In J.Crew's latest catalog (click here to view online), there are several shots of models rockin' the "shorts & tights" style for Fall. J.Crew is even offering wool short-inseam shorts, like the Flannel Wool Short (Item 17405; $98.00), which is clearly not meant to be a summer-only item. And let's be honest, wool shorts are rarely a summer item to begin with! So JCAs would have to wear something like tights, with the shorts, to keep warm in the Fall season. ;) Even J.Crew's Flannel Wool Short item page states, "we're wearing ours over tights with heels".
This got me thinking... When I went on vacation in Paris over the summer, I did notice several chic ladies wearing the style. It was usually a pair of dark shorts with black tights (occasionally a pair of grey tights here and there).Since this style has been featured quite a bit in J.Crew's catalog, is this the latest trend?
If this is the latest trend, how wearable is it? Does it work only for younger JCAs going to school? Or can this look be worn at any age, at any place (like at an office)- as long as it's properly styled?
What are your thoughts on shorts & tights? Is this an ageless and timeless look? Do you think you will rock the style this Fall?
I love the shorts and tights look! :) They make shorts winter appropriate. I've been wearing woolen white stockings with the giraffe print shorts and the lexington blazer :) I think it also goes well with black shorts as alexis mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI love the trend.... unfortunately for me, I'll have to keep it for evenings out or outside of work. I teach, so we have rules about the length of shorts (which for faculty is knee length or longer), and I don't think the trend will transfer to bermudas! :) I'm curious too if others will be able to translate this look to the work environment. I'd imagine you'd have to have a pretty relaxed dress code to make it happen...
ReplyDeleteI think it's a cute look. However, I also remember wearing longer, pleated, preppy shorts with tights in the late 80's so I may have to skip this. OK, showing my age... The shorter, flat front shorts really update the trend.
ReplyDeleteTwo OT questions. I am blond and blue eyed and don't wear yellow well. I'm considering a spicy olive sweater in FS. Are there any blond JCA's wearing last year's spicy olive color? Is it too yellow to take a FS chance on?
Also, I"m heading to NYC this week-end. I know this has been asked before but besides the collections store, which J Crew stores should I make a point to check out? Thank you!
Blech. Hate it hate it hate it. Fortunately it's not work-appropriate for me anyway.
ReplyDeletecrewcrazy, I tend to avoid the Rockefeller store as it usually looks a bit like a bomb has hit it - at least the sale section. I find the store that is on Madison and around 45th has good stock - usually lots of shoes (last year e.g. they had all colors of the Penelopes - peep toe and closed toe, whereas Rock had only one color), plenty of Collection items and Cashmere, and also nice staff - is a good one to go to. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteI like the way J.Crew executed it but I'm hesitant to embrace it myself. A couple of years ago White House Black Market had similar styling in their fall catalog so I tried it out. Not such a hit in Connecticut at that time. ;) Maybe the time has come!
ReplyDeletecrewcrazy, I second the 45th/Madison suggestion. Also if you don't mind going out of the way I live right by the South St Seaport J.Crew and while it's small it also manages to retain stock much longer than the midtown J.Crews.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think it's an under 30 trend. I was in Japan this summer and saw many young women wearing a similar look.
ReplyDeleteI love shorts with tights too, and with black "formal" shorts, you can get away with some funky tights underneath. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to be trying out this trend this winter. I just have to wait for it to get cooler, WAY cooler in FL!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a cute look...but I also think you have to have the right pair of shorts. I don't think that cut offs would give the right vibe, but a pair of menswear-inspired ones would!
I've been doing it for years and I love it. :) But as someone who has been wearing shorts+tights for so long and doesn't really consider it a trend, it can be kind of odd to see lots of people doing it all of a sudden (the last couple of years). However, I never have and never will wear them with pleated shorts-- jcrew is NOT wooing me over with those! :P
ReplyDeleteIt's not for everyone, and definitely not for every workplace, though. :)
Totally off-topic question, but I just received my Final Sale order in the mail, and both of the cardigans I ordered are HUGE. It doesn't say Final Sale on my receipt, has anyone had experience returning things like this? Will they let you return to the store?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help!
