Would You Wear… a Short Suit?
Short suits spotted in many Spring 2012 collections including Rachel Zoe, Jenni Kayne, and Tibi.
Photos courtesy of Elle.com.
I have a secret: I’ve been avoiding writing about short suits. Every time I spied one on the Spring runways or saw a headline about this emerging trend, I got a bad taste in my mouth. Could a match-y match-y short suit be any more bland? Yet another pastel blazer-plus-dress-shorts combo? I kept putting it off as a Would You Wear? column with the hopes that it would not escalate past a short-lived fad, not worthy of the classification of a trend.
But as I opened my glossy March fashion mags, they were everywhere. Alright, I convinced myself, College Fashion readers need to know the scoop on this trend. Then something miraculous happened. As I researched these looks, I found myself pinning them to my Pinterest boards. I found them growing on me. Resistance was futile: I wanted a short suit hanging in my closet. Two. Three. Maybe one in neon orange.
So there you have it, my dear College Fashion readers: Short suits are the new thing and they are everywhere. Runways and fashion blogs are certainly obsessed with them, but I’m a bit unsure of how wearable they are. Is the common college fashionista going to throw one on for class? Probably not. Are they professional enough for work? Depends on the length of the shorts.
Here’s the one that ultimately changed my mind (and how I’d wear it!)…
Product Information: Blazer & Shorts – ASOS, Tank – H&M, Shoes – Heels, Bag – Bluefly, Nail Polish – Zappos
Are you pro-short suits or anti-short suits?
How do you feel about the short suits trend? Would you wear one? Why or why not? How would you style it? Are these professional enough to wear to work? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss it!
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Posted on on March 6, 2012 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Asos, Jenni Kayne, Rachel Zoe, short suits, Shorts, Spring 2012, Spring Trends, Tibi, workwear
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Audrey
I think they’re cute, but I doubt they’ll stick around very long. I think it’s a one season trend, and not worth the money.
Em
Sorry, but these are in no way professional. Regardless of what you think of the style, there is no way you could get away with wearing one in a true business environment. Perhaps bus casual (I wouldn’t know. No experience.) My office is business formal/professional and I would get sent home to change wearing this. The thing about offices that require suits is that they tend to be very conservative. The thing about shorts is that they’re not.
m
i don’t mind the trend, providing that the patterns & colors are not too crazy or out there. in regards to whether or not they are actually work-friendly? well i suppose that would have to depend on the industry.
i doubt they would work for the majority of offices that require a girl to wear a suit, but as we know, in the fashion world, practically anything goes.
Ashley
Too 1980s for my taste (for anyone who watches ALF, Lynn frequently wears things like this!). Definitely not a fan.
Phidias
I really really like the white one at the top, but I don’t know where you’d wear it.
:(
I guess MAYBE when you’re going out or something, if you put some nice jewelry with it.
I agree with Audrey – they’re nice, but not really worth the money considering the minimal wear you’d get out of them (which is sad because I like them a lot…)
Leira Zetroc
For me, I would wear it, because my style has gotten much more preppy. And besides, matching clothes are something you don’t see everyday. I think it’s fun to bring back a trend that sounds so dated and ugly, and rework it in a modern and sophisticated way. Seriously, the idea of top and bottom twinsies sounds really cool…
Jordan
Although I really like the look of short suits, I cannot justify spending money on one. They are not acceptable in the average work environment and I would not want to wear a suit outside of work! Maybe short suits will come back around after most of the baby boomer generation has retired and can be worn in the work place.
Iris
Although I love the options that this outfit has I don’t know where I would wear it to. I don’t see it as being something casual, however with shorts like that I wouldn’t want to wear it in an office setting. I like the trend just don’t see it as being practical at all.
Devon
I agree with most of the other commenters- they are cute and trendy, yes, but completely impractical. I think they are probably only realistic for women in the fashion business, singers, and actresses- aka people who are paid to look on trend and stylish. As most of us are not, they might prove a little bit of a waste of money. The one in the Polyvore is really cute and a little less formal than the other suits, and so would do better on a day to day basis. I think that if you’re going to buy a short suit you should a) have amazing legs that will forgive any sort of inappropriate short length and b) be willing to wear them separately.
Asilia
I think the trend could just be emulated by pairing a formal pair of shorts with a black blazer. Combining timeless pieces is much cheaper and more prudent that purchasing a short suit that is still too casual for work. But still, there is something appealing about a neon orange short suit that I cannot quite put my finger on.
