Time Out Chicago / Issue 153 : January 31, 2008 - February 6, 2008

Wardrobe workshop
Winter shorts
How to wear rising hemlines even as the temps drop.
By Jessica Herman
Photographs by Donna Rickles

Superficial shorts, $78, on sale at Habit (1951 W Division St between Winchester and Damen Aves, 773-342-0093, habitchicago.com). Camilla sweater jacket, $128, at J. Crew (900 N Michigan Ave at Delaware Pl, 312-751-2739, jcrew.com). Shoes and tights, model’s own.

The scoop
While many styles from the 1980s and 1990s have returned over the past few years with nary a change, designers have finally given winter shorts a makeover for the better. Fortunately the ’90s penny-loafers-with-culottes trend and last year’s tad-too-mini version were short-lived; the latest spin—with a higher waist and slightly longer leg—reminds us that this look’s well worth revisiting year-round.

Stylist says…
“It all comes down to the thighs,” says Veruca Salt and Veruca Salt Fancy owner and stylist Amber Warren. Not that you need to be teetering on toothpick legs, but “if you have heavier thighs, it’s probably not the best look for you.” For those who can pull it off, it’s essentially as versatile as a short skirt.