This article is written just so I can include my love of the word shawty. Kidding. I’ve always been a “shorts person.” Not because they’re more stylish than pants but because I don’t like sweating. Shorts can be more limited in the outfits they go with v. full length denim. With oversized shirts they aren’t even seen! And when shorts are too short they are deemed too risque for certain social situations. 2022 has been a rebellious year for fashion so let’s call extra attention to our midi and short length shorts with top seasonal prints.
Place Prints: All the pretty places should go on your shorts. Skyscraper trims, vintage concert tour logoing (think Joshua Tree) and even, an all over green and blue globe swirlies that are just the right touch of past and present. Think about where you want to go and wrap your butt and thighs in a hot destination. Basically your shorts should look like your dream passport!
My particular pair of shorts reminds me of a road trip I would've taken if I was alive in the 1960s. (I feel the need to put the19 and not just say the 60s since 2060 is quickly approaching! Eek!) Saltair wafting in to shake the lula girl on my dash, hibiscus flowers lining a thin stretch of highway. The large stretch of ocean helps guide the way as I peep at a paper map through my Jackie-O lenses. The coloring of the shorts lends to a sunset over the ocean and the fact that they are not completely white is more freeing.
Checkered Cuttoffs: Though I first wrote about checkered as the most desirable print over a year ago (Winter 2021), it still checks out. For shorts, I enjoy a red and white check in a light wash so it is not so Lady & the Tramp’s tablecloth. Instead of having a totally destroyed hem, a few loose-hanging strings will help with this faded look. Take a pumice stone to the hemline and any other section like the thigh, that you might want a little lighter. Wear with any tee graphic or solid and feel instantly cool. If you want to learn more about the roots of this print and how the Queen’s Gambit helped start a checkered revolution you can do so HERE.
Work Shorts: Work shorts are best derived from work pants. Take some old Levi’s measure to your desired inseam and snip a straight or wavy line (It is best to start a little longer and then keep cutting if needed.) Use wacky printed scissors if feeling daring. Grab some old fabric paints and splatter the reminisce across one leg. The best part is you don’t have to do any work in them! It's just that historical workermens vibe. Think similar aesthetics to overalls. Add timeless belt.
Needlepoint Designs: I am thinking about learning to sew just so I can have some sunflowers on the butt pocket of my shorts. Daisies, waves, suns, peace signs, any sign you’d doodle on a notebook - do it on your jeans with fabric. Needlepoint designs last longer and look more refined than the middle schooler’s bestie, the Sharpie. If you’re not a DIY queen yourself, search Etsy for your perfect pair of revamped needlepoint shorts.
Shorts with prints. Now. That’s the long and short of it.
Love your ideas,dressing should reflect your personality, and you do and teach it well. You truly accent your figure in all you wear. It's beautiful to love yourself!