One of the greatest literary works to pass my eyes in the recent decade was shown to me by one of my most favorite colleagues, Kellie.
This 2010 article by Ellen Warren featured in the Chicago Tribune clearly detailed every rant about capri pants that I’ve agreed with and felt oh-so-passionately about for years. Thankfully the “capris or bust” mantra escaped my DNA, as all the females in my family tree have a personal arsenal of these horrid garments. Every color, fabric, print, and varying length of flared ankle-baring pants take up a ridiculous amount of real estate in my relatives’ closets.
I’ve heard all the excuses out there for not wanting to wear shorts. But ladies, with scorching summer temps fast approaching, it’s time to proudly bare those legs. (Confession: I reluctantly bared my own legs during a recent steamy evening at SXSW and was frequently mistaken for Edward Cullen’s long lost vampire sister. Seriously — people were outright staring at my incredibly pale legs and inevitably questioning if I had seen the sun since exiting the womb in 1982. Note to self: commit to a spray tan, Meg, prior to any future barings).
Shorts have come a long way since I first came into contact with them as a tot. In middle school I refused to wear anything except for my polyester cheerleading shorts (translation: Horrendously thick and itchy during Texas summers) along with my pristinely white leather high-top Reeboks. Moving on up to high school, I was often taken for a summer camp counselor as every pair of shorts in my possession spanned the surprisingly endless spectrum of khaki shades. Nothing says “who wants to go on a hike followed by a canoe ride and craft time?” quite like a pair of khaki shorts, eh?
Now having advanced to adulthood (well, kinda), my current shorts selection encompasses athletic (sans polyester cheer shorts), conservative (camp counselor-free zone), and more vibrant colors and fabrics. Lately I’ve picked up some fun graphic prints and embarked on the journey of stepping out in shorts to more formal events (think white tuxedo blazer with a dressy pair of black shorts and stilettos). Along the same lines as the white apparel ban post-Labor Day rule confusion, in my book the weather wins when it comes to dictating clothing decisions. So just as soon as the heat reaches the point where it requires the jaws of life to remove my jeans from my body due to extreme sweat, I say bust out the shorts!
I’ve included a few selections that caught my eye to whet your shorts appetite and hopefully get you in the spirit to throw on a pair. There’s one for every color in the rainbow plus some neutral options — eat your heart out R.O.Y.G.B.I.V.
Although all of these selections err on the mini side of length, acceptable choices do also exist for longer lengths closer to the knee. Just please keep it *above* the knee, and don't fall victim to capri fashion felonies.
5. TopShop
6. Aqua
7. Zara
8. Aqua
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri
