INDstyle

The short of it

by Amanda Bedgood

Prepare for summer's first holiday with super casual shorts - high on style, low on effort.

Memorial Day has always felt like the cusp that lies between spring and summer. It's the first time each year I feel truly that shorts are a must. And it's one of those rare times in which it's often better to go super casual. Casual, mind, never means you have to be lazy on the style front. We've got the proof with four outfits from local boutiques.

Over at Sky Blue, the cardi gets a revamp with this piece that's perfectly paired with cutoff shorts (they have come back with a vengeance and shorter and more destroyed than ever). I love the new cutoffs. I hate the new cutoffs. This IND Styler never has been a big fan of shorts (particularly of the short variety) and while there's a certain segment that rocks them without pause, the rest of us are left looking for an alternative. Found it at Vanessa V. by way of these shorts with the rolled cuff topped with a happy yellow top.

The ladies at Vanessa V. paired their springy lemon top with a contrasting green leather headband - one of those great pieces you can wear a couple of ways - for a look that's casual, effortless, yet pulled together.

Maven Womenswear has perhaps the most unique black tank I've seen this season (and you know how I feel about black). While you'll need to double the SPF to avoid some wild tan lines, the cut is worth it. Paired here with little tribal shorts, it would be great with funky equally-tribal sandals. Come night, it can go with a fitted little skirt and sexy wedges. If you want to stick with shorts a dressier pair in lace would be a great contrast as well.

At Hemline we spotted a spot on ensemble for Memorial or any weekend day - army green top and white shorts. While you know I love black, truth is that even the slightest of tans pops against stark white. I love it with this subdued green (pair with some copper or rose gold jewelry and reptile print flats) but the white would be equally lovely with a fresh pastel top and glossy little patent sandals.