Stylish Shorts: The Best Way to Beat the Heat at Work

We all know it’s coming – that steamy, sweaty, so-hot-we-can’t-believe-it DC summer. Every year it hits us. One day it’s freezing; the next it’s scorching. One of the hot trends to hit the wear-to-work fashion world is shorts. They seem to be cropping up everywhere this year – from the red carpet to the board room. But can you wear them?

As you are probably aware, DC offices aren’t known for their daring fashion exploits. It’s pretty conservative around here, which has caused me to ask the question that will soon be on the minds of many hot, sweaty DC citizens: can I wear shorts to work?

Yes and no. Yes, you can wear shorts. No, you can’t wear just any pair of shorts (unless you are lucky enough to work at a place with no dress code, in which case I am extremely jealous right now.) Anything short, frayed, denim, gaucho, or spandex is absolutely out of the question (again, this may not apply to if you work in, say, a nightclub). If you work in the average DC office, stay far, far away from anything that is too short. This is not the type of economy where you can start taking crazy risks with your wardrobe.

Now, if I haven’t scared you off, let’s take a look at what shorts you can wear to the office. It’s pretty safe to say that unless your office is uber-conservative, it’s okay to wear any of the following: dress shorts, shorts that hit just above the knee, capri pants, or knee length shorts that are part of a suit. If you’re not sure what will work, look around your office and see what others are wearing. If that doesn’t give you guidance, check online for tips about wearing shorts to the office.

When choosing a pair of shorts for work, the first thing you want to consider is your body type. If you don’t wear shorts outside of the office, don’t wear them to the office. If you do, you’ll feel uncomfortable; lacking confidence is sure to make any outfit appear out of place. If you do wear shorts but tend to go for the Daisy Duke variety, remember to steer clear of your normal shorts preferences. Short shorts are not acceptable for the workplace. If you’ve decided to wear shorts to work, get some advice from a friend or sales associate about whether or not they are work appropriate.

Equally as important as what shorts you choose is what you choose to wear with them. Shorts can give off a more casual vibe so make sure to pair your pair with a dressy top, short-sleeved button down shirt, or a pair of killer heels. You can also dress up a simple top-and-shorts combo with necklaces and a dressy sweater to ward off the air conditioning chill. Both flats and heels work well with knee-length shorts so feel free to mix it up.

Shorts are a great way to style your summer wardrobe for work. They keep you cool while looking hot. With summer just around the corner, you can’t beat that. Check back soon for more beat-the-heat summer style tips on DC Lifestyle.

Max Out Your Spring Look

As the weather warms up, it’s hard not to notice the spring and summer trends sprouting up around the city. One of the hottest trends for spring, and one I’ve seen popping up all over town, is the maxi dress. What is a maxi dress? A maxi dress, true to its name, is pretty much the opposite of a mini. It’s a flowing, floor-length dress that might seem, to the untrained eye, more hippie than hip. But don’t be fooled by its flower power appearance. This look really can work for everyone.

As you should do when debating whether or not to slip into a hot trend, it’s important to consider your body type when considering the maxi dress. Here are some tips on how to rock the maxi with style, no matter what body type you’re working with:

If you’re petite…

Maxi dresses can be especially tricky for short women, as the excessive amount of fabric and long length can overwhelm them. To make the look more flattering for this figure, pair the maxi with chunky wedges or platform heels. Try cinching your waist with a belt to define your waist and make your lower half appear longer.

If you’re busty…

Avoid a dress with spaghetti straps, which can create a sagging look, and opt for a halter or bandeau styles instead. For those who don’t have the best strapless bra in the world, try out a halter top, which is likely to provide additional support. Look for a halter with wide straps for even more support.

If you’re tall…

The maxi was pretty much designed for tall, willowy models so this dress is very well-suited to taller women. To avoid looking too long, pair a maxi with flip-flops or gladiator-style flats. Test the waters by sampling small, delicate floral patterns.

If you’re full-figured…

This style can work wonders for the full-figured woman. Because it covers everything from the bust down, it’s a miracle worker when it comes to hiding heavy hips, thick thighs, or less-than-taut tummies. Look for looser styles and don’t be afraid to embrace large graphic or floral prints.

No matter who you are, you can definitely rock this trend. It’s a great, simple way to look chic and comfortable all summer long. This look can be simple and basic when paired with some simple earrings or, for the more daring, the look can be taken to the next level by adding heels, a handful of long necklaces, and a pair of great shades.

