Shorts and tights

Nicole Richie pairs Daisy Dukes with black tights. Photo: Steve Mack, FilmMagic.com

Nicole Richie is doing it. So is Sienna Miller, Kate Moss,Alexa Chung, and Jessica Alba. The Hollywood faction has been getting a leg on the spring and summer shorts trend by pairing their cutoffs with tights now, while there's still a chill in the air.

Sure, celebs are saying yes to the look, but can the rest of us rock the '80s and '90s throwback style?

"I would say that the shorts and tights trend is the new jean for 2010," celebrity stylist Toni Ferrara (Jaime King, Brittany Snow, Sophia Bush) tells StyleList. "Most body types can pull this off with ease, although if you are not a fan of your legs, I'd suggest doing torn up jeans instead. It's very cute to see this look paired with an over-the-knee heel to add a touch of rock 'n' roll."

If you've got legs -- and know how to use them -- you may just want to give it a whirl, because this trend looks to have staying power: Designers including Twenty8Twelve,Trovata, Rag & Bone, Proenza Schouler, Nanette Leporeand Charlotte Ronson all showed shorts and tights on their fall runways. 

A longer, looser short, such as this style from Urban Outfitters, may flatter curvier women. Photo: Urban Outfitters

We asked the experts for their shorts and tights tips.

From grunge to glam: "I think now the look is edgier, prettier and sexier than during the grunge era," says wardrobe stylist and former "The Biggest Loser" contestant Nicole Brewer. "Now, ladies are going for an effortless look that makes a fashion statement. But the best way to make a statement is by wearing a silhouette that flatters your figure, no matter what fashion trend you embrace."

Martina Brown, head of marketing for Wolford, says women are embracing the style because they want to be sexy without crossing the line and showing too much.

"Today's trend is more about finding the femininity and modesty of a look, while the grunge era focused on a more androgynous ethos," she tells StyleList.

Ferrera says she thinks the economy plays an intricate part in today's fashion trends.

"We are all still in the recovery mode of the recession and uncertain about our future, so it would make sense to go into the rebellion-type phase of fashion," she says. "The interpretation of grunge has a modern twist. This look isn't just for the plaid-lovers, it can be dressed up or dressed down."

If you're curvy: "Curvy women can make it work by choosing the right proportions, fabrications and colors to flatter their figure," Brewer says. "Perhaps a longer short could work. And pairing it with an opaque tight of a similar hue to create a tone on tone look and an illusion of a longer, leaner leg. Also, wearing a heel like a wedge to elongate the silhouette could help pull the look off. And the shape of the top is key. Go for a longer tunic or a boyfriend jacket to add a little comfort and style to the look."

Jessica Alba pairs her shorts and tights with tall, chunky boots. Photo: BuzzFoto/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com

Picking the right tights: "It really depends on the shape of hips, thighs and legs," Brewer says. "When you don't have curves, and you want to create them, you can go wild and can combine just about any patterns and textures. But if you want to play up your assets and disguise the rest, keeping lines and colors simple is the way to go. I think it's modern to try opaque tights or styles with delicate, more sophisticated prints."
Wolford's Brown says to look for "dark sheers, knit patterns, woolly opaques and jewel tone opaques."

Paint it black: Brown says a woman can never go wrong with black. "Colors and patterns are great with a simple short, but don't go too wild," she cautions.

Fererra agrees, adding that her favorite tights for this look are black or charcoal. "And you can definitely diversify your looks from sheer to opaque depending on your bravery," she says. "I would stick with a solid color with texture, but colored hosiery is so two years ago."

Dress it up, dress it down: Brown says the look is definitely casual, but tights under shorts can be dressy when done right.
"A nice high-waited short with a black opaque tight and a heel is a great look," she says.

Ferrera says she likes a sleek blazer paired with shorts, tights, boots and a fitted graphic T-shirt. "The denim and T-shirt dress down the more formal looking blazer, tights and boots," she says. "Dress up the shorts and tights look by adding a bit of sparkle on top and pair them with great strappy heels. If sparkle isn't your thing, then opt for a cami/cardigan combo and layer on the necklaces. Either way, this can take you from day to night, while keeping you fresh and flirty."

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/03/29/how-to-wear-shorts-with-tights/