Summer Fashion: Capris

Life is too short not to wear what you love, no matter what. It's a realization that I came to at the beginning of the summer when I spotted adorable light colored tops at Old Navy. Most of my clothes were in darker colors, at the very least darker shades of purple, blue and green but these cute tees were light peach, hot pink and lavender and I wanted them, so I bought them and rock them all the time.

If you listen to style experts like Tim Gunn (who I love btw because he's the perfect combination of bitchy and tactful) capris are a big no-no for pretty much everyone. Unless you're a model, tall and thin with nary a curve to speak of, you might look a little heavier and/or shorter in capris. At least that's what they say. I don't think that's always the case. Personally, I'd rather see a woman in capris than trying too hard with booty shorts that just accentuate every lump and bump we have. I see a lot of it around here and I wish I didn't have to.

Here are some of my favorite types of capris to keep you looking cute and chic all summer. We've got ones that are comfy for running around, being athletic or we've got capris that you can dress up and take out, unlike the man in your life who you can spiff up all you want but you still can't take him anywhere (luckily I don't have that)!

First up, the simplest, easiest Capri style, leggings. To properly rock leggings choose a dark shade (pref. black honestly) and ALWAYS wear a shirt that covers your bum. I like leggings under mini dresses, tunics and longer flowy tops. They look best with wedges, flats or thong sandals or for more casual days flip flops. I personally don't think they really work with dressier shoes and definitely avoid the boots or what's the point in wearing a capri length legging?

Then, also a cute casual choice, capri yoga pants. These are best left for the gym, hanging around home or running errands. Please make sure they fit snugly but not too tight and that you're wearing panties that aren't going to give you a VPL (visible panty line). These look great with tanks and tees but keep your accessories to a minimum. I like those with a cute foldover waist with an adorable pattern or fun color!

For causal days running around town or hitting the mall capris in sporty materials are great to keep you cool without showing off too much. These are great for those transitional days in spring or fall or for cool/rainy summer days. Worn with a tight top and cute shoes there is no reason you can't look fashionable while still being comfortable.

Perhaps my favorite capri look is a dressier jean type pant. Whether it's skinny cargos, simple white jeans or slim fitting leather, dressed up capris look hot! Go crazy with accessories and you can really up the caliber of this simple outfit. Anything goes with your shoes but, for the most part, higher heels can be worn with these styles. There are so many cute options out there that it's a great choice for those of us who rarely, if ever, wear shorts.

Then, of course, there are jean capris, a summer staple for all of us. Make sure to go for a thinner denim that hugs your curves in all the right places, it will hold you in and still be comfortable even on those 100 degree days. Unless you're super slim and looking to add curves I would avoid the boyfriend style and make sure the crotch of your capris is up where it should be, not resting between your knees like the boys do.

Moral of the story, make sure those capris aren't baggy, hit a couple inches below the knees or below the widest part of your calf, and by God do not rock them with your chunky sneakers (sleek Puma-esque sneakers are fine) or your highest stilettos both will look off. Tighter fits will accentuate your curves and make you look like a bombshell and prevent you from worrying about bending over in public the way shorts can.