Blogging on the DC Fashion Scene

I’ll admit it. I’m a virgin to the blogging world. I recently started a blog of my own, but I’m still having a hard time navigating the world of blogging. That being said, I’ve come across a few great blogs recently. If you haven’t already checked them out, you should definitely do so. Great local fashion advice is only a mouse-click away!

Capitol Hill Barbie
This blog focuses “bringing order and decency to a world filled with nude lipstick with dark liner, fuchsia eye shadow, and streaky highlights” (careful, Barbie, you never know when those three might be in style!). Written with a sassy sense of humor, this blog highlights fashion and beauty trends, revealing some of Barbie’s favorites.

Capitol Hill Style
Though this blog is geared to a specific area of DC, it still covers some great topics in relation to “fashion, beauty, and everything it takes to be fabulous while working on Capitol Hill.” The blog’s purpose is to show the women of DC that they too can be fashionable.

Cathy Phillips Fashion
Written by a local fashion consultant, personal shopper, and stylist (wow, she’s busy!), this blog investigates current trends as well as what’s going on in the fashion world at large. On this site, you can even email the blogger with your fashion questions. Who doesn’t want free fashion advice?

DC Celine
By day the author of this blog is a federal contractor. Seem like it might be a stretch to assume this writer knows about fashion? Maybe, but the blog proves otherwise. Great insights and intriguing polls bring this federal contractor’s fashion to life. Like some other blogs, this one also encourages you to email fashion questions. Brilliant!

DC Goodwill Fashion Blog
On this blog you find not only thrifty fashion tips and style advice, but you also get a chance to list to the DC Goodwill Fashionista’s ramblings about style and Goodwill. This is a great site for DC fashion-forward girls, especially those on a budget.

DC Fashion
Focusing on the two faces of DC fashion, this blog takes a look at how traditional DC trends are intertwining with new looks such as “funky urban” and “embellished preppy.” With great tips on the latest trends, this blog addresses a variety of DC trends.

District of Chic
This blog, started less than a year ago, has a great fashion tips from a very fashion-forward lady. In addition to some great fashion tips, trends, and commentary, DofC also has a great blog roll will lots of other fashion-friendly blogs to check out.

Fashion is Spinach
Focusing on “interesting design, quirky finds, and personal style,” this blog is one of my favorites. With a wonderful design (obviously!) and great content, it’s definitely a great find for the fashion-savvy.

Fashion Washington
Coming at you from the editors of The Washington Post’s fashion magazine, FW, you’ll find the newest trends and hottest fashion tips in the DC area splattered all over this site. The clean layout of this site allows your attention to gravitate towards the DC-related fashion advice, which makes it much easier to spot the best that DC fashion has to offer.

The Glamazon Diaries
Focused on both male and female style, this site offers readers a glimpse into the DC fashion scene. With event listings and recaps, the blog helps locals get in on the fashion action. In addition, this site features great information and images of the latest fashion trends.

Listopad
Narrowing in on the style and culture of DC, you’ll be delighted by this blog’s insights into the world of fashion. This blog is slightly more diverse that the others in that it focuses on culture, not just fashion, but it’s worth checking out for the great fashion posts.

Off the Cuff
This one’s for the guys. Geared toward men’s style in the DC area, this blog is based on the idea that “classic style and modern life can live quite comfortably with each other.” The bonus for the boys? OTC also offers wardrobe consulting services.

Panda Head
Once a mere DC street style blog, this site has grown into an online magazine, filled with eclectic fashion tips and interesting style advice. Visit www.pandaheadmag.com for fashion tips and trends.

The President Wears Prada
Celebrating all that is fashion, culture, and entertainment in the DC area, this blog is worth a click. Not only does it have an attention-grabbing title, but the blog features some great insights on the DC fashion scene.

Project Beltway
Started because the author was “tired of hearing that Washingtonians have no sense of style,” PB looks beyond the stereotypical conservatism of DC dress and finds out what’s really going on in DC fashion and style.

Samantha on Style
SOS provides readers with a unique take on fashion in DC. With a wide range of posts from the specific to the general, this site sparkles with ideas and tips. I especially enjoyed the review of local shopping spot, Lettie Gooch.

Shoes & Cocktails
Who doesn’t love shoes? And cocktails? A great site that provides the author’s love for the two, S&C is a nice place to check out the musings of a DC resident who realizes that there is definitely some value in mixing fashion with fun.

Shop Around Blog
This blog, courtesy of Washingtonian, offers readers some great content on local deals, fashion, and style. From interviews with local designers to a section called “sidewalk style” that focuses on the style of locals, this blog is very DC-focused and perfect for those interested in fashion in the city.

