I Wear Short Shorts…

By: The Buyologist

Continuing our look at summer essentials and the current trends, the focus of Sartorial Science this week is a summer staple for some – a source of anxiety for others – shorts!

I tend to shy away from shorts during summer despite their ubiquitous appeal when the temperatures reach the high digits. Determined to work them into my wardrobe this season I have gained inspiration from the projected trends seen on the runway during the 2010 resort shows. Below I have highlighted some of the sure to be trendy looks.

Bike shorts are no longer solely for exercise or music videos from the late 80’s. Too bad I didn’t save my bike shorts from 1988 that happened to be conveniently attached to a little skirt. Bike shorts were all over the Resort collections and are sure to be around for a while, since any look in which you would have thrown in a pair of leggings, bike shorts can be used instead.

The slightly relaxed “boyfriend” trend has extended to the shorter incarnation of pants and in a major way. “Boyfriend” shorts or menswear inspired designs are currently on trend for the summer season. While not exactly the same as walking shorts, the volume and proportions of the two styles allow them to be interchanged pretty easily to dress up or dress down a summer look.

Evening appropriate shorts used to be fodder for ridicule. But as of late denim, silk shantung and sequined shorts etc. can be found on the chicest of the chic and have earned a place in the closets of the best dressed. I plan on definitely working this cute alternative to a mini into my summer party wardrobe.

Yes, they are the little sibling to the pants that have taken the fashion world by storm the last few seasons. The ubiquity of the harem pant is for good reason – the comfort level partnered with the on trend attributes – this also exists for the shorter version as well. This is a look that can be worn for day as well as night when polished up appropriately. This season is definitely the beginning of the trend arc for the harem short.

The Buyologist Sarah Davis is a fashion designer living in NYC.