Short Suits for Summer
by Erika Dykstra

Despite what you may have heard, "suit" does not mean "boring." As a noun, a suit is simply a jacket and trousers cut from the same cloth. As a verb, to suit is to look good on somebody. So this season, we say: Let your suit, suit you.

So what's in for suits this summer? Think Shrinky Dinks. Jackets - both short and long sleeve - have been minimized, cropped and fitted. And the trendiest of fashionistas are pairing theses diminutive jackets with short - and sometimes short-short - pants in lightweight fabrics like linen, seersucker and pique cotton.

At Fashion Week, leggy models strutted up and down the runways in body-hugging Daisy Dukes, topped with matching mini-jackets and absolutely nothing underneath. But on the streets, most gals are opting for a bit more coverage. For work, try a tailored walking short that hits just below the knee or a Capri pant. For play, try a short that ends just above the knee. For a yacht party (lucky you to get an invite!), raise that hem up higher. Much, much higher. And whether your shorts' inseam is 3" or 13," look for flat-fronts and straight legs, which will keep your suit looking as crisp as the ocean breeze.

Now what to wear under that tiny jacket: A thin cotton T-shirt? A ribbed tank? A silk camisole with lace trim? A string bikini top (you and your yacht parties!)? Just remember, what's under - or not under - your jacket can turn an office-casual suit into a hot-date getup.

Where to get the look? We've always loved the suits from Banana Republic and Bebe. And this season, they're suiting us again.


style on the set
trend alert
star makeup
threads
SIGN UP FOR OC INSIDER ANNOUNCEMENTS! go TM & © 2006 WBEI. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | SMS Terms of Service | Terms of Use
tell someone
faq
Backstage Pass | The OC Bait Shop | Fashion + Style | Captain Oats' Stable | The Pool House | Up Close + Personal | The 949