I think the look is cute, however it's just not for me (not to mention that shorts are definitely forbidden at my job).
ReplyDeleteKristin - you can definitely return them, I have done so on items in the past that did not say FS on the receipt, without a problem.
ReplyDeleteSo I bought into this trend last year when I watched "The City of Ember" and saw the teenage character wearing flannel shorts (wool) and tights together. Very pretty, imo.
ReplyDeleteThen when I saw J. Crew did this for its catalog, I was in love! :) And since by November I can do this here in Virginia, I am excited to really try it out...
I bought the black wool shorts in a size 8 (the highest size they have is a 10) and they fit very well, even a bit baggy, which I wanted anyhow, so I could rock the look like in the catalog. I was very worried that the shorts would be too tight...but I guess with my weight loss and J. Crew's vanity sizing, I have won! Phew.
As far as where I plan on wearing them? Maybe dinner out? Maybe the park with the kids (these are very well-made shorts)?
Crewcrazy: I am a blonde, with light eyes, who wears yellows well, but I especially love the spicy olive color. If you want, go to my blog (click on my username); I have a lot of pics of me in that color. HTH. :)
Shorts are definitely not work-appropriate for me. Not sure if I would try it as a casual look. I love the mini, tights and boots for casual fall/winter so maybe shorts would be fun for a change. Although, I may have to buy some new shoes to complete the look......
ReplyDelete;-D
Huge update to the sale section....
ReplyDeleteKristin:
ReplyDeleteI recently ordered a final sale sweater and it was also huge. I was convinced it was mis-tagged.
It was absolutely no problem returning it to the store.
Like crewcrazy, I remember wearing shorts and tights back in the late 80s, early 90s to school. I think it's way cute, but I don't know if I would do it now at age 33.
ReplyDeleteIf I was in college, I would totally be wearing it all over the place.
I will do cute socks with skirts as long as the weather is mild, however.
Sydneygirl and Roxy - Madison and 45th it is. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll make it a point to head there.
ReplyDeleteDina - thanks for the thumbs up on the spicy olive and the photos on your blog. Yellow looks good on you. I needed a little encouragement and am going to order the sweater.
Thanks everyone!
I think it looks cute but I would have a hard time actually wearing it I think. I'm a SAHM so I don't have to worry about work dress codes but at the same time running around in tights which may get snagged and heels isn't really doable for me either. Never say never though. . . I might cave eventually :)
ReplyDeleteThis look isn't for me, although I do think it looks cute.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Crewcrazy and Susan-I wore this look in the late 80s/early 90s and I'm not going to repeat the trend. I do still think it can be cute though. And I love tights. I can't wait to wear them with skirts this fall.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of how things are worn in J.Crew catalogs: Does anyone on here rock the tie-with-a-pencil skirt look featured regularly in the catalogs? I'm intrigued, yet can't convince myself to walk out the door looking like that ...
ReplyDeleteTies? Yes! I love to wear ties with a dress shirt and pencil skirt, sometimes with a vest or v-neck sweater. I usually leave the tie fairly loose and the shirt unbuttoned at the top. To me, it is another version of a scarf and I love to wear scarves. I do tend to wear feminine hair and accessories when I'm wearing a tie, just so I don't look too mannish. The menswear look is fun if you make it your own, not as if you borrowed from your father/brother/hubby. If you want to add some bling there are great tie clips, bars and tacks available to dress it up even more.
ReplyDeleteLa Belle Helene,
ReplyDeleteI often wear a tie with a silk blouse or cotton shirt during the cooler months. Usually I wear it with a v-neck sweater or vest.
