, option)

Tote: Kate Spade Saturday (similar, similar)

Earrings: Kendra Scott (new for spring)

Lip: Mac “Dangerously Red” lipstick, Mac “Beet” lip pencil

The striped romper is from Forever 21’s contemporary collection, which runs larger than Forever 21 sizes. I still sized up to a medium, though, for a comfortable fit on the bottom. This romper, with its navy and pink stripes, is an easy casual choice for any warm-weather day. I can see myself wearing it to a few outdoor festivals in S. Louis this summer.

Renaissance Mall, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino

I actually did some clothing shopping while in Curacao. The Renaissance Mall has a Mango store that I couldn’t resist. I love Mango and had only shopped the store online until encountering this physical store in Curacao. The prices in NAF (the currency in Curacao) converted to the standard US prices too. I bought this hip romper and this fabulous printed blouse.

 

Chic rompers at Forever 21: