This outfit combination puts this morning’s post on de-bombshelling shorts into action. Some of the items are on sale, and be sure to look through all colour options. 

• Karen Kane Plus Size S/S Handkerchief Top: Stunning drape and pretty neckline. Wearing it over shorts or clamdiggers is less expected, although pairing it with straight legs or a pencil skirt is a slam-dunk.
• BCBGMAXAZRIA Mazie Tunic Top: A tunic with a tail. An easy option to wear over skinnies, but pairing it with shorts is less expected. Semi-tuck the front for added structure as desired. 
• Wilt High Low Tunic: An easy breezy and super casual sleeved tee that looks fab over shorts.
• KUT from the Kloth Catherine Boyfriend Denim Shorts: These shorts have made my top picks list before because they are a super fit, forgiving, and flattering. Size up for extra bagginess. They are also available at Nordstrom. 
• KUT from the Kloth Bermuda Denim Shorts: Here’s the longer and slightly more fitted version if the Catherines are too short
• DKNY Dirty Dancing Shorts (Plus): A sleek and comfortable fit with a good length rise. 
• Miz Mooz Papaya Sandal: The ankle strapped sandal is the style of the season. These work quite well for a wider foot, and you might need to size down half a size. Super comfortable, soft leather, textured and casually elegant. Read the rave reviews. 

The intention is to wear the tunics with the shorts and sandals, which is a fresh look for Summer. But by all means mix and match them with other separates that are more to your liking.

This is similar to de-bombshelling a pencil skirt. Wear untucked oversized tops with length over shorts and take out “the sexy”, but look just as alluring. By showcasing a fair amount of leg, forearms or the entire arm, and some collarbone, you also add structure back into the outfit. 

The pictures below showcase de-bombshelled shorts perfectly. Choose roomy classic soft blouses or shirts, perhaps with a high-low hemline. Peasant blouses, oversized silky tees, big tees and bohemian tops with bat wings will also work. And although untucked tops are the way to go, the last photo shows a semi-tucked tunic that covers the shorts at the back. A nice effect.

The shorts here are quite short, but by all means sport lengths that are several inches longer in both denim and non-denim fabrications. But don’t go too long if the shorts are baggy. Opt for a sleeker shorts silhouette or clamdiggers if you’re doing a length on or below the knee.

With baggy shorts below the knee, you’ll probably need to add more structure on top, which is a topic for another day. 

As for the footwear, the world is your oyster. Wear dressy heeled sandals, flat gladiators, booties, pumps, slipper flats, sandal booties, peep toes or thong sandals, depending on whether you want to dress the look up or down.

Finally, a de-bombshelled shorts look straight off the street for further inspiration.  

So who’s going to de-bombshell their shorts? Go on Team Legs! And if you don’t like it for your own style, can you appreciate the look on someone else?

I previously wrote about the power of classic wardrobe pieces, and now more than ever want to shout this from the rooftops. Their versatility knows no bounds. Classic pieces can be molded and worked into any style, and therein lies their power. 

There is no need to wear classics from head to toe if that’s not your thing. Wear them with hot-off-the-press trends. Ground fashion forward ensembles with classic items. Add crisp classics to a bohemian, arty or avant-garde outfit. In fact, here’s my bold statement of the month: whenever you’re stuck about what to match with a particular item, reach for the classic piece because more often than not, it’s going to work. 

This list is by no means exhaustive, but the following items, when worn in tailored or loosely tailored fits, are true classics:

• Tops: button-down shirt, soft button-down blouse, denim shirt, silk shell top, lace shell top, plaid shirt, layering T-shirt, striped T-shirt
• Dresses: sheath dress, wrap dress
• Knitwear: striped pullover, fitted turtleneck, V-neck/crew neck pullover or cardigan
• Bottoms: knee-length pencil skirt, bootcut trousers and jeans, straight leg jeans
• Toppers: denim jacket, moto jacket, trench coat, peacoat, double breasted military coat, single breasted coat with revere collar, simple blazer with one or two buttons, cropped tweed Chanel jacket, tuxedo jacket
• Footwear: riding boots, cowboy boots, Frye harness boots, pointy or round toe pumps, the original Dr. Martens Boot, Converse sneakers, ballet flats, loafers
• Accessories: stud or hoop earrings, pearl necklaces, Chanel 2.55 handbag, Rayban Wayfarers, Rayban Aviators, animal print belt

Street style visuals speak louder than my words, so do look through these outfits on my Pinterest boards. You’ll see the classics incorporated with all sorts of trends, resulting in a thoroughly modern and interesting look.  

