CUT-OFF SHORTS: A LESSON IN PROPORTIONS

March 28, 2017

When it comes to spring and summer, there is nothing I love more than a pair of cut-off denim shorts, but there are a few things I like to keep in mind. The first thing is I must dress for my body type and the second is proportions. While balance is often overlooked, it’s importance is not to be thrown out the window. Think of an outfit as a balancing act. You must keep in mind your age, audience and even if your outfit fits if you are not mindful of proportions your ensemble will be off the mark.

I was recently speaking at women in entertainment dinner, and the topic came up about interns working on-set that inappropriately dressed for the workplace. They show up to the office in super short high-waisted cut-offs and wedged heels with their butt cheeks showing and revealing tanks and bra straps. It’s putting out the wrong impression about them. Too much skin. I always this style rule: Show off your leg or your bust, but not both.

What are you presenting? What message are you sending with your wardrobe?

Think of your outfit as a balancing act.  I would love to rock a pair of cut-offs till my knees fall to my ankles. Not, really, but I love them, and I paired today’s look with a classic boucle jacket to class it up. I’m sharing a few of my favorite styling tips for pulling off jean shorts, so the next time you get dressed, you’ll be effortlessly chic.

Cut Off Short Styling Tips:

Do balance exposed legs or bust. Not both. I chose to wear my jean short with a boucle jacket and flats since they shorts are so short.

Do wear with cutoffs the grown-up way with a ladylike blouse and ankle-strap sandals.

Don’t have you lower cut at your waist. Go up a size!

Do opt for a longer pair of shorts that hit mid-thigh if you have thicker legs.

Do opt for high-waisted if you are curvy and pear-shaped (tiny waist). Cover you butt cheeks!

Don’t attempt to wear heels unless you are supermodel status. You just look tacky.

Do tie your shirt in front of you like a bow or wear a belt 1 inch or more if you have a wider waist or thicker belly. It will give you a waist and make you look thinner.

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signature-melissa-chataigne

 

 

 

 

Jacket: ASOS (similar) | Tank: Free People | Shorts: Rag & Bone | Belt: Gucci | Mules: Gucci | Bag: Chloe Faye 

 

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This is a really great outfit! I love that jacket and how you’ve manged to style the shorts! I like looking at The beauty Insider’s posts on how to style different trends!

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll check them out too!

When I used to cut my jeans, sometimes one side would be longer than the other. As a teenager, I just winged it LOL

Thanks for sharing. I never know how to style these. This definitely helps a lot! 🙂

Thanks for visiting. Glad you enjoyed!

Love these tips! I always avoid shorts but maybe I’ll give them a whirl this season!

xox, Christie
http://icanstyleu.com/blog/

Please do! I want to see how you styled them!

Great look, love how you paired it with the blazer. On the tips side, I would like to mention that “Cover your butt cheeks” should be in bold and caps considering how often this is overlooked lol- summer is coming!

LOL Thank you!

Loving your style! Great blog and I feel your tips are perfect. I love a pair of good shorts and totally understand how challenging it is to find ‘the’ one! And you look gorgeous!

You are so sweet! Glad you enjoyed. Come back again!

Your outfit is amazing! I love it. Especially obsessing over that bag and shoes!!

XO-Lisa
http://www.thatssodarling.com

Great post! I think the balacing tip is super important and sadly so many people forget about it.

Thanks! I feel it is an age old lesson that needed a reminder. Glad you enjoyed!

You look so amazing! I never would have thought to pair jean shorts with a blazer but it looks so cute!

Awww thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!

This all males perfect sense. Great article!

Thanks, darling!

Love this article! You look amazing!!!

Thank you so much! Come back again soon!

Great article! Super helpful tips and perfect timing for summer! I love all your photos as well 🙂

Glad you like the post. Thanks for the support!

This is a great article with some great tips. I’m a curvy girl and never wear shorts because I am not comfortable in the way they look on me. But now I’m wondering if it’s because I’ve been trying on the wrong ones with the wrong tops and shoes. I’m definitely going to keep your tips in mind!

I’m glad you like! YES YOU CAN! I have thick thighs and it is truly all about balance. I added some great shorts in my edit for curvy girls. Wear a longer tunic or blouse. Show off your legs and flaunt it! Thanks for visiting!

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