Belts are positioned on the natural waist or lower depending on the rise length. They sit below the waist on mid- and low-rise bottoms, and on the waist on high rises. Dresses can be belted on the natural waist or lower on the hips. Find your sweet spots. 

A narrower belt works well on a shorter torso. A wide belt enjoys longer torsos. A low contrast belt creates vertical integrity. A high contrast belt is visually punchy. Make sure that the built-in belts of coats, jackets, and dresses are correctly positioned on the waist.

Accentuating the waist can take some getting used to. Half-tucking a fluid top over belted bottoms is a good place to start. The untucked part of the top covers most of the midsection, leaving the exposed part of the belt to do the impactful talking.

At 54 I am filled with gratitude. Hubs Greg is my everything, and our precious Yorkies Sam and Jo complete us. I’m blessed to share life’s incredible journey with my favourite person and favourite doggies. Their daily presence, affection, and support in my life are the best gifts of all. 

On a more reflective note, a family member recently reminded me of what Nelson Mandela said about an impossibly difficult task or situation: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

We are stronger, cleverer, more resilient, insightful and tenacious than we think we are when faced with adversity. Too many times in life I said “I can’t” and then I did.

My wish for you on my birthday is to believe in yourself and your abilities. You will soldier and shine through overwhelming tasks and tough situations when you are determined and hopeful. You are fabulous and formidable, and don’t forget it.

I’m working the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with clients today after delicious birthday pastries and tea at home with Greg, Sam, and Jo. We have fun dinner plans too. And since we celebrate birthday month at the Cox Castle, there are wonderful things to look forward to for the rest of July!

You are on Team Planned if you tend to plan your outfits in advance. You plan the outfits you want to wear for the next couple of days, or the week. Maybe you put aside the outfit you want to wear the next morning. You might pull out a capsule of clothing to wear for a couple of weeks or a season. You might swap out or arrange your wardrobe so that the relevant seasonal items are centre front. Perhaps you stick to a particular theme or colour palette for a month or two. You plan what to wear to an event or occasion ahead of time. And you meticulously plan a travel capsule.

You are on Team Unplanned if you don’t do many of these things at all. You decide what to wear on the spur of the moment, or less than a day in advance. You take each morning and event as it comes, and dress according to your mood, your planned activities, and the weather.

I have a strong planning gene, but not when it comes to my daily outfits. I wake up in the morning and impulsively decide what to wear after I’ve showered. My mood, the activities of the day, and the weather dictate my day-to-day look. If I go out at night and need to change, I choose another outfit just before I leave. The only time I plan what I wear each day is when we go on a trip. I meticulously plan my travel capsules, with options to spare. I loosely plan what to wear to a wedding or event, but even then I might choose something else on the day.

I think on balance I bat for Team Unplanned. How about you? If you can’t pick a side, feel free to hang out on the bench where I’ve made tilapia red Thai curry with Asian butternut, cauliflower rice, pickled cucumbers, and chocolate cake for dessert.

These outfit ideas are for Team Long Shorts, which are having a fashion moment. If you prefer wearing shorter shorts, create similar looks with your preference of inseam length. If you enjoy wearing long shorts, wear them whether they are on trend or not. Remember that almost anything goes these days when you wear it with confidence, ease, and a happy heart.

Onto the outfit inspiration.

1. Drapey and Silky

A pair of silky, drapey and pleated olive Bermuda shorts is combined with a knitted halter neck sweater, and white fisherman sandals to match. A long chunky black pendant necklace is the accessory of choice, which matches the hair of the model, and the soles of the sandals. I see a black, whiskey, or white bag complete the look.

2. Patterned Cotton, Tank, Birkies

A pair of super casual, long patterned cotton shorts is combined with a dark fluid V-neck tank top that’s semi-tucked to lengthen the leg line from the hips upwards. Metallic soft slides are the relaxed finishing touch. Add a casual bag to match.

3. Bermudas and Docs

A pair of dressier black Bermuda shorts is paired with a grown-on sleeved floral shirt. It’s fully tucked to showcase the tailoring of the shorts. Iconic black Dr. Martens boots add a hard edged and ‘90s vibe to the outfit. I see a black belt bag complete the look.

4. Slouchy and Slubby

A pair of slouchy cinnamon belted and pleated summery long shorts is paired with a brown long sleeved slubby cotton tee. The top is tucked to temper the slouch. Dainty and flat tan thong sandals are the hot weather shoes of choice. Hoop earrings and sunnies do a great job of finishing off the look. Add a earth-toned bag if you like.

5. A Bit of Dressy

Last is an assortment of long shorts with a dressier integrity. Denim co-ords and shorts suits are completed with dressy shoes and bags. There are belts, sweater sets, waistcoats and blouses too. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

COS

Knee-length Denim Shorts

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Top Pick

3

Ann Taylor

Pleated Long Shorts in Linen Blend

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Top Pick

6

COS

Metallic Hopsack Bermuda Shorts

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Top Pick

1

COS

Frayed Longline Denim Shorts

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Top Pick

3

COS

Wide-leg Shorts

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Top Pick

1

COS

Tailored Knee-length Shorts

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Top Pick

3

COS

Longline Denim Shorts

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Top Pick

2

COS

Elasticated Linen Shorts

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Top Pick

3

COS

Pleated Bermuda Shorts

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Top Pick

2