I’m Forgoing My Pants For Micro Shorts

If you told me even a year ago that I’d be leaving the house in just my underwear, I’d have countered you by saying absolutely no way. It’s not that I’m prudish, I’ve worn my fair share of bikinis and plunging tops. But, as someone who loves the art of getting dressed, I don’t think it's a styling option that I ever would have considered, especially for an activity like running errands or heading out to a bar.

And yet, here we are. Inspired by the runway at Miu Miu and the bold street style choices of Bella Hadid, I suddenly find myself pondering if I can find a way to creatively make a pair of micro shorts feel like part of a cohesive outfit (and in December no less).

The reality is, micro shorts aren’t all that different from wearing a mini skirt or a pair of little cotton gym shorts. But in practice, hitting the streets in a teeny-tiny short did elicit a few confused looks. Stare on, if you must strangers! While it’s not a trend for the faint of heart, I’m all for having fun with my personal style, and never being afraid to experiment a little bit, no matter what the outside reactions may be.

And so, I’ve challenged myself to put together three looks that might take me through an entire day of activities from morning to night, with micro shorts as the hero piece for each of them. If any (or all) of said looks speak to you, I encourage you to give the trend a try. Like me, you may be surprised to find yourself wanting to forgo pants more often.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps the easiest way to style the Rose Garden Micro Shorts​ is for around the house. As someone who works from home, most days I found myself in some mix of comfy loungewear pieces, only changing when it’s time to head out for a meeting. The micro shorts I found to be an easy swap for my usual boxer shorts or sweats. Since I’m leaving a lot of leg uncovered, a pair of chunky wool-blend socks​ are a key to warmth retention (important since the heat in my apartment can be a bit fickle). An oversized sweater​ balances out the tiny shorts without overwhelming them completely. The verdict: this is a look I’d carry on wearing around the house.

Oftentimes around lunch, I find myself running out to the grocery store near my house for fresh vegetables, a loaf of bread, and maybe a bouquet of flowers. Without far to go, it seemed like the perfect occasion to break out micro shorts for a turn around town. Since it is winter, Long-sleeves and warm boots from Emu helped to ensure I wasn’t going to get frostbite when leaving my legs exposed to the elements. While the look was maybe a bit cheekier than I’d usually choose for a public outing, I still feel confident that I managed to pull it off.

Now that I’m in my 30s, my late nights on the town are mostly behind me, but I love meeting up with a friend on a Friday night for martinis at a fancy bar. It’s a decadent way to finish the week, and as such calls for a little dressing up. My micro shorts​ found their ideal partner in a sheer slip dress​. While I basically left the house entirely in my underwear, adding a top layer​ somehow made me feel less naked overall. Finishing my outfit off with a chunky heel​, I was confident that in a low-lit bar, my look would be right at home.