If a tie is too severe, but you are layering a blouse and sweater, try folding a large silk scarf diagonally and then rolling it starting at the narrow side. Then wrap your soft tie around your collar and tie it like a necktie. This looks like a tie at first glance, but I find it is easier to make it look feminine.
i think the look is cute, but too young and not work appropriate for me. : (
ReplyDeletei've sadly never been able to rock the tights.
I love the shorts & tights look - it feels very european, and will definitely be rocking it this fall! The length of the short is probably a concern for people in school and offices with strict dress codes. I should be okay tho, our office is pretty laid back. I can't wait to wear this look!
ReplyDeleteLOVE tights, just not with shorts. (Actually, I kind of hate shorts unless they're athletically necessary, I'm a skirt/dress addict.) I experimented with the tights 'n shorts in the nineties, and it just so wasn't me. File this look with the neon ankle socks, fe-mullet, and dresses over pants in the "run away, run far, far away" category.
ReplyDeleteAs with anything that's this obviously trendy, if I ever
decided to dip a toe in, it wouldn't be at full JC prices!
I think it looks cute but I'd never be able to pull it off myself! Definitely not work appropriate in my case either.
ReplyDeleteOT, I thought I read that a printed Francis cami was available in store only. Can someone describe the print?
ReplyDeleteThe ruffle front coat appears to be sold out on line in 0-4 in the camel. If it is truly sold out, I am really glad I ordered it last week. I wonder if they do truly have smaller quantities of some items this year...
I saw a fair number of teenage girls/young women wearing tights with shorts last winter in NYC and London.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to try this look, make sure you have opaque tights (or alternatively, sheer tights with a pattern). If you do it with sheer opaques, it looks really trashy. Unless you want to look trashy, of course.
I remember doing the tie look back when I was in high school and college, so I'm not prepared to do it again. However, I think it looks cute, especially in the crewcuts catalog!
ReplyDeleteLove the look styled on the model in the pic with the green sweater.
ReplyDeleteHad a bit of a giggle looking at the (dark) flannel wool shorts online. The model has the tights twisted. Now maybe some of you will say that is how she wants them but I think it's just an oversight. They are straight at the bottom and then curve around at the top, likely had to twist as she pulled them on. If you look at the product page for the tights, they are straight and not twisted. Minor detail yes, but it always makes me laugh when I see that IRL.
I am looking forward to a denim mini or a cord mini with tights and high boots. no shorts in the fall or winter for me-I did that trend in the 90's and I am over it.
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of black satin shorts that I have worn with sheer black tights and heels. Not a full length photo but this is an outfit I wore last winter. You can see the tights peaking through.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/41124892@N03/3789384263/#preview
I love the way JC has styled the shorts/tights look. I am tempted to try it...I'd have to be careful because I'm over-30 and don't want to look like I'm trying to be 25 again. I think it could work, depending on the length of short.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great if you're 5'10" and have killer legs, or on the waify side. Otherwise, it looks a bit absurd. But that's just MY opinion. I do, however, think it's a geographic-specific trend; I can see this working in the Northeast or some trendy college campuses, but not most places in SoCal.
ReplyDeleteI like the look, but I don't think I can rock it with my uber-muscular legs and where I live (Southern California). Too bad for me.
CaptainCrew, Kitsmommy, et. al., thanks for the feedback!
ReplyDeleteHi crewcrazy, I recommend the J.Crew store in Soho (Prince St & Mercer St). They have some collection pieces and nice accessories and shoes collection. The last time I was there, they have the printed Lyla shoes on sale. The SA there is very friendly.
ReplyDeleteI'd consider trying it during my last year of law school while I can still blend in on a college campus. Definitely not a work appropriate look for me.
ReplyDeleteIt does remind me of my 4th grade teacher rocking hunter green shorts with burgundy tights circa 1994. But those were pleated, and long... shudder.
OT - I just received the vintage cord pencil skirt in dark aubergine. The color is really, really dark, almost black. I found it fit a little small, although probably not enough to SU. I may try the glazed pecan to see if I like that color better. Or maybe just return it and try something else.
