Outfit Formula: Shorts and Big Tops

As the weather heats up in the northern hemisphere, here are some outfit ideas for Team Shorts. Shorts come in an assortment of lengths so choose the lengths that work best for you. There are Bermuda shorts and jorts for those who prefer thigh coverage, and shorter inseams for those who want to showcase some leg. Choose colours, patterns, and fabrics that work with your style.

You might wear shorts out and about, at home, or both. This outfit formula focuses on pairing shorts with tops that are sleeved and voluminous.

1. Billowing Blouse

Bohemian and boho-lite blouses with sleeves are voluminous in subtle or exaggerated ways, and pair wonderfully with shorts. The Poetcore trend offers its billowing versions too. Breezy, lightweight, dressier than a tee, and adds a touch of pretty or dandy. It’s good sun-protection for your upper body too. Wear billowing blouses over shorts, or semi-tucked to temper the volume. Add espadrilles, flat sandals, flat mules, fisherman sandals, mesh flats, or another kind of casual flat. Add a relaxed bag to complete the look.

Billowing Blouse

More examples of sleeved billowing blouses worn with shorts:

2. Matching Set

Matching top and bottoms sets, or co-ords, continue to trend in fashion. They are an easy outfit option because the top and bottom match is ready-to-go. Co-ords can be solid or patterned. Here are examples of long shorts worn with lightweight matching jackets, and shorts of varied lengths worn with matching sleeved shirts. The shirts are worn loosely over the shorts. Feel free to scrunch the long sleeves of shirts to showcase some forearm skin. The AllSaints example is dressier than beachy, and completed with a polished black backpack and hard edged black ankle strap flats.

Matching Set

More beachy and relaxed examples of sleeved shirt and shorts sets. You can break up the set by wearing a tank top under the shirt, leaving the shirt loose and unbuttoned.

3. Drawstring Top

Here, a voluminous white and avant-garde V-neck blouse is tempered by the sporty addition of a drawstring. It’s worn with flared black shorts. Black mesh flats match the shorts and model’s hair. A dark green woven tote adds a casual summery touch, and some colour.

Drawstring Top

4. Tees, Sweaters, Rugby Tops, Shirts

Last, here are more examples of big sleeved tops worn with shorts and flat casual footwear. There are oversized tees and beachy sweaters, as well as button down shirts that do not create a matching set, roomy rugby tops, and fashion sweatshirts. Add jewellery, eyewear, hats and watch as desired.

Fab Finds: Tanks and Fun Pants

Tanks and muscle tees are simple Summer tops we see every season because they are thought of as wardrobe essentials. There can be fitted silhouettes that contour the body, fluid fits with an easy drape, boxy cuts that look a little architectural, and everything in-between. Some styles are sleek and minimal, while others feature ruching, ribbing, asymmetrical details, or sporty shoulder lines. Lengths vary from cropped to hip length. Muscle tees have a little more shoulder coverage than tanks, which might be more to your liking. Necklines vary enormously too, from high crew necks and halters, to scoops, V-necks, square necks, turtlenecks, and racerbacks. They come in every colour, from crisp neutrals, greyed tones, and earthy tones to brights and pastels. Most are solid, although stripes and florals feature too.

They’re versatile because they can be worn in many ways. On hot days they work on their own with pants, shorts, jeans, jorts, culottes, and skirts for a breezy and relaxed look. They are equally useful as layering pieces under tops worn open like button-down shirts, lightweight blouses, jackets, track tops, and gauzy cardigans. Some people wear them under open-weave pullovers and very sheer tops for coverage. They also layer well under open waistcoats and vests, and can be worn under spaghetti strap dresses for a practical integrity.

Here’s a selection of tanks and muscle tees that have worked well on my clients, or have good reviews. Most are cotton or cotton-rich. Notably, tanks and muscle tees from PACT have particularly good reviews. Tanks from AllSaints are super if you want them fitted with ruching. The short West Side Ruched Tank is great to wear with skirts. There’s a good Washable Stretch Silk Shell Tank from Quince if you’re after something neutral and dressier.

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Perfect Tank
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These very lightweight navy Massimo Dutti Cotton Blend Wide-Leg Trousers are worth a look too. They’re wide, swooshy, avant-garde, and surprisingly crease-resistant. Dramatic, drape like a dream, and very comfortable. Easy to hem for petites if they’re too long. They look great with tank tops and muscle tees.

Cotton Blend Wide-leg Trousers

Fabric Focus: Rayon, Viscose, Modal, Lyocell, Tencel

These days, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, and Tencel are frequently blended with cotton, linen, polyester, or elastane. These fibres are closely related, but not exactly the same. They are popular because they’re soft, drapey, silky, and breathable, thereby adding a luxe and comfortable integrity to clothing. They also retain dye well and are extremely versatile and effective in blends.

