cutoffs

Fashion Friday :: The Summer Staple

Fashion Friday posts are published regularly by fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

Jean shorts cross the borders of fashion. They can be worn boho with a tank and kimono, classic with a white tee and leather jacket, grunge with a half-tucked flannel shirt, or preppy with a blazer. Styling is everything when it comes to cutoffs, and with so many looks, they're the perfect staple for summer travel.

Styling Tips
This season, look for a pair that's ripped and slightly high waisted, either cuffed or frayed. Gentlemen: keep them long and slim. {Short cutoffs on men are not cool! I can never erase the vision of a dad in short jean shorts strolling around town on the Croatian coast last month. Keep that look on your sailboat only, sir!}

In the same way that you wouldn't wear a loud necklace with big earrings, you should avoid wearing tiny cutoffs with a tiny top. Balance out your leggy look with a more conservative top half. And don't forget to match your footwear to your look -- flat strappy sandals, mid-rise wedges, moccasins and sneakers work well with jean shorts. And if, like me, you wore wedge sneakers and booties all year long, there's no reason to stop now.

Buy or DIY?
Denim cutoffs are the perfect style for both the budget conscious and the big spender. If you decide to DIY, select jeans with little to no Spandex, as they won't distress well and will cling to your thighs. For a flattering fit, instead of cutting the legs straight across, angle your cut so the inside seam is slightly lower. Reduce, reuse, recycle, right?

Trip Styler Tip: Call me the modesty cop, but when your pocket linings are hanging out the bottom of your cutoffs, they're too short. Often less is more ... just not where jean shorts are concerned.

Now What To Buy?
(left to right)
J Brand high rise shorts, Zara high waist shorts, Madewell high rise denim shorts, Cheap Monday short skin blue rinse, 6397 slouch short

More Fashion Friday
White Chucks
Cycle Chic
Cabin Fever