The Short List: 6 Must-Have Pairs

With hundreds of pairs in every print, color, shape and cut, the list of shorts is anything but…short. To simplify your shopping, here are 6 must-have styles. First find a printed short, whether it be stripes or spots or a tribal print. Second, a color cutoff is a must for beachside play or weekend outings. Shorts have always been hot, but this season they are also quite feminine. Our top two girly-girl shorts are a pair in romantic crochet and a pair with a flowy, more voluminous cut.  Finally, two more posh pieces: a short with a high waist to flaunt your curves and an evening short in metallic, leather or sequins.

1. The Printed Short: Elizabeth and James Striped Ozzy Shorts ($265)

The Olsen girls paired their casual striped print with a luxe silk short. The result? A pair that can be worn dressed up or down. The navy stripes are nautical, so pair with a navy blazer for lunch with the girls or your bikini for a polished poolside look.

2. The Colored Cutoff: J Brand Cutoff Shorts ($158)

The big colors? Pink and tangerine, lemon and lime. Pick your favorite springtime color and grab it in cutoff denim. These hot hues pair well with black, gray, and neutral tees, making the cutoff our favorite choice for playtime.

3. The Crochet Short: RED Valentino Crochet Shorts ($395)

Bohemian-inspired, but finished in romance, these Valentino shorts remind us how fun it is to be a girly-girl. Scalloped edges and a grosgrain ribbon waistline add to the overall femininity. Add a sweet blouse and flats for date night.

4. The Short with Volume: Tbags Los Angeles Print Shorts ($146)

Ethnic prints look fabulous in a short with volume. Draping or overlays polish up a print and make it appropriate for a number of occasions. A simple tucked-in tank and wedges take these shorts out for evening, and, if the length is appropriate, a blazer and pumps make them work for daytime, too.  Also a wise choice for resort.

5. The High-waisted Short: Bottega Veneta High-waisted Cotton-garbardine Short ($450)

Sophisticated and sultry, the high-waisted short is back in slim, figure-flaunting cuts. Add a demure pair to a matching blazer for a playful twist on suiting. Show off the silver button detailing by tucking in your blouse or tee.

6. The Evening Short: Karl Sabine Sequined Shorts ($270)

Pick your poison…leather, sequin, or metallic…and play. Sequin shorts fill the void that is left from this winter’s love affair with the sequin mini. Karl’s shorts are an ideal match for a black leather jacket and some killer heels.