Would You Wear

Would You Wear Shorts in the Winter?

gwen stefani in shorts.jpgOur favorite thing about winter is that we get to layer our cute summer stuff with some of our cozier, winter pieces.


This often means long-sleeve tees under tank tops and thin sweaters over flimsy dresses. These unexpected combinations are always a hit, but there’s one more layering tactic we love that a lot of people don’t seem to understand: shorts when it’s cold out.

We always wear our winter shorts over a pair of tights- sometimes even with thin socks layered, too.

But the look doesn’t garner the same compliments we get for a thermal under a strapless dress. It’s more like, “why are you wearing shorts out? It’s November.”

We don’t really understand that concern. It’s like no one can separate the two thoughts, “shorts” and “summer.” How is this any different from wearing a short dress with leggings? We maintain that it’s another great way of recycling your summer clothes and just a very cute look, especially with flat boots and thick gray socks.

So what do you guys think? Is this a look better left to LA-based celebrities, or does it still count as legitimate winter layering?

Comments

1

posted by Faran Krentcil

Nov 30, 2007 12:45PM

I would wear shorts in winter if I were Gwen Stefani.

2

posted by olyaiscool

Nov 30, 2007 12:54PM

i LOVE to wear short in the fall/early winter with tights and boots! i think its the coolest look yet still comfy and not too overdone.
and by shorts, i mean dress shorts or something not as casual as khakis, because that just looks awkward.

3

posted by Cynthia C

Nov 30, 2007 1:02PM

I never really got this look. I mean, if you live in warm parts of the world, by all means, war shorts, but shorts w/ tights looks funny to me.

4

posted by FWD

Nov 30, 2007 1:09PM

Highly doubtful. It looks a little too contrived. "Lookit me! I'm creative because I'm wearing shorts in winter."

I guess it could work, but usually it's eye-rolling.

5

posted by Chic Inspector

Nov 30, 2007 1:19PM

I think it all depends in the length of the shorts and fabric. I seen it done in New York and still look chic. So I'll say just go for it

6

posted by samantha

Nov 30, 2007 1:24PM

Wow, this is odd that most have of the responses have been against shorts in the winter. It's all I have been wearing. I love the look of colored denim shorts with opaque black tights. It's not as pretentious as it seems, give it a go!

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7

posted by guest

Nov 30, 2007 1:26PM

i like this look a lot, but the comments i get when i wear it (why are you wearing shorts-it's winter) make me feel uncomfortable, like I am dressed inappropriately and scandalously

8

posted by Kate

Nov 30, 2007 1:29PM

I've tried to do corduruoy shorts and cable tights before; it looked great in my head, but just didn't translate into reality somehow. Maybe it was the shoe issue. Some type of ankle boot might work, as in Gwen's look here. Although there is still something slightly off IMO.

A flimsy dress with a cozy sweater, on the other hand, is my favourite part of winter dressing--especially since you can whip off the sweater to protest overheated office conditions if necessary.

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9

posted by patentleather

Nov 30, 2007 1:44PM

no. no. no. shorts are only for hiking, the beach and the gym (plus other outdoor recreation or sleeping)! i don't care about formal shorts, bermudas, etc. they are so foul and horrid. wear a short skirt to show some leg in the city.

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10

posted by chic3

Nov 30, 2007 1:55PM

Oh my goodness! I saw Gwen in a club in a similar outfit last winter and she looked fab! The woman's body is amazing. Personally, I think the look is now a little played out. I rocked it last winter and the year before but I'd opt for a high-waisted mini instead.

11

posted by mpw

Nov 30, 2007 2:10PM

I agree with Patentleather -- shorts are for children and tourists.

Maybe shorts with tights would look cute on some skinny young thing who can pull off a Cory Kennedyesque look, but on most people, it looks weird -- especially with baggy, diaper-y shorts, which look like a bad Elizabethan costume.

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12

posted by guest

Nov 30, 2007 2:15PM

After buying a pair of shorts at J.Crew for $1.99, I decided I didn't want to wait six months to sport them. So I wore shorts a few days ago while romping around Boston. (Two layers of tights with ballet flats.) Everyone was interested and I only got positive comments.

