Modest shorts are back and better than ever. The now ubiquitous wardrobe staple, once eclipsed by skirts and dresses, has landed with a vengeance on the runways and into the streets. Their mission? To give every girl a stylish way to show off her legs without compromising her standards.

Achieving flattery in shorts may seem daunting, but as with most revived trends the second time around provides enough options to sift through to find what you like and what looks best. As the weather shows no signs of cooling down, play along and heat up your wardrobe with a pair, (or two or three), of chic modest shorts!

Your Everyday Denim.
Shorts are undeniably versatile, and the ability to dress them up or down is a major part of their appeal. Jean shorts have always been a staple in the short oeuvre, and they have morphed over the years from ill-fitting, thick hemmed models, to daisy duke cutt offs, to  edgy cuffed capris. Staying on top of this trend, while still dressing comfortably and modestly, is easy with a below the knee jean short. They are instantly casual cool with a v-neck soft cotton tee or tank, cute and comfortable with a flat gladiator sandal and silk blouse, or perfect for a steamy summer evening with wedges and an embellished top.

The beauty of a jean short is that it’s denim; that means different washes, textures, and colors that give you faded, sandblasted, destroyed, and dark styles, assuring there is something for everyone. The Gap makes a great light-wash jean that is meant to be cuffed to show the white seamed inside, or with this pair from Calypso the darker yellow inseam. The cuff lends even more versatility, as they can be longer or shorter depending on your ensemble or your mood. Investing in this one summer staple infuses your summer wardrobe with multiple outfits for any occasion!

SHORT FACT: Denim by nature is a heavier fabric. In the summer heat, choose a pair of jean shorts that is properly washed to create a softer, lighter feel. You’ll be more comfortable now, and eager to layer them over tights for fall!

Cool Cargo Comfort.
As your belly continues to grow, you might not be able to look down and see your legs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show them off! A baggier capri short may seem like it might not be the most flattering, but when coupled with the on-trend military inspired cargo style, you’ve got a hip way to be comfortable and cool in the hot summer months.

The cargo pockets on this style give weight to the roomier short, adding a bit of shape, and it’s also built in useful accessory! The back pockets on this pair from Olian Maternity add even more of a military inspired flair, and give a flattering touch to the back. If you’re feeling daring, a cuffed short is a great option, spicing up a modest ensemble with a little more edge. The cargo capri follows the same guidelines as the jean short.  Its versatility makes it easy and fun to dress up or down, add some kitten heels and a cardigan for a casual evening dinner, or flats and a t-shirt for daytime errands. You can wear these shorts all summer long, and they are great for a post-baby body that needs a little extra room to breath. Utterly fool proof, cargo shorts are a great pregnancy piece to keep you current and comfortable through any heat wave.

SHORT FACT: Though the hallmark of the cargo capri is its casual appeal, be careful not too take it too far. Sneakers should be left out of the equation, concentrating on a trendier sandal or embellished flip flop. Though cargo is a trendy word in the fashion community, it’s not hard to manifest it too literally. Leave that to the professionals, and opt for a shoe that doesn’t come above your ankle-unless its just a strap on your new fabulous sandals!

The Transitional Capri.
Shorts have long been thought to be the enemy of any girl who wasn’t a size 2 with legs for days. Continuing to prove this myth wrong are well tailored pieces like this Coffee House capri from Kiyonna. When you’re looking for pieces that fit your shape, not a model’s, it’s important to remember that hiding under larger sized clothing that isn’t form fitting only adds the appearance of extra pounds. Cotton with a hint of spandex for stretch is a great way to achieve a flattering fit, this way the piece can hug your curves, not hamper them with excess fabric. The capri is truly transitional, and once you find the fit you are looking for, you can play around with the style as much as you like.

These capris from Kiyonna are perfect for the office, a business meeting, or a post-work dinner with friends. Combined with a sharply tailored blouse and pumps you are sleek and stylish. They can also be paired with many of summer’s more casual, fun tops, like a cap sleeved peasent blouse or brightly colored tank top. Once you discover the comfort in an over-the-knee capri, you will quickly realize its versatility and will wear it with all of the other favorite pieces in your closet!

SHORT FACT: With this form-fitting, longer style, a heel is most flattering. An espadrille wedge or stacked sandal is perfect for many occasions and keeps your legs long and lean, highlighting your calves and keeping you gorgeous.

Work or Pleasure.
Bermuda shorts have always been a go-to for beach bums and laid back evenings in the summer. Now, they have become a staple of sophistication for a grown up life that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In the heat of August, you want to be comfortable in meetings or out for a daytime lunch, and a tailored, pleated bermuda short gives you that option without forcing you to sacrifice style. The tailored berumuda gives you the elegance and clean lines of a pencil skirt and the chic put-togetherness of a pant, belying the usual casual attitude of shorts.

Yet, they still are in fact, shorts, and with that comes the versatility we’ve been raving about. Knee length pants, or city shorts as they are sometimes called, give you the freedom to wear heels, a blouse, or a matching blazer to the office, or a tunic or belted short dress for an on-trend ensemble at the new dining hot spot. This pair from DKNY is shown here in a darker heather gray, is perfect for business and play with a tucked in top and a simple cardigan. Again, heels are the most flattering option for feet, but choose a wedge with a little edge to keep your crops from becoming boring. Keep colors muted, a great navy jacket, crisp white top, or black ruffled blouse are all choices to make the most of your day to night summer wardrobe staple.

SHORT FACT: For the office, neutrals or dark colors in linen, rayon blends or lightweight wool are your best bets. Save cotton twill or preppy plaid Bermuda shorts for more casual dressing.

Taking the eponymous length out of shorts gives them more versatility than ever. Being stylish, modest, and comfortable is not only easy and accessible, it provides enough options to wear this trend your way. Keep in mind that the right fit and the right shoe make or break your cargos, bermudas, or denims, and you will have no trouble heating up your summer wardrobe! Long live shorts!

Coming Up: HEAVEN IN A HANDBAG
& A JULY 24th WESTERN WEAR FEATURE!