Hot & short

Not that you need to hear it from us again,but the fact is that summer is showing its uglier side. But just as much as the heat and humidity is coupling up to make one sweat,those on the fashionable side of life are getting back their way by slipping out of jeans and trousers and pulling on a pair of trendy shorts. Ladies,in case you haven’t noticed already,this season it’s cool and fashionable to show off your legs. “The humidity levels are high and jeans aren’t a viable option anymore,” points out fashion merchandiser Kirat Randhawa,as she potters around her house dressed in cutesy khaki shorts that end many inches above her knees. “I have one in pink too,” Randhawa tells us who teams her pairs with comfy tees and spaghettis. Interestingly,what was once a baggy bermuda that you only saw lanky teenagers strut around wearing has metamorphed into more stylish wear. “The silhouette is more defined,” Kirat tells us who has been eyeing a particular pair she saw at Nautica in Sector 17.

A quick recce of the shopping zone and we are convinced the options are plenty. At Lacoste,there’s a pretty line-up in comfortable lengths but if you are looking for cutesy (read itsy-bitsy) numbers,then check out Esprit and United Colors of Benetton that are stocking up on many options. “Shorts in varying lengths are in and I recommend high-waisted ones with pleats,” spells out designer Ranna Gill who loves to sport shorts herself. While the conventional length is short,it’s equally fashionable to step out in mid-length,knee-length,and even roll-ups. On the celebrity circuit we spotted actor Celina Jaitley,who seems to have a couple of pairs,step out wearing shorts for a formal do! She teamed her’s with a Chanel bag,a tight tee and a cropped jacket. Also sticking to the trend is former Miss India Sayali Bhagat who though likes to play it safe with the length opting for a denim one paired with a hot pink tee. “This summer,the fabrics offer a lot of variety. There’s plaid,tropical prints,polka dot,canvas,denim and more,” fashion design student Pooja Kumar points out who admits the best place to go hunting for budget buys is the Sector 22 market. “I am on the look-out for one in fuchsia though I already own a pair in crisp white,” Pooja smiles to say.

Street wear apart,even luxury brands are rolling out their versions. There’s Stella McCartney for Adidas as well as a plaid pick by Burberry. But just before you think of slipping on a pair,here’s some advise. “Skimpy shorts can be unflattering if you aren’t in shape. Instead stick to mid-length shorts that suit all body types and are decent as well as comfortable,” shares Gill. Best teamed with funky T-shirts or fitted sleeveless cropped shirts. So that’s the short of it!