We’ve covered casual boyfriend jeans, skirt and dress outfit formulas for Mums and gals on the go. Next up is shorts, which is probably the most popular formula of them all. Shorts are practical, comfortable, easy to launder, and very breezy. So it’s no surprise that this is the most popular casual outfit formula among my clients on hot Summer days. 

Here are four outfit combinations, each with a different length and style of shorts to illustrate the depth of the formula. With the shorts alone, you have many options, so there is a version for everyone.

Here are the components: 

• Shorts: For Team Long Shorts, there are clamdiggers, Bermudas and longer length boyfriend shorts that are on or just over the knee. For Team Shorter Shorts there are mid-thigh boyfriends and cotton twill shorts, as well as short shorts and any form of denim cut-off. Gap’s roll up shorts, and KUT’s boyfriend shorts have been a hit with my clients this Summer. 
• Tops: Wear an untucked drapey tee over long shorts. Wear a roomy striped tee with high-low hemline over short shorts to de-bombshell the effect. Wear a banded blouse over boyfriend shorts, or semi tuck a top with the addition of a belt. Or stick to tailored tops like wraps over clamdiggers. Sport a tunic over clamdiggers. 
• Shoes: Think wedged sandals, espadrilles, ankle strap sandals, Converse sneakers, boat shoes, ballet flats, D’Orsay flats, slipper flats and gladiators. 
• Bag: A semi-structured tote or crossbody gets my top vote. 
• Accessories: Add a belt if you’re tucking and semi-tucking the top. As optional extras, throw in a sunhat, eyewear, watch and jewellery as desired. 

Choose any colour palette. Keep it neutral or wear colours. I’ve stuck to solid bottoms but by all means throw in patterned shorts. I like to wear denim cut-offs with high-tops, a roomy top, and belt. I also wear clamdiggers with untucked blouses and slipper fats. What’s your favourite casual shorts outfit formula?

One of Greg’s good friends recently recommended Kuhl’s Krux shorts because the fabric is fabulous, the cut flattering and the fit comfortable. And, most importantly they don’t have large cargo pockets. Greg really liked the streamlined style of these shorts, so I ordered two pairs and now they are the only shorts he wants to wear. They run true to size, or slightly big. 

Greg is not tall, so you don’t need to be tall to wear shorts at this length. You just have to like the look of longer shorts. I understand that long shorts aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I think that Greg looks absolutely smashing in them! Cute and naughty. He usually wears them with a graphic tee layered under a tailored long sleeved shirt with scrunched sleeves. And always with slip-on Converse and “secret socks”. Our friend wears them with a short sleeved shirt and Doc Martens Sandals. A great casual and comfortable look for a hot Seattle day.

I have worn my Hi-Ness Converse high-top sneakers with a blazer, with checked pants, and with long shorts. I leave the laces untied because I prefer the “no-bow” look and looser fit around the ankle. It’s comfortable and more streamlined. You might expect the high-tops to be too loose with untied laces, falling off your foot as you stride, but by securing the laces you can ensure that the fit is snug. 

Here’s what to do: Start with your laces untied.

Pull the threaded laces so that the sneaker feels tight on your foot and the laces look neat and tidy.

Take each lace end and thread it back through the top eyelet on the opposite side from the outside in. So the right lace is threaded through the left eyelet, and the left lace is threaded back though the right eyelet. 

Pull the lace ends until they are tight and comfortable. This is what keeps the laces in place and the sneaker snug on your foot. 

Fold the exposed parts of the laces neatly and tuck the ends back into the sides of the sneaker. Try to keep the hidden pieces over the tongue of the shoe. That way the lace won’t tickle the sides of your feet. 

Voilà!

I add $2 cushioning insoles from the drugstore and wear Zella’s “no show” fitness liner socks. The socks contribute to the snug fit and also prevent the tucked laces from rubbing against my skin and unravelling. Sneaker, sock and laces are as snug as a bug in a rug.

A patterned Burberry belt has a high longevity factor because the print is iconic, and it’s a classic that can be incorporated into any style persona. Wear it with modern classics, with a casual bohemian outfit, with a tough rock chick look, with preppy separates, with drapey eclectic pieces, with avant-garde pieces, or with romantic lace. If you like the iconic checked pattern and you enjoy wearing belts, a Burberry belt is a good investment. 

The pattern comes in a range of shades and renditions which is why it took a while to find the right one for me. I did not want a belt with earthy shades of camel. I was after a cool toned tan check with lots of cream and a bit of red. I eventually found my Burberry belt and thoroughly enjoy wearing it. 

I love wearing patterned belts and footwear because they add a little interest to an otherwise solid outfit. A patterned belt is also a great pattern mixing tool. I will eventually add another Burberry belt to my capsule.