It may be fall, but the 70 degree temps we had yesterday sure didn’t feel like it. So, I figured I’d take the unseasonably warm weather as an opportunity to try an outfit with what is perhaps my favorite pair of shorts, ever. When I showed them to Mr. AN, he thought they looked like, “you cut the fabric off a chair from Napoleon’s apartment and made it into shorts.” To which I say, “I know! Isn’t it great?!”
These shorts are from J.Crew’s Crewcuts line, which can yield some pretty great pieces if chosen wisely. Past successes I’ve had include boy’s blazers in navy and herringbone (after all, isn’t the “schoolboy” blazer supposed to look like you’re wearing a little boy’s blazer?). I thoroughly enjoyed a pair of girl’s white shorts until they shrank too much in the wash to pull over my bum (replaced with a Banana Republic version), and let’s not forget the girl’s capri pants Jean discovered last year. I took these shorts in a size 12, and adjusted the elastic at the waist one button hole on either side, fixing a small waist gap. Now they look like they were tailored just for me, and I dare say I like the shorts more than the women’s offerings in the same fabric (here & here).
I really love the juxtaposition of the ornate fabric, done in such a tailored and modern shape. The fact it’s a short just keeps the crazy at a minimum. This fabric in a blazer, for example, I doubt I could have pulled off. I wanted to keep everything else simple, showcasing the print of the shorts with a simple black and white palette, except for the cobalt shoes which I think plays off the cobalt in the shorts really well. I will also look into picking up a black statement necklace, because how much better would this look with something like this (reminds me of feathers!)? Or this? Much better, right?
Blazer Aritzia Shirt Banana Republic Shorts J.Crew Shoes Manolo Blahnik Handbag Chanel Necklace Macy’s (similar) Watch vintage Bracelet Stella & Dot (c/o) Pocket Square from Italy
Altered Banana Republic shirt has had darts added :: Manolo Blahnik shoes have shoe inserts added
Gorgeous!
Thank you!! =)
Ah! Those shorts are pretty fabulous! I miss the warm fall weather in SoCal. Question– Do you fold your pocket square in any particular way, or is it just folded in half twice? – Alma @ closet(ed)consumption
Thank you Alma! It depends on the size of the pocket and the pocket square, but I usually just fold it in half several times until it fits. =)
Thanks for the reply, Kelly! I have a handful of old bow ties and pocket squares in my possession but haven’t quite been brave enough to actually integrate them into my outfits. I’ve always had an affinity for the feminine-looking menswear look and am inspired by your blog to start experimenting with this more as I re-evaluate my wardrobe!
Alma @ closet(ed)consumption
Thanks Alma! Definitely start with the pocket squares! They are super easy to wear and people rarely notice them. It’s a great way to “dip your toes”. I wear one pretty much every time I wear a blazer. =)
I love those shorts on you, and I love Crewcuts even more!!! Going to check it out now :))) I hope it comes out with more “grown up” looking clothes for girls.
Thank you Helen! I hope so too!
OMG I love those shorts! What is the inseam of the pair you’re wearing?
Thank you Caroline! The inseam is about 2.5″.
Wow, your legs look a mile long in those shorts and heels – I love how the blue really pops!
Thanks Lisa! =)
What are the measurements of these shorts in the 12? I tried their shorts in a 12 in a past season and it didn’t fit, but their measurements always vary from garment to garment. Love the look and the colors!
Thanks K! I’ve had problems fitting into size 12 bottoms before too. These must be running a little big. The measurements are:
waist: 13″ (has an adjustable waistband)
hip: 16″
length: 9.25″
inseam: 2.5″
rise: 8″
Thank you so much for replying! Also, congratulations on your engagement. Your pics of Paris were beautiful.
Kelly I’m drooling over these shorts! Couldn’t agree more they are well tailored and look like fabric taken off European royalty furniture! Love it!
Thank you Tanya! =)
I have to say some of my best outfits start with pieces my husband usually thinks are crazy! I love these shorts Kelly and I am so jealous that you can still wear them at this time of year!
Ha! So true! ;)
Thank you Carol! =)
Thank you Rachelle! =)
Love them so much, especially with those heels! I need to add these to my shopping list. :D
love the outfit! the shorts are amazing!
xoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
I love cobalt blue on you! Those shorts are too cute!
I stopped wearing shorts months ago! Brr…
will size 12 fit me if im size 4 (women)
Unfortunately, I don’t think it will. It’s measurements are:
waist: 13″ (has an adjustable waistband)hip: 16″
length: 9.25″
inseam: 2.5″
rise: 8″