The Gam-Changers

Hiked hemlines are a spring-through-fall staple, but how do you take your shorts beyond the bonfire and make them a touch more elegant for everyday? Reach for a sophisticated shape, like the Ryan-fit. A structured, crisp (and still alluringly short) silhouette, it’s a bona fide outfit-maker. This season features gingham, paisley, florals, sweet pink eyelet, as well as tied-at-the-waist styles. Dress them up or down, day or night, at any age—and for many different occasions. Here, bloggers @thechicburrows and @dianaelizabeth_ offer a little inspiration.

Legs For Days

Pair with espadrilles and an off-the-shoulder top for daytime.

Add a blazer: so pretty and polished.

Go for block-heeled sandals and a fresh pedi—both in punch-bright hues.

Play with color and patterns. A belt—or better yet, a scarf worn as a belt—adds that extra bit of chic refinement. Then again, who needs a belt when you opt for the timeless waist tie.

Legs For Nights

Do it up in stilettos. Insider secret: a nude shoe will always appear to elongate whatever nature gave you.

Dress shorts up with hints of strategic sparkle, like stackable bracelets or a shimmering clutch. Suddenly your solid-colored shorts are cocktail-ready, always.

Move over, LBD. It’s time to take your shorts out on the town. Just think about how you’d style your favorite dress. Opaque tights or even your favorite gem-studded evening shoes can lend your look a hint of after-hours luxe.

To create maximum impact, beautify your stems with an indulgent little beauty ritual: try a gentle sugar scrub, light-reflecting BB body cream and hint of liquid bronzer or lightweight body oil. How those gams look so lean and gorgeous will be our little secret.