ReplyDeleteI think it's cute, and I could def wear it to work since I'm in a creative field. I want to try them on first though, hope they get them in-store!
ReplyDeleteOT, does anyone know what the layered top under the cardigan is on this page? TIA!
ReplyDeleteOT, ann taylor and ann taylor loft friends and family starts tomorrow...30% off everything at both stores. If you'd like the coupon, post your email here. I can send it to 25 people.
ReplyDeleteThe online code is FRIENDS30. It also gives you free shipping over $125.
OT, but what day do codes usually come out? Trying to estimate the liklehood of 20% off FS tomorrow... What say you, JCA? ; )
ReplyDeletePS- what has been your experience with trying to get a price adjustment a few days after a code comes out?
Roxy, that could be the tiered silk chiffon cami. I believe it's part of the September roll out.
ReplyDeleteah, thank you math teacher. Probably best for my wallet that it's not out yet.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks all right, but I probably won't be doing this look. I've got these legs that look fine in a mini, but not sure that they'd enjoy the attention that the shorts+tights combo would most definitely bring. If I think shorts, I don't think of fall and then tights. With all these age-related concerns, sometimes I feel like I should give these types of trends a go before the age window closes.
ReplyDeleteI really want to wear ties to work, but my neck is so small that the tie lining shows on the sides, even if I unbutton my shirt a little to fluff it out. I've only tried the knit ties because if I tie it badly, it's not as noticeable. Does anyone have any ideas about hiding those tie linings?
Cass--
ReplyDeleteWould love a Loft coupon if they're still available. csantisteban [at] gmail. Thanks so much for offering!
As for the tights look, these take me back to flannel shirts and Doc Martens circa '93. I tried the shorts and tights then, thought they were killer, but photographic evidence shows that I really looked like a huge dork. Still love Docs though. I agree with Erin--if you've got super long legs this look is great. For shorties like me, probably not so much.
I like it the look and I might even try it. I've thought about it. We'll see. :D
ReplyDeleteI definately am planning to rock this look. I can't wait. As soon as I saw the sneak peek that posted on here last month of the fall items I was happy to see shorts featured. I have been wearing shorts all summer but dressing them up. I can't wear shorts to work but when i go out I wear them like I am wearing a nice skirt. I try to pair them with unexpected things. I think if you style it right it doesnt matter what age you are. Most of the B&M are not going to get them. I am checking at one of the larger stores in my area today to see if they got them in. I need to see how they look with that little bit of pleating although they are city fit which tends to work well with me.
ReplyDeleteHey crewcrazy and Jean,
ReplyDeletedefinitely recommend the Soho store as well - it's virtuelly all women and is two stories!
The collection store on Madison and 79 is lovely too, with a different feel. It's around the corner from my favorite dessert place (Lady M), on 78th between Madison and Park. Exquisite, TDF crepe layer cakes.
Back to J Crew...
I was in the Rockefeller store yesterday and while the store mgr (?) looked like he had his stuff together the sales associate I had was a real pill. Can't stand most of the SAs there in the store. I recall that this was the store where a snooty (yes, snooty) SA made a big production of writing my name in HUGE letters on my red card. Ick.
Has anyone seen the Glen-plaid wool short (item 17402) in stores in size 0? I glanced at a couple pairs in the Madison Ave collection store on Saturday but I don't think they had a 0 - too crowded to ask - and they're sold out online... me and my skinny legs sooo want to jump on this trend :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a cute look on the J Crew models, but I'm just not sure how it translates to real life wear. I'd feel and look foolish.
ReplyDeleteI like it. I've done it a few times with both shorter loose shorts and fitted suiting style bermudas and it's been a nice way to carry over wardrobe items into cooler seasons. Maybe not in the dead of winter, but it's a great fall look!
ReplyDeleteNo possible way.
ReplyDelete