Six flared shorts to propel you into spring
Prepare to release the gams!
Hi and happy Harrison Ford short weather to those who celebrate!
A very heartfelt hello to all you lovely new people around here. In case you missed it, last Friday we chatted with the one and only Beth Jones of B. Jones Style and I’m still pinching myself! What an icon! What a dream.
But you’re here for really good vintage and I shall provide. As my greeting suggests, we’re smack dab in the middle of perfect sweater + short weather and I want to help you take advantage of it while it lasts. So today we’re talking my favorite style of short known most commonly as a flared or wide leg short. I like to call it a trapeze short because it’s marked by a trapeze-like wide cut which allows for ample room between your thighs and the fabric. I first became enamored of this cut thanks to this pair of shorts by Derek Lam 10 Crosby, and it has remained a favorite thanks to its silhouette that provides the illusion of hourglass and the roominess to move freely. As you can see from the header image, this style has been around a while, kicking off in the late 30s and 40s, but today we’re gonna modernize it.
I’ve styled six looks utilizing various length and degree of flare. You’ll note that look one starts neutral and by look six we’ve got color and print, so get your gams out and let’s get shopping!
This is clearly the most summery of all, what with the linen shorts and sandals. But can we talk about these shorts? They’re the longest in the newsletter (and most reminiscent of the 40s) for those uncomfortable with flashing too much thigh, but we’re really here for this WAIST. Hello! The curved waist is so, so chic and deserves a simple platform to show it off, thus, a plain black tank. You want people to really see these shorts that look like they walked directly off The Row’s runway straight into your closet and heart. You know I love a low chignon and it would provide a nice stage for these cool modernist earrings. The sandals keep with the minimalism but are so comfortable and you know why? Because that striped strap is elastic! Chic, thriving, and without breaking the bank.
I love the the idea of a leather shirt but most vintage options I find are stiff and heavy. This beaut isn’t bulky and would easily tuck into these striped shorts and bleed into the black waistband (love). These are cut pretty high so why not show off your legs with a little ankle wrap heel? I think I’ve shared these before but they are so cool and so affordable and need to find their new home. Between the leather, the stripes, and the straps, you don’t need much more but I like the shape and kick of metallic this dome ring brings and it clicks with the vibe of the whole look. This outfit is a great option if it’s still a little chilly because you could easily add sheer tights and an oversized blazer or bomber and be good to go!
I know I may get some side-eyes about this color combo but hear me out! The earthiness of the brown pairs well with the earthiness of the dark navy and rather than muddying the water, you’re left with a look that is both unexpected but so wearable. The sheer tank reminds me a black tank top Carrie Bradshaw wears in her affair montage with Big (can’t find a photo but it’s simple and great) and is only $6! Tuck it into the shorts that have a great button placket and toss on the oxfords that are reminiscent of Martinianos. The cardigan combines the colors perfectly and is where we can play around a little. Let’s say you love the tank but only want to show a *little* skin, just button the top two buttons and tie the waist at your back. It will keep the cardigan pulled back and you can show a teeny triangle of skin. If you want to stay a littler more covered? Fasten at least the top three buttons and then tie the sweater at your waist as normal.
Are you a minimalist wanting to dabble in print-mixing? Keep it duochrome with various tan and cream prints! The blazer and shorts are close enough but also different enough to seem deliberate, and the milder, fainter print of the striped tunic vest adds a little more dimension without fighting the plaids. Keep the vest untucked and draped over the shorts for a less buttoned-up look. An outfit like this needs a visual anchor because imagine adding one more print to your feet? It would confuse the boldness of the suit. So I chose a hefty monk strap oxford that has good visual weight. Add cuffed, white ankle socks if you so choose!
Another summer look and with an unsung Girl Scout staple: khaki! I will always love a neutral 90s moment, but with the onset of spring I wanted something bolder. Adding bright or neon colors to khaki is one of my favorite styling tricks. The pieces themselves can be so simple (i.e. a tank and shorts), but the combination is unexpected and fresh. This short has a nice wide leg cut but it’s also cuffed, which I personally prefer because it adds some weightiness to the hemline that often adds to the drape of a short. I’m also such a sucker for one shoulder tops and this red is punchy and phenomenal. To give the top a proper stage, I kept the accessories neutral but dynamic with an embossed belt and strappy sandals.
This is the way I usually wear these shorts in real life: with an oversized button down that either meets or surpasses the hem of the shorts thrown over a tank top (and loafers. Always loafers.). The rooster print of this shirt is killing me and the yellow and kelly green together just scream spring. This tank is a marvel of different designs and I love the chunkiness of the straps and band. It’s also buttoned! So many good details in a simple top. And the beauty is there’s no need to tuck it in, it will meet the band of the shorts perfectly. Throw on some vintage Gucci loafers (I hate to report that after my friend Caitlin found some for me for TEN DOLLARS, they are as comfortable and well-made as they seem) and unleash your fabulousness onto the world!
Thank you so much as always for being here, please share with your friends and enemies! Tag me or comment if you snag anything from the newsletter and have a great weekend! xx Maggie
I love the way you walk us through the why of each piece 😘
I bought the Pappagallo Black Mesh Strap Sandals!