In short, viscose, modal, and lyocell are all part of the rayon family. They begin as wood pulp from trees like beech, eucalyptus, bamboo, or spruce. The pulp is chemically processed into a soft fibre that can be woven or knitted into fabric. Some classify these as natural fibres because they originate from plants, while others consider them semi-synthetic because of the chemical processing involved.

Rayon

Rayon is the UMBRELLA term. It refers to fibres made from plant pulp that are chemically processed into soft textile fibres. Rayon was originally developed as an affordable alternative to silk, which is why many rayon fabrics have a fluid drape and are silky to the touch. One of rayon’s strengths is that it blends beautifully with other fibres. It softens crisp cotton, relaxes rigid linen, and adds movement and fluidity to fabrics that might otherwise feel stiff or dry. Rayon is also highly breathable and absorbent, making it especially comfortable to wear in warm and hot weather.

Viscose

Viscose is the most common and affordable type of rayon. Quality varies enormously. Superior viscose is quite luxe, like ECO VERO. Inferior viscose wrinkles, pills, shrinks, and loses its shape. Personally, I am hesitant to purchase items made of 100% viscose because of the downside. That said, I have a gorgeous blouse in 100% ECO VERO, which is a brilliantly robust viscose that launders and drapes beautifully. And viscose blended with other fibres is equally brilliant. I’m a big fan of those fabric compositions.

Modal

Modal is a softer and stronger version of rayon. Compared to viscose, modal is generally smoother, more durable, and less prone to shrinkage. It’s a great fibre for knitted fabrics. That’s why it’s a popular fibre in knitwear, loungewear, underwear, and sleepwear. It’s extra soft, comfortable against the skin, and launders well, which is an important attribute for wardrobe basics that become wardrobe workhorses.

Lyocell

Lyocell is another type of rayon, but made with a more modern manufacturing process that is considered more environmentally responsible. It’s increasingly blended with denim to create jeans that feel softer without added stretch. Wool blended with lyocell is also becoming more common because it creates fluid drape and feels especially comfortable against the skin.

Tencel

Tencel is not a separate fibre. It’s a brand name from the Austrian company Lenzing AG for their premium lyocell and modal fibres. Manufacturers often use “Tencel” and “lyocell” interchangeably, although technically Tencel is branded lyocell or modal produced to specific quality and environmental standards.

In the end, these fibres occupy an interesting middle ground between natural and synthetic fabrics (although I think of them as natural rather than synthetic). They offer softness, drape, and comfort that many people love, especially in modern relaxed silhouettes, casual attire, and fluid hot-weather dressing. Understanding the terminology simply makes it easier to decode garment labels and make informed wardrobe choices.

As always, fabric quality matters just as much as fibre content. A beautifully made rayon garment can outperform a poorly made cotton or linen one. Construction, weave, finish, and care all make a difference. And fabrics made of blended fibres can be the very best fabrics of all.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Outfit Formula: Bubble Skirt

Bubble hem skirts are fringe trending. The silhouette remains fringe, although gaining momentum thanks to the influence of ’80s fashion on current trends. Bubble hem skirts come in all lengths, colours, fabrics and patterns. The cut and style of their waistbands vary greatly. Some have structured waistbands, and some are elasticated. Some have yokes too. To my eye, knee-length and knee-covering bubble hem silhouettes look more grown-up than bubble hem minis.

Onto some outfit inspiration. Choose any colour palette in solids or patterns. The idea is to be inspired by the combination of silhouettes because bubble skirts are more versatile than you might expect. Comfortable and dramatic too.

1. Peplum

A peplum top has a defined waist, which looks lovely with a BIG skirt because it tempers the volume and adds structure to the outfit. It’s a fab one for Team Waist Definition. Here, a black peplum top is combined with a milk chocolate brown bubble skirt. Black sling-back pumps and a small satchel add a dressy and elegant touch to the outfit.

Peplum

2. T-Shirt

Bubble skirts can be worn casually with T-shirts. Here, a fluid white tee is worn over a periwinkle bubble skirt. A short boxy tee would work well too. A sweater is tied around the waist for a practical and decorative effect, like we did back in the ’80s. The sweater can also be draped around your shoulders. Suede clog hybrids are the super relaxed shoes of choice. Feel free to wear casual sandals, mules, low profile sneakers, espadrilles, or loafers instead.

T-Shirt

3. Bubble Hem Squared

Bubble skirts can look less voluminous in a slinky and soft knitted fabric, like in the chartreuse co-ord you see below. The skirt is matched with a bubble hem top in the same colour and fabric to create a two-piece dress. A Spring scarf adds more colour, while pewter shoes ground the outfit in a quietly neutral way.

