It’s time to style another summer classic using modern techniques. I know that many of my readers favor classic clothing. But when we wear all classics we can start looking a little out of touch, maybe a bit too traditional and even older than we really are. So using modern style hacks, choosing current silhouettes and lengths and adding a trending piece to our outfits can help us wear the classics in a more fashionable way. Let’s check out a modern way to style black linen shorts this summer.
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Of course most of these style tips apply to other classic shorts as well. However, I do have one tip for black specifically, and that tip applies to black pants and skirts, too. Before we start, let me just remind you of my fit information. I’m 5’8″ and weigh about 160, so I usually wear a size 10 or medium. I’ve got even proportions and an hourglass shape. You can assume things fit true to size unless I share otherwise. To shop an item, just click on the name in the photo captions. Other colors are available and sometimes items are on sale, so I don’t usually include the price in my shopping widgets.
Tip #1: Wear the shorts inseam that works best for you, NOT the trending length.
This year the most on trend length in shorts is the boardwalk, Bermuda or longer lengths. But if this length does not suit you, don’t wear it. Longer shorts, while trending, can be overwhelming on a petite frame. But they can also look a little matronly or “big” on older women, too.
Longer shorts are also hard to style because they present challenges with proportions. I prefer a short in a 4-6″ inseam. These 6″ Harbor linen shorts have a very classic silhouette and are pleasingly modest without feeling overwhelming or frumpy. But if you are shorter, you might prefer a 3-4″ inseam. The bottom line is you’ll look your best in shorts with an inseam that suits you. Fit always trumps trend.
Tip #2: If your shorts are tailored, add juxtaposition with a relaxed top.
And vice versa. Your casual shorts outfit will look more modern if you add a little juxtaposition, creating some stylish tension between the top and bottom. One easy way to do that is to pair a relaxed t-shirt with more tailored shorts.
And the converse would be to wear a more tailored top – think button-up shirt, tailored vest, or polo top – with your more casual, relaxed shorts like these. Of course, these are just tips, not rules. But adding a little juxtaposition in your outfit is definitely a more modern way to style black linen shorts for the summer.
Tip #3: Consider wearing a graphic tee for a youthful vibe.
Some older women prefer to steer clear of graphic t-shirts altogether. But I love looking for graphic tees that feel subtle, a little classy, but still fun. I personally think it’s smart to stay away from cutesy sayings or silly prints that feel juvenile. But this Paris Cafe graphic print feels a little more elevated to me.
I’m all for having a little fun with our summer outfits. I think this is the season to add some whimsy or wear colors you might otherwise shy away from. But if you prefer not to wear graphic tees at all, consider a striped tee. That way you add some interest to the black shorts outfit while still keeping the aesthetic classic.
Tip #4: Accessorize your black and white outfit with cognac accessories.
Cognac or caramel or saddle leather brown accessories continue to dominate right now, and I’m all in. I think this rich, reddish brown leather adds depth to most any outfit, but especially black and white.
At first impulse, you might opt for black accessories with black shorts. But wearing head to toe black and white can look a little flat, especially in the summer. Adding cognac accessories makes the black and white pop and adds richness to the combination.
Tip #5: Belt your outfit if possible or desirable.
Obviously some shorts don’t even have belt loops. And some women prefer not to tuck or belt in order to achieve the best results for their body shape or proportions. And those are perfect reasons to leave the belt off.
But any time you wear a belt, you’re wearing a piece of hardware. And hardware always elevates an outfit. A belt makes you look more pulled together – literally – and it looks intentional, like you took some time and put in some thought. Those things score style points!
Tip #6: Add minimal but impactful jewelry to your summer outfit.
On the morning we took these photos it was already so hot and humid, causing my hair to frizz and my face to sweat. Honestly, I had no desire to wear a heavy statement necklace or even big, chunky earrings, which are all in vogue right now.
The reality of summer is that it’s often too hot to wear heavy jewelry. So instead opt for pieces that feel light on the skin but still provide some shine. Simply adding a couple of pieces of lightweight, shiny jewelry can completely transform your outfit from ho-hum to well hello!