U.O.: DC
As tempted as I was to write off Urban Outfitters’ blog off as a weak attempt to lure us to purchase their wares, I found the information on the blog pretty useful and, well, interesting. Don’t snub this one until you take a look around.

The blogs I’ve listed are just some of the many, many DC-area blogs that share their insights on fashion and style. Though I’m sure there are other great sites out there, check out these to see how, despite its unfashionable reputation, DC really is a style scene.

Know of some other great DC fashion blogs? Post their links in the comments section.

Spring Style Spotlight: Neon

Step out your door and into local DC hotspots and you’ll see that the ‘80s are back. Okay, maybe not everything ‘80s—so far only the super fashion-forward and a few daring celebrities are breaking out the shoulder pads—but neon, in all its highlighter-esque, attention-grabbing glory, has certainly made a comeback in the fashion scene. While it may have seemed like one of those trends we would look back on and shake our heads at, it seems that it’s back to stay (at least for the spring and summer seasons).

You don’t have to look hard to see those whoa-bright colors sprouting up around the nation’s capital this spring. From Fendi to Forever 21, both high and low end designers are embracing this trend. The question is: do you want to? Neon can be fun and certainly represents a light-hearted, springtime attitude that we’re all craving around this time of year. If you’re looking for something new to spice up your wardrobe, this is definitely the trend to try.

So how do you wear this trend without triggering ‘80s flashbacks? By using neon sparingly and pairing it with neutrals. According to The New York Times, this spring women “have taken Coco Chanel’s adage about accessories and turned it backward: Pile on all the beige, cream and navy you like, look in the mirror and then add one more piece in neon.” For the less fashion-conscious, even this simple equation can be a little nerve-wracking, but here are a few tips to get the look right: Excite your standard jeans-and-tee look with a hot pink belt or bright yellow daytime clutch. Liven up your little black dress with a neon green or orange belt or handbag. When slipping into this season’s array of khaki, beige, and taupe ensembles, consider how you might be able to make the outfit pop with a neon belt, bag, or shoe.

Not sure you want to commit to purchasing neon accessories? Try a neon nail color. Cheap and easily removed, neon nails are is a great way to try out the trend without having to worry how often you’re really going to wear those electric blue jeans.

All neon items pictured above can be found at www.forever21.com.

Is Michelle Obama DC’s Newest Fashion Icon?

It started when the media first caught wind of Barack Obama. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the nomination and the election, the media never failed to focus on a very critical question for a potential First Lady: what is she wearing? From before the nomination to after the inauguration, fashion-conscious eyes across the globe were glued to Michelle, wondering about the designers, the colors, the styles, and, most importantly, wondering if she could in fact become a style icon for millions of American women.

Most interesting about Michelle’s style choices is that she has not committed herself entirely to a single style. While she has embraced the traditional, conservative pantsuits of presidential eras past, she does not situate this look as her signature style. She has made both daring (the yellow and green ensemble she wore to the inauguration) and conservative (the pantsuits she was often seen in during the presidential campaign) choices, but she has somehow made this lack of commitment work for her, a surprise in a country where flip-flopping is often frowned upon. While the American public—especially those in the fashion world—struggle to place her in a fashion box, she continues to experiment with different styles. Of course, as with most presidential wives, Michelle does not veer too far off the path in terms of style choices, but she has been willing to try new and upcoming designers, a sure sign that she is willing to dabble in different styles. Michelle’s willingness to be adventurous illustrates an essential element of a style icon.

In addition to recently becoming the First Lady, Michelle’s style choices have gained her extra attention in the media. From Vogue to The New Yorker, media outlets everywhere have been focusing on the First Lady’s style. In an article in The New Yorker, Robin Givhan writes, “Because of Michelle Obama’s affection for independent designers with their own eccentric vision, and her willingness to go sleeveless in the most tradition-bound environments, her legacy may well be to show women how to move gracefully from the insecurities of youth into a sophisticated and stylish maturity. She will have proven, once and for all, that a woman can grow older without looking old.” Having gained a great deal of media attention for her style choices, Michelle is quickly becoming a woman to look to in the world of fashion.

At the end of February, Michelle Obama’s first official portrait was unveiled. Dressed elegantly in a sleeveless black dress and adorned beautifully with simple pearls, Michelle radiates the sophistication and simplicity of previous fashionable First Ladies, assuring America that she is a fashion force to be reckoned with, and answering the question that, yes, she may very well be the next First Lady of Fashion.