Bubble Hem Squared

4. Boxy

Last, an avant-garde look combines a black bubble skirt with hitch-up detailing, making the silhouette look more architectural. It’s combined with a short boxy white blouse with similar hitch-up detailing, thereby marrying it back to the skirt. Simple black slides add a casual and nonchalant element to the outfit. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Boxy

I bought a tomato red bubble skirt from H&M that is nostalgic as all heck. Takes me straight back to 1985 and I absolutely LOVE it. The fabric and silhouette looks polished and playful after I pressed out all the creases, and it’s well made too. A $60 skirt that looks like a pricey designer piece. It’s very comfortable, and a delight to wear. It matches many tops and short jackets in my wardrobe, and is easy to style. It perfectly matches my new Everlane sweatshirt, thereby creating a two-piece dress, and that’s how I wore the skirt first. Finished off the look with pearly white dressy flats, pearls, blue specs, and a citron bag. The exact items are represented in the collection. Wearing skirts with sweatshirts has been an excellent outfit formula for my style and climate. I am firmly back on Team Skirt because of this formula.

Brand Spotlight: Levi Strauss

Few fashion brands have the longevity and universal appeal of Levi Strauss. Levi’s practically invented blue jeans, and more than a century later the brand remains one of the biggest names in denim. Levi’s has transcended generations, trends, and style tribes. Their iconic 501s have earned legendary status over decades, and the enduring success of the brand is extremely impressive.

What I appreciate most about Levi’s today is the depth and inclusivity of the assortment. There are silhouettes for almost every preference, body type, and style aesthetic. You’ll find skinny, slim, straight, relaxed, boyfriend, barrel, bootcut, flare, wide leg, horseshoe, oversized, and vintage-inspired fits, alongside denim skirts, dresses, jackets, and tops. The range of rises, washes, and inseams is equally extensive. Many styles come in shorter and longer lengths, and some are available in curvy fits. There’s a strong assortment of non-denim casual wear too. You can also shop secondhand Levi’s online, and read about the brand’s sustainability initiatives here.

Levi’s also does a good job with gender-neutral dressing. In my opinion, the 501s were one of the best examples of this back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Many current items are intentionally unisex, oversized, or relaxed in fit, and there’s an ease and versatility to the collections that feels current. Even some of the so-called unintended unisex pieces work beautifully across genders. For example, some of my women clients have had great luck shopping the men’s department for jeans, tees, and jackets.

Quality is another strength. Levi’s denim is robust, launders well, and most items are reasonably priced. Their Japanese selvedge, Blue Tab, and Japanese-inspired collections are significantly pricier, but worth exploring if you enjoy fashion-forward, dramatic, and avant-garde denim. And if you’re an old-school denim lover like me who enjoys thick, somewhat rigid, 100% cotton denim without stretch, Levi’s has you covered too.

Levi’s stores deserve special mention because the in-person shopping experience is consistently excellent. The staff wear the product creatively and are knowledgeable about fits, washes, rises, and lengths. Promotions and loyalty-member discounts are frequent too, which helps keep the brand feeling accessible despite its iconic status.

A standout feature is the Levi’s Tailor Shop, available in many flagship locations. This takes the denim experience to another level. Customers can have jeans hemmed, tapered, repaired, distressed, embroidered, patched, or otherwise customized. The embroidery and customization options are especially fun. You can add initials, graphics, patches, embellishments, raw hems, rivets, tabs, buttons, and other personalized touches that make the denim feel bespoke. Levi’s has wisely embraced the idea that denim becomes more meaningful when it reflects the personality of the wearer. You can even have jeans hemmed in-store within the hour.

Levi's Womens Roper JEans

In a fashion landscape that frequently changes, Levi’s remains remarkably steady and iconic. The brand manages to feel nostalgic, modern, practical, fashionable, inclusive, and aspirational all at once, which is no small achievement. We have two flagship Levi’s stores in Seattle that are AMAZING. In my opinion, they offer one of the best brick-and-mortar retail experiences in the US. I take clients and friends there regularly when they’re shopping for jeans or denim items, and always encourage them to explore the customization options. So far, we’ve all had great luck and a lot of fun there.

I’m personally a huge fan of Levi’s and loyal to the brand. I frequently browse the new arrivals and keep a close eye on the Japanese Blue Tab collections. I LOVE that I wore 501s decades ago and am happily wearing them again today. I currently own two pairs that feel wonderfully nostalgic and make me smile every time I wear them. A few months ago, I also found the best bespoke denim jacket for me of all time at Levi’s, and I’ll share that story soon. In the meantime, here’s how Levi’s is currently represented in my wardrobe.