13

posted by Kris

Nov 30, 2007 2:31PM

I love the shorts over tights look, and would totally wear it if I lived somewhere not as cold (such as L.A.). jBut I live in the mid-Atlantic, and it is so freezing that tights won't keep me warm enough to wear skirts, much less shorts.

14

posted by DC Goodwill Fashionista

Nov 30, 2007 2:57PM

Yes! The infantalization of women's clothing is back in full force. Let's all just go "romping" around in our shorts, shall we? Then we can have a snack before naptime... -the DCGF

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15

posted by Megan

Nov 30, 2007 3:16PM

I was questioning this look for normal people and mostly agreeing with many of the negative comments about it. That is until i realized that i am wearing a very similar outfit today. 3/4 pants with cinched knees over tights with my kate moss heels. More of an office version of this look i guess.

16

posted by collegiate

Nov 30, 2007 3:57PM

I don't understand why so many of you seem to think that shorts should only be worn by "children and tourists". There is a big difference in the style of shorts worn fashionably and chicly with tights or alone, and the shorts worn by three-year-olds and those that invade the city, map in hand.

17

posted by LauraMilli

Nov 30, 2007 3:58PM

I LOVE shorts over tights. They look great with super high pumps, flat suede boots or tall boots with stacked heels. I was at Hearst several weeks ago, and half the girls running in and out were wearing shorts with tights. On top it was all about slouchy sweaters, cropped blazers and scarves.

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18

posted by guest

Nov 30, 2007 4:00PM

There are only two seasons in southern California; summer and fall. Chances are in the midst of those "winter months", the temperature outside is in the 70's. Shorts are accepted not only for fashion, but practicality as well.

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19

posted by guest

Nov 30, 2007 4:04PM

"long-sleeve tees under tank tops"? ick.

20

posted by rasha

Nov 30, 2007 4:08PM

i've definitely done the shorts and leggings before, and i think it's cute. but i also think that it has the potential to be very, very wrong.

flat* boots are key. ballet flats? ok... anything else?... umm, maybe? it really depends... soyez prudents.

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21

posted by guest

Nov 30, 2007 5:15PM

i live in minnesota and i still do, as long as the shorts are a fall winter color. my favorite pair are theory in heather gray

22

posted by hannah

Nov 30, 2007 5:24PM

I think this can look great if done right. On Monday I wore a gray/black gingham sweatshirt, short denim dark wash shorts with hot pink tights, gray cable-knit knee highs, and black Converse (okay, this outfit might not work outside of high school...) and it looked good! And I wasn't even too cold up in Massachusetts.

People who think shorts are for children and for tourists... while at first I didn't agree with you but now as I think about it more I kind of agree. IMO, shorts don't work if you want to look formal or older than 21. And those diaper-shorts? They should be illegal!

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23

posted by guest

Nov 30, 2007 6:37PM

obviously you wouldnt wear shorts if you were trying to look formal, but they can still look good on those older than 15. 30 would be pushing it, but i think that the way you interpret trends also changes as you get older, and this clearly isnt an exception.

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24

posted by guest

Dec 01, 2007 3:26AM

well since I'm against leggings as a general principle, and I agree that shorts with tights is basically the same thing, I'm going to have to go with a big NO on this one.

25

posted by ani

Dec 01, 2007 9:48PM

Those looks are better left to the Carine Roitfelds and Rachel Zoes of the world, as well as the LA-based celebrities with personal trainers.

26

posted by Ginge

Dec 01, 2007 11:46PM

I totally rocked some dark denim shorts with some patterned tights (fishnets with vertical lines) and my Chucks to a concert a couple of weeks ago!
It's definitely a look I go for, but I agree that some people think it's weird. I agree with what you said one hundred percent about people's reactions.

This whole dilemma often reminds me of a certain Project Runway episode in which one designer sent corduroy shorts down the runway and Micheal Kors' response was something to the effect of, "Corduroy shorts? Why would you do that? That's two different seasons?"
I thought it was quite narrow-minded of him.

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27

posted by fay

Dec 02, 2007 2:37PM

I have been wearing shorts this Winter!

Particularly a pair of short, black, thick wool ones (Topshop), with high denier black tights.

Short dress or shorts over tights comprises most of my A/W wardrobe.

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