• Light blue button-down shirt and ballet flats worn with leather trousers. 
• Denim jacket worn under a cape with zippered skinnies and a 2.55. 
• Trench coat worn with a button-down shirt, pumps, boyfriend jeans and daytime clutch. 
• Simple wool blazer worn over a hectically oversized pullover with white skinnies. 
• Fitted turtleneck worn with a full flared skirt and trendy Valentino rockstud pumps. 
• Suit blazer worn with a button-down shirt, grungy sweater, jeggings and high-tops. 
• Peacoat worn with flares, chunky pullover and chain handle bag. 
• Super sexy button-down shirt with jeans and clutch. 
• Tweed Chanel jacket and 2.55 with faded jeans and tee. 
• Striped tee and peacoat with slouchy leather pants. 
• Button-down shirt layered under a cropped pullover with cigarette pants. 
• Neon pencil skirt with sweatshirt, neon hair and platforms.
• Denim jacket and pencil skirt worn with vintage coat, strappy sandals and Wayfarers. 
• White shirt worn with leather pants, stacked sandals and Aviators. 
• Trench coat with skinnies and Converse.
• Slouchy style with Converse. 
• Trench coat with plaid shirt, pullover, harem jeans and sneakers.
• Trench with striped pullover, skinnies and Converse.  
• Tuxedo jacket with bootcut trousers and silky shell top. 
• Burberry scarf worn with a biker jacket, sweater, jeans and crossbody bag. 

I also have an entire pinboard devoted to how the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag is worn with just about anything. From the dressiest outfits to micro minis, sneakers, sweatshirts and jeans. 

The trick to keeping the classics looking modern and fresh is to update their silhouettes, wear them with trendy/arty/avant-garde pieces, and in non-neutrals. You don’t need to satisfy all three criteria at once, but it’s certainly a possibility. 

So here I am again, sticking up for the incomparable power of the classic piece. It is not my intention to convert you to a classic style. The point is that the classics can be transformed and integrated into YOUR look when mixed and matched YOUR way. For that reason they are powerful and have my unconditional respect.

E and M have been reviewing beauty products at Facegoop for a couple of years now… in their own inimitable, irreverent and hilarious way. Now they have been chosen to be part of The Guardian’s fashion bloggers network. Watch that space!

A recent poll carried out by online beauty retailer Feel Unique revealed that women spend £248 (about $383) per year replacing lost makeup items. Feel Unique sees a new business opportunity here: they are going to talk to insurance providers about creating a stand-alone makeup bag insurance policy for women. Would you be up for that?

This week The Telegraph reported that some leading manufacturers are misleading the public with their labelling, and that chemicals have been found in ‘organic’ beauty products. In a follow-up article beauty editor Katy Young writes about the real do’s and don’ts of shopping for green beauty.

Fab Links from Our Members

Although “Clothing Fit: Dealing with Weight Loss and Gain” was written with menswear in mind, Elle points out that it contains universal, useful tips on the subject.

Deborah picked up some great tips from Garance Doré’s blog post on “7 Ways To Look Better in Photos“.

This exercise over at My Year Without Clothes Shopping really helped Vildy hone her style, by approaching it indirectly. Working out the second part of the answer, the “why”, was especially useful.

Charmian enjoyed skimming Free2Work’s thorough report on various apparel brands’ attempts (or lack thereof) to address labour issues in their production lines.

Behold: the most beautifully packed suitcase in the world over at Park & Cube. Angie and I were both beyond impressed.

Bj1111 recommends this post on The Vivienne Files about buying for a fantasy life, while this quote on showing up really resonated with her too.

Last but not least Bj1111 also wanted to share L’age Moyen’s musings on “Women at their most subversive“. She could see Angie wearing the outfit in the first photo, by the way.