Hot in shorts

The trendiest and simplest choice for this season are shorts, says Banalata Bipani

SHORTS are to clothing what a short story is to literature. Both serve their purpose without going into unnecessary length. The Indian eve’s fashion rules are changing. Gone are the days when she would hesitate to reveal even a little patch the skin.

Yes... come summer and minimal clothing is what is in vogue. Shorts are the trendiest and simplest choice for this season. Not only are they comfortable and easy to wear, they also give a freedom that no other attire can guarantee.

The fashionable way to wear shorts is by teaming them up with a top that hits the hip. A short or a petite woman can create the illusion of longer legs by wearing shorts with a shorter hemline. Tall women look chic in mid-thigh styles. Pear-shaped women can wear straight-legged shorts that fall straight from the hips. Women with un-toned bellies can wear shorts with voluminous tops.

Fashion maestro Anju Chotrani of Mumbai says that there are a lot of styles to choose from. You can opt for the loose look, the roll-up or turn-up style. The best part is that anything but denim goes for the evening look. Chotrani adds: "You choose a pair in a variety of fabrics like silk, satin or polyester blends. The biggest advantage of this evening look is that the shorts aren’t hot pant length anymore; the length is the same as it would be for a divided skirt although you can opt for a shorter length during the daytime if your figure permits." Though this trend isn’t for someone who is chubby, Chotrani opines anyone up to a size 12 can sport this look.

You have a wide variety of shorts to choose from. Board shorts are wonderful options for walking along the beach or lounging by the pool. These shorts that come with an elasticised or drawstring waist are ideal, as they not only look casual but are comfortable, too.

Cargo shorts have the whole range — buttons, pockets, drawstrings, et al. They are casual but worn with a slinky top and the right shoes, and they look elegant for a night on the town.

Walking shorts are your everyday ordinary shorts that look sensible and are both comfortable and practical. They come either till the mid-thigh area or are knee length. Plain-fronted khaki shorts are ideal for picnics and excursions as their multi-purpose and functional pockets hold just about everything.

Drawstring shorts can be made to look chic when combined with the right accessories and can be worn high on the waist or low on the hips. Denim shorts are once again in vogue. Knee-length Bermuda shorts are hotter than ever.

If you are scared to suddenly go clubbing in shorts, try wearing them in the daytime first. Since the longer length is in fashion, you don’t have to worry about displaying too much skin. Team your shorts with cropped or shrunken jackets and buy a pair in a thick fabric till you are confident.

Unlike the nightime when shorts turn ultra-glam, keep the look casual during the day. Designer Prema Karan says denim shorts look cute as the look is informal. But if you are slightly heavy on the thighs, opt for a pair that comes up to the knees. For long-legged gals get short-tailored shorts. Opt for colours like beige, Prema says.

But before you embark on your short shopping expedition, here are some points you may wish to consider. If you are inclined to be a bit heavy in the hip area, avoid large prints, horizontal stripes, bright cottons and cargo pockets. Are you heavy on the tummy area? Yes? Then avoid flat fronted shorts; stick to the pleated variety instead. If you are skinny, avoid the clingy or very short varieties; go for the larger, gathered- at-the-waist types.

In the end, remember that the finishing touches added to your shorts, whatever the style, will indicate your mood, the moment and the time of day. Casual T-shirts, polo necks and stretch halters add to that chic, yet casual look. Tie a small, square scarf in a rakish knot around your neck or glue some rhinestones or patches on to the pockets or the hem of your shorts. — MF