How To Wear Denim Shorts With Heels

Zulu & Zephyr Shallow Top, Ksubi Denim Shorts, Mimco Sporto Scarf, Zu Heels

How To Wear Denim Shorts With Heels (and not look skanky) 

One of my favourite Fashion houses by far, would be Balmain. Year after year the collections tear down the runway with stunning models completely blowing me away with utterly cool rock and roll style. I can never get enough, the images torn out of magazines featuring the looks have stayed with me long after the trend has been copied (usually poorly), are always influencing my style. French, glamorous and edgy, but usually adaptable off runway, with military references, embellishments and texture, there is a lot to covet. In the Spring Summer collections of 2010, Balmain sent tiny denim shorts down the runway, and we have seen them ever since. I am definitely guilty of having ridiculed denim shorts- and even vowed not to wear them. I big time 'knocked it before I tried it'. Then I started working long hours installing design work over the 30-40+ degree heat in summer, painting, lifting and carrying things, bending down etc. Skirts didn't get the job done, pants were too hot and cotton shorts were generally not sturdy enough to hold the vast number of items I would shove into my pockets. Realizing how useful and in fact comfortable they could be, my attitude toward the denim short shifted. Each time I pull them on I admit I still think of the 'never nude' shower scenes from tv show Arrested Development, and can not help but think of the gazillion teenagers out there wearing them (body shape flattering or not- cause they gotta be in with the crowd). It still feels a little too casual at certain times, and I have certainly ordered a pair online only to find the rear coverage is a fraction less than I would like (WARNING: examine them carefully before adding to cart!), but I honestly do like wearing them. I am going to spell that out one more time, I honestly DO like wearing them.

The Guidelines

Of course, there are some rules which I stick to and can recommend as guidelines if you should choose to try out this tricky wardrobe staple ( if it is regularly over 38+ degrees, they are a staple). 

- Make sure that they suit your shape, and buy a size or two up from your 'normal' fit. They look better with some room in the thigh area, and you can wear a nice leather belt to bring them in should you need to at the waist. If they don't suit your shape- something else does, find out what that is and stick to it! 

- Cover up your behind and keep your modesty, no matter your age, keep it out of sight. It only takes a few added centimeters to the hemline to avoid this faux pas

- Stick to a light or dark blue vintage wash, or a simple black, grey or white denim short. 

- On the Balmain runway, the short denim shorts were not seen without a tee and leather motorbike jacket. The thing to take away from this is, if you show off all of that leg, do not show off all of your arms/ chest/ midriff as well. You pick one, and stick to it. 

- Still too hot to wear a long sleeved jacket, knit or cardigan? Opt for a loose long sleeved tee or shirt. 

- Pair with a plain white, grey, black, khaki or beige top, t-shirt, cardigan, knit, jacket or blazer

- I don't see much point in buying into something overly embellished as for me, I grow sick of that really fast. 

- I am not so keen on the pocket linings sticking out past the hem line, it asks for ridicule (and seems like a classic case of design wank to me). 

- As this look can be easily cheapened, go with quality, simple accessories. Add a light scarf or wide brimmed hat for a point of difference. Avoid cheap costume jewelry. 

- Keep makeup simple, clean, natural and minimal (in these photos I'd forgotten mascara, and look extra sleepy, oops!)

- Keep your legs neat, moisturized and natural- no orange streaky fake tans (or, don't fake tan at all, it works for me)

Footwear

- You can wear them with a heel (I chose to emphasize this by even styling them for this shoot with a LEOPARD heel. Surely short shorts and leopard are equal to skank, right? Sometimes, yes. It is a very fine line. These leopard faux pony pumps are the right hue, have the right sized print and aren't platform, so it works. Right now there are a lot of this faux pony leopard on offer, in various shoe forms. Below I will add some suggestions that I have been eyeing off). 

- Stick to a simple heel shape, aka a pointed pump or strappy heel in a neutral colour (or a bright red or cobalt for some splash of colour) or a boot. 

- Stay away from anything too busy, platformed or 'cheap' looking. Leave the gimmicks alone. 

Get the look
Denim Shorts:
Under $100: (Vintage Wash) One Teaspoon, (White) One Teaspoon
Under $50: (Vintage Wash) Asos, Just Jeans, Wrangler (Black) Billabong, (White) Rip Curl

Faux Pony Hair Leopard Shoes:
Heels: Seed Heritage, Tony Bianco
Flats: (Skate shoes) Seed Heritage, Windsor Smith, (Flats) Steve Madden, Tony Bianco

xx Jenelle

Shots by Mario Recchia

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Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Pants and Shorts

Let's get it straight, pants, are the greatest freedom. Pioneering for women to wear pants was one of the greatest things women like Gabrielle Chanel ever did. Now, I love dresses, skirts and feeling feminine, but I like to do this with a touch of manliness. The juxtaposition between male/ female is the perfect spot to reside in for me. Comfort, is a major factor for me when it comes to getting dressed, women who kill themselves to fit into something uncomfortable for days on end make me frustrated. A lot of primping and product application can be fun, but everyday it is just tiring. I am not a fan of lots of hairspray, product, etc. I do love to dress up and feel beautiful, but I do not like to sacrifice my sanity and comfort to achieve this. In the world of fashion, I often feel perplexed watching what I dub as 'overdressed' women. Posing in platform neon heels, a bikini and bangles for photos is confusing. Wearing heels on grass, is confusing. If you are going to an event like the races, or a picnic, please do not wear heels! I feel at odds with myself the second I step on to unsturdy ground in a heel- even if this is for a moment. I find flatform shoes confusing, they are just so unattractive! The list goes on, but at the end of the day, to each their own.