Brittany
I’m planning on wearing one this Friday! In order to get the most wear out of it, try getting one that can be worn as separates. I have black shorts and a black blazer.
Phidias
I like Britanny’s idea! But then that still doesn’t solve the issue of where to actually wear the trend of pairing them together.
Carly
I absolutely love this look, and have for years. They’re definitely not new; I’ve been seeing them at Express for years now (although I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen one worn…)
The first white one is gorgeous–I think that with longer shorts and perhaps hose (or something), it could be work-appropriate for a more casual company.
And then, the third (coral) one looks casual enough to wear shopping or to a nice restaurant on vacation. I’d probably actually buy that one, in fact. It’s not that different from wearing bright shorts and a matching sweater or something–sort of laid-back preppy.
The floral one in the example outfit could be good for a more casual, modern church or even a shopping trip (to the right place, of course.)
To summarize, I’d probably buy one if I found the right one and the right price.
Blossom
I would wear them, but I would be iffy about wearing them to work!
Professionalism is always emphasized and short skirts are frown upon, so I don’t know what kind of reception shorts would get.
But for hanging out, I think they are really good :)
LB
Love them all! I think it’s a trend that will stand the test of time!
Sandra
maybe in a stronger shade of color -i’d like it in orange- instead of pastels. It is definetly something I wouldn’t wear to an office unless the AC broke down or unless there’d be some kind of relaxed clothing policy for the hotter months of the year -not sure in the US but in Spain we do have those kind of policys on summer in the offices-… I’d rather wear it to a nice springy-summer dinner and with somo cool jewerly and biker boots. They’d be fun to experiment with I should think.
C
I would so wear one! Even since I first saw thins trend i was like um… that could be cute? And they have grown on me too! I want a hot pink one for spring :) great post!
Meli
I saw one of these in a magazine a few months ago, and have been working on sewing my own since then. I think they’d be cute for going out in, or with tights to work. Plus, you could always wear them as separates!
Marlee
I used to really despise them like you, but I really love the white one. It doesn’t look overly matchy or formal – and I’ve been wanting a blazer anywya
Emma
In deep blue (cobalt?) or black this could totally be affordable if you just get two separate pieces and wear them together. Because who doesn’t need black shorts? Blue isn’t too far off. White is trendier but the suit coat/blazer and shorts separately would always look fresh. I’d say it’s a do. It looks more polished than a blazer and jean shorts!
cassandra
definitely wearable! not to work, or at least not to more formal offices… but it’s a go for going out at night ! especially during spring when it’s not too warm but you feel very spring-y :)
cassandra
oh btw.. the bottom outfit is not shorts, its actually a skirt
reb
this actually seems like a great way to transit from day-to-night outfit: wear the top blazer as usual with a pair of neutral pants and top, change into the shorts just before you head out and have fun!
Mary Cate
I was a bit unsure of the short suit, but after this post I’m looking to buy one for the warmer weather! Short suits seem to lend themselves perfectly from class wear to out at night: I would love to see a follow up piece!
Daphne
During the spring, I sometimes wear my blazers with denim shorts and a cute tee shirt. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on the combination. But for this new matchy matchy trend I’m more unsure of how wearable it’ll be.
cg
i would definitely mix and match! i like this trend :)
right now, i have a chanel-esque blazer to pair with black dressy shorts i recently picked up from h&m. i did a similar set on polyvore (my id is chetzalicious, if anyone wants to check it out.. and it’s the second to last one)
xo
Shannon
I would! They’re very chic, casual, and make you look well put together when worn correctly. I really like them.
Sarah
I’ve looooved the look of pairing shorts with a blazer for such a long time, and I have to disagree with you–I’m still mad for pastels! But unfortunately I don’t think this is a trend I will be wearing, nor one I could pull off… I’m just not a fan of shorts, in general, and I just don’t see how this will really fit in my wardrobe!
Eve
During the Brit Awards Caroline Flack wore a navy short suit. I thought she looked so lovely and fantastic and it really showed off her legs.
Valerie
totally unprofessional looking. I would be sent home for wearing this! shorts have no place in a work environment where a suit is required.
Maya
Only in dark or neutral colors, not a fan of it in these pastels. D:
Lisa
I love them, they kinda remind me of the onesies that I wore as a child. Same soft pastel colours too.