While everyone else is thinking summer dresses, I am dreaming of summer shorts. Shorts for summer have been my long-time go-to. Just because I am a woman of a certain age, I won’t stop wearing what makes me feel good. You shouldn’t either.
Plus, I have found the unicorn of shorts. A pair that quite honestly looks good on everyone. Everyone! I’m talking to you Lesley. The magical shorts are the Agolde Parker Short. They are available in two lengths and multiple rinses. For everywhere but the beach, I prefer the Long.
The Short or The Long
Long is relative. The inseam is only 4″, but I find anywhere between 4″ & 5″ inseam to be the most flattering on most women. The rise is 10.5″, which is also the perfect mid-rise height. Personally, I believe these shorts are meant to be worn a bit baggy, so I am wearing my usual size 29, if you want a snugger fit, size down.
One reason I think these shorts work so well on so many people is the slightly wider width in the leg. It allows for a little extra junk in the trunk, if you know what I mean. If you are blessed with model skinny legs, the slightly wider leg accentuates your assets. Regardless of your body type, your legs will look great in these shorts.
I missed out on buying these shorts last year because they sell out quickly. This year, I picked up my first pair back in March, hoping to avoid missing out again. So, I suggest if you are on the fence, pick them up. Give them a try before they are all gone.
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How I’m Wearing Cut-Offs For Summer
Outfit #1: Parker Shorts + Cool Sweatshirt + Sneakers
Summer starts a bit slow here in SoCal. Most mornings are cloudy & cool. They call it June Gloom. You can often judge a whole summer by how quickly the fog burns off in the morning in June. Natives of San Diego still talk about the gloomy summer we had about 10 years ago. The sun did not show itself the entire month of June, and on many days, it rained. Then we proceeded to have the same drab weather until October. We don’t pay SoCal prices for bad weather. We all were traumatized.
Even in a “normal” year, a sweatshirt in June is a necessity. It is also good to have one available any evening in summer. With quarantine, I have amassed quite a collection of sweatshirts and hoodies. This summer, I am swapping the sweats for my Parker Shorts, adding some sneakers, and heading out to run errands.
A great option is a fun graphic sweatshirt or one of the many elevated sweatshirts popular now. A cool sweatshirt adds a little spice to your casual outfit. I’m wearing the Daydream Sweatshirt by Aviator Nation. The retro rainbow makes my child of the 70s heart happy. Keeping with the retro vibe, I added some old-school Reebok sneakers.
Outfit #2: Parker Shorts + Kimono + Sandals
A kimono is a perfect topper for any outfit, especially in summer. It adds interest and polish. I like to throw a kimono over a tank top for a little extra warmth or coverage. When we traveled in Italy, many of the churches require you to cover your shoulders. I had a couple of kimonos I took with me for just such occasions. They add modesty but not heat which is important in Italy in summer.
Below, I am wearing my favorite kimono that I picked up several years ago at Free People. Anthropologie is another great place to find kimonos. I usually pick a new one up each year. I like to have them go with different color combinations. For example, the one below works well with warm tones and brown sandals. I have others that work better with blacks & greys.
You can wear a kimono with shorts as I have below, but they also work great as a cover for dresses. I like to wear a bodycon dress and add a kimono. I recently picked up the Michael Stars Racerback Midi Dress. It is a fashion favorite and available in so many great colors. It is a perfect dress to go with your favorite kimono.
A couple of things: 1. Look for kimonos that don’t give full bathrobe vibes. 2. A kimono can be shorter than your shorts like I am wearing or longer. Both are stylish and will look great with these shorts. If you aren’t a huge fan of the back of your legs, a longer kimono is a way to obscure that area a bit.
Speaking of favorites – below are a few of my favorites for sale right now.
Outfit #3: Parker Shorts + Black Top + Heels
You can definitely dress up these shorts for an evening out. When the weather is agreeable, I love wearing shorts outfits to dinner. My outfit is fairly casual. I added a black top from J.Crew for an evening look. You can up the glam with a lace, satin, or sequin top.
My top is the Classic Fit Cozy Gauze Top. This top is perfect for summer. The fabric is lightweight and breathable and doesn’t wrinkle like linen. I love it so much I bought it in all three colors. J.Crew please make this top in more colors. The fit is a bit oversized, in my opinion. If you want a more fitted shirt, I suggest sizing down.
I added some bold gold jewelry and the perfect slide sandal from Loeffler Randall. I am wearing a midi-heel, but they are available in a higher 3-inch heel or flat if either is more your jam. These sandals are sure to get you a million compliments.
The Agolde Parker is the perfect cut-off short for summer. I haven’t yet had a chance to wear them (the weather isn’t cooperating), but I already went back and purchased the same pair in faded black. We are headed to Cabo soon. The Parker shorts will be one of the first items in the suitcase.
Now, I need to decide if I should fake tan before going. What would you do? I will definitely get some color while I am there, but I am darn pale, and it takes months for me to develop a base tan. I could sport my pasty white legs and avoid the smell & mess of tanning cream or go for it and smell funky for a day. These are the things that fill my head late at night.
I am just so grateful that my family is all vaccinated, and we can finally go on vacation again to one of our favorite spots.
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