I wear jeans, a lot. For a while, when I had gone through a super girly phase, jeans really bothered me. I hated seeing them on everybody- all looking the same. The thing is though, it is comfortable, often warmer, and you CAN personalize your style even if you are simply 'in jeans'. These days they are also widely worn in dressier circumstances, with a good pump heel, or ankle boot they can elongate the legs and look amazing. Find a good brand and stick to it. For me I love Rag and Bone, J-Brand (they are worth the $$ because the fit it is incredible), Sass and Bide, Dr.Denim and One Teaspoon. 

I do prefer to wear trousers or jeans as an everyday thing- rather than when going out for dinner, to a show or the like. For occasional wear I will switch back to a skirt or dress. Don't underestimate how valuable a well tailored black trouser can be, they will come in handy, are great for the office or official business and work in summer or winter. I ensure I have a matching black blazer, just in case I want to suit up.

For years I thought shorts were for men in summer, for Mickey Mouse and for children. I didn't see that they had much of a place in a womens wardrobe. It took me a while to see how I could feel like they were appropriate and found a place in my own day-to-day. Now I wear them all summer, and consider them to be a staple- again, in my day-to day, I leave shorter shorts out of the office and prefer not to wear them out to an event or dinner. They certainly can be worn in dressier ways- when tailored correctly, I feel they can look rather nice. The trick is to get the proportions right. A short short with an exposing cami top feels to me like I am showing too much skin. A cami top and longer shorts, is a little better, but best suited to culottes. Shorter shorts I feel team up best with a shirt or tee which has full or 3/4 length sleeves. When it comes to buying denim shorts I tend to go up one or two sizes, so they are looser around the thigh area. It is more flattering that way, and gives you plenty of room to move. I don't mind the torn hems, as long as the overall short covers your butt (ensure you bend down when you try them on- just to check you actually can without exposing cheek!) and I tend to stay away from embellishment, at least when building the essential capsule wardrobe.

Here is the breakdown of my 'Must Have Pants and Shorts For Any Woman':
- 1x Dark Denim jeans (skinny, fitted or flared- to suit your own body shape best)
- 1x Blue, Khaki, Bone, White or Oxblood coloured jean (again to suit your own body shape)
- 1x Torn 'Boyfriend' jean (I love the One Teaspoon Awesome Baggies, buy in a size or two larger)
- 1x Black linen long shorts- around knee length, slightly wide in the leg
- 1x Black tailored dress trousers for occasional wear and office wear
- 1x Black jeans (again, in a cut to suit your body shape)
- 1x Light Grey suit-shorts, can be short or longer, wear with an elegant flat or kitten heel for a dressier look
- 1x light washed denim or black denim cut off shorts (long enough to house your butt and worn tastefully!)
- 1x White leather shorts (or black- you would wear both, but start with one)
- 1x Black Leather Shorts (I wear mine too much!)
- 1x Culottes (not pictured) midi length, wear with cropped tops or blouses

If you have missed any of the 'Building A Capsule Wardrobe' series, check out the previous posts here. 

I will be bringing you more of this sort of post in coming weeks, so stay tuned, and please share any comments or ask any questions below. 

Happy Capsule creating! 

xx Jenelle

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Denim

Sussan Denim Shirt (gifted), Ksubi Shorts, Birkenstock Arizonas, Ray-Bans

A quick post to say I hope you have all had a happy Christmas and are throughly enjoying your time off. Shot this denim on denim look this morning after meeting our friend Jess at the dog beach, then attempting to find a decent coffee/ juice in vain on Boxing Day. 

Today I am avoiding sales/ crowds and enjoying this sun. 

Shots by Mario Recchia

xx Jenelle

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Strawberry Milkshake

Wearing: Josh Goot Neoprene top, Katherine Dunmill Necklige, ASOS Boyfriend Jeans, Sportsgirl Cage Heels, ASOS Suede Quilted Clutch. 

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! 

This is one of my one item two ways posts, and in fact I am doing these boyfriend jeans and this top two ways. You last saw these boyfriend jeans here worn with a white tee and baroque over coat. This time I wanted to go with complimentary hues, and tie the shoes in with this amazing necklige. I have to say that this Katherine Dunmill necklige, I have worn so much, but I love to throw it over anything and create a new look. It is on SUPER sale now, so head on over to Katherine's website! 

Josh Goot is responsible for this Future Basic racer back neoprene top, I love the strawberry pink colour. The shape is pretty blocky, and I have found doesn't look so great on me when paired with a skinny leg jean, but this relaxed fit leg works well. The bonus? I get sooooo sick of the feeling of skinny leg denim on my body. It is just too uncomfortable sometimes. Give it a rest! 

Beyond the age of 13 pink has stopped being a predominant colour in my wardrobe, but being such a pretty, happy colour, it makes an appearance every now and then. 

Lately I have been craving strawberry smoothies and milkshakes. Considering strawberries are my favourite food, it is no surprise. :)

Shot on another sunny Adelaide afternoon in Autumn hanging out with Ben of the blog Kolonel Mustard who is behind these photos. 

xx Nell

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Do you do denim?

 

Emma Craig took these photos for me in Prague last year, after we wandered around looking for an architecture exhibition. By the time we found it, tucked away behind a little cobbled lane it had closed for the day, but we had discovered a cute little fountain. I love Prague!

Please check out and rate my Denim Blogger entry at General Pants Co. Click the link here. x

Wearing Zara blazer, Witchery jeans, Josh Goot top, vintage scarf.