How to Style:
High-Concept Pants & Shorts

We’re unabashed fans of these slightly more complicated trends, which manage to be fun and dressed up at once. They can be a little tricky to pull off, so some tips on getting it right.

Pleated Shorts

Crisp, bright, and well—pristine—the whole concept of white shorts can intimidate: But treat these as you would a simple skirt, and mix in casual separates to make them feel less precious.

The key to getting white-on-white right is to mix textures and volumes so it feels complex and multi-dimensional rather than bridal and prim.

APIECE APART Syros Pleat Neck Top, Apiece Apart, $270; CARVEN Front Pleat Shorts, goop, $690; LUV AJ Silver Ring Set, goop, $140; TABITHA SIMMONS Striped Pointed Toe Flats, goop, $675
Classic graphic pumps (in a neoprene-like material, no less) make the shorts feel a touch irreverent rather than too dressed up, plus the worn-in military jacket makes it all a little less sweet.

MONROW Vintage Shirt Jacket, goop, $195; STEVEN ALAN Corbin Knit Top, Similar styles available at Stevenalan.com, $215; CARVEN Front Pleat Shorts, goop, $690; GRACE LEE DESIGNS Diamond Flip Earring, Grace Lee Designs, $435; GABRIELA ARTIGAS Thin Cage Cuff, Gabriela Artigas, $320; PAUL ANDREW Zenadia Pump, goop, $645
Tuck in an oversized oxford and roll up the sleeves for a polished tomboy effect—skate sneakers finish out the look.

ALEX MILL Bay Shirt, goop, $165; CARVEN Front Pleat Shorts, goop, $690; PIERRE HARDY Alpha Cross Body Clutch, goop, $1,095; GABRIELA ARTIGAS Infinite Tusk Earrings, Gabriela Artigas, $370; ALISON LOU Mrs. Ring, goop, $950; PIERRE HARDY Skate Shoe, goop, $475;

Architectural Shorts

It’s essential to keep a structured short feminine: Pair them with a tissue thin knit or jersey t shirt.

J. Crew Summerweight Cotton Sweater
J. Crew, $79.50

ZARA Lace-Up Leather Ankle Boots
Zara, $119

Tome Shorts
goop, $495

Printed Shorts

A simple solid top elevates the look without stealing the attention. Also: Choose a sleek, low heel shoe.

GAP Bib Tunic
Gap, $59.95

Carven Shell Jacquard Short
goop, $650

Michael Kors Kallie Flat
goop, $550

Culottes

These have all the volume of a skirt, but the comfort of a pant—they’re cool and unexpected and can go fancy or low-key. The trick is to temper the wide leg with other pieces that flatter.

These have a high waist, which is why they’re so flattering: To make them a little sexy, choose a streamlined shirt and tuck it in to emphasize your shape.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Cloque Bomber, Nordstrom, $750; GAP Pure Body Essentials Ribbed Tank, Gap, $16.50; TOME Culottes, goop, $585; LAURENCE DACADE Hope Open Toe Boot, goop, $1,050
Black on black and beachy? Totally possible, just add a metallic touch, like slip-on sandals.

APIECE APART Damara Wabi Sabi V Neck, Apiece Apart, $265; TOME Culottes, goop, $585; ALTUZARRA Zodiac Gold Plated Earrings, Altuzarra, Price upon request; LUV AJ Silver Bracelet, goop, $113; ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS Thais Sandal, goop, $235
Minimalism 101: Black pants + a slouchy, side-slit cropped pullover + a stacked heel.

T BY ALEXANDER WANG Chunky Cropped Sweater, Alexander Wang, $425; TOME Culottes, goop, $585; TABITHA SIMMONS Denim Sandal, goop, $675; LIV HALEY Diamond Huggie, Liv Haley, $425; GABRIELA ARTIGAS Infinite Tusk Reloaded Ring, Gabriela Artigas, $195

Draped Trousers

A tailored jacket in a different, neutral hue creates an unfussy, low-key suit.

STELLA MCCARTNEY Blazer
goop, $1,700

3.1 Phillip Lim Tapered Trouser
goop, $375

PIERRE HARDY Scarpa Mid Block Heel Sandal
goop, $895

Skinny Black Trousers

Make a play on tuxedo dressing with these versatile, high-waisted pants by way of a ruffle-front shirt.

TORY BURCH Poplin & Smocked Silk Top
Tory Burch, $450

LAURENCE DACADE Hope Open Toe Boot
goop, $1,050

Stella McCartney Fitted Trouser
goop, $745

Special thanks to: Photographer: Coliena Rentmeester
Makeup: Kristina Brown
Hair: Charles McNair
Model: POLINA at Photogenics
Studio: Cactus Cube Studios