Thanks so much for stopping in for a little style inspiration. Let me know if there are other classic summer pieces you’d like to see me style in a modern way. To see how I’ve styled other classics in modern ways, you can use the link in the top menu or click HERE. I’d love to hear from you in the comments section today. Have a beautiful summer day and stay cool out there!
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Blessed for My Day
Do you ever feel alone? Or what about lonely? Did you know those are actually two different things, but we sometimes confuse them. And that confusion can lead to frustration. The truth is that “alone” is a state of being. You are either all by yourself or you’re not. And guess what. You are never alone. The Lord God is always with you. At any moment you can turn your focus to Him, call out for Him in desperation, praise or with a question, and He is there. In fact, even when you’re not aware of your presence, He is still very aware of yours. You are never alone.
But lonely is another matter. Lonely is a feeling. We can feel lonely when we are in a house by ourselves or when we’re surrounded by people. Lonely doesn’t feel good. It’s a sad feeling that can lead to other sad feelings, like depression and self-pity and rejection and grief. But since you are not alone, you don’t have to feel lonely. Turn this sad feeling upside down, shake it out and kick it out the door by remembering that God is with you. Then ask Him to fill your heart and mind with a reassurance of His presence, His love for you and His activity in your life.
“Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 23:24
I love this outfit Kay and you are right about the cognac accessories. Thank you for showing more colour and prints and fun outfits in your posts and videos – I’m really enjoying that! In thinking about my personal style I have realized I often gravitate toward t-shirts, although I’m paying more attention to ones that have detail and are a little more elevated. How about a post featuring a variety of t-shirts?
Thank you for the update on the short lengths. I am petite so I usually don’t go in for the longer length like Bermudas. I pause and wonder sometimes if shorts in the 6″ is right because I am over 60. I think they look the best on me, so I am going to continue to wear that length especially when it has been so hot the past week and we are heading for more heat next week. Loved the BFMD. Yes, Jesus is always there for us when we feel lonely. He is our rock and salvation. Have a wonderful visit in Georgia with family.
I am 5’2″ and find the longer shorts don’t look good on me, so I will continue to wear shorter styles !
You look great in this outfit!
Thank you.
So hard to know if we can “still wear” a certain length of skirt or short as we get older! Guess it depends on your psychic comfort level – for going out I prefer a longer short such as Bermuda, but for being at home, working around the house, I wear the shorter ones – I just don’t think they look that great anymore on me in public!
I appreciate today’s tips. These are easy ideas to incorporate for up-ing a look. I will remember, in particular, to use juxtaposition. I’m a fan of black shirts in a more taylored fit so this was a good one for me. Thank you.and enjoy your visit.
Good morning, Kay. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time with your family.
I like the more basic, more pared-down look in today’s post. It’s much the way I have tended to dress. But I find your use of brighter, sometimes unexpected color combinations, graphic Ts, fun prints, etc., so inspiring. Thanks so much for all your hard work and expertise.
Great outfit! For a I’m-not-a-graphic-tee gal, I like that one! 🙂
Kay,
You always look nice but I especially like this outfit today because it is more of the way I dress.
I was thinking about you when I got dressed for my day this morning as I met some friends for coffee. I put on some wide leg crops I bought at Talbots last year and half tucked my shirt and added a belt. I threw on some jewelry, cute shoes, grabbed a new bag I recently bought and out the door I went, I felt confident in my choices. All thanks to you.
Enjoy your time away. Be safe.
I love you hair with the side part Kay
Thank you so much for removing the pop up that always displayed when I logged in to your blog. It asked how often we wanted to see your blogs
Hi Rose, Thank you. I don’t know anything about the pop up you mentioned. Strange.
I love graphic T-shirts. I have one similar like yours with a cafe scene. I’ll have to copy your outfit since I have black linen shorts. Even though I’m petite I wear longer shorts in public. I don’t feel comfortable showing any thigh. I can relate to your BFMD.