After a jaunt to the US earlier this month, I’ve fallen in love with all things Americana, so this season’s obsession with denim is only going to work in my favour.
Jeans and chambray shirts are all the rage..but if I want to make a smart investment and rock denim right through to the height of summer, I’m going to have to go shorter. This may just be the year I find myself in a pair of cut-offs.
I know, I know, I’m little late to the trend, but you have to admit there’s something a little daunting about baring all in a pair of what are, for all intents and purposes; hotpants.
In my head, the thought of cut-offs conjures up an image of Jessica Simpson stomping around with a tray of beers, and I’m not sure my butt in those shorts will have quite the same effect.
So what’s the deal with cut-offs? Can I get away with a little bit of modesty – or is it simply booty or bust?
Ok, on further investigation, there are loads of options out there that will keep your cheeks in check. Panic averted.
Whether you’re feeling shy or a little bit sex-pot, here are my top picks for spring/summer denim cut-offs:
1. Sitting just above the knee, these Bleach Frayed Knee Shorts from Topshop are £28, and have a fab spring-time shade. You’ll be comfortable and trendy in these!
2. These Bleach Wash Stud Shorts are all kinds of cute and just a little bit shorter: £22 at Dorothy Perkins, while these Mid Denim Ripped Hem Shorts (5) at Miss Selfridge for £25 take another jump up in a darker wash.
3. Just like the name says: Superdry Super Short Shorts are super short, in comfy soft stretch denim at £49.99 from ASOS and these Sav Shorts (4) are definitely not for the faint-hearted, but I love the colour and classic frayed hem. Oh, did I mention they have 56% off their original price? They’re £50, also at ASOS by Twenty8Twelve. (Designer, even!)
And in-keeping with my new American appreciation, the Flag Print Hotpants, £32 at Topshop are USA a-ok. But please, if you see me wearing them – help me.
‘No money down’ Thinpurse.com tip?
Just chop the legs off a pair of jeans you don’t wear any more. This is a great way to update a pair of flares you’re not going to wear anymore, because, well, they’re flares.
Start by chopping off the legs below the knees. Put them on, and roll them up in front of the mirror to figure out what length you’d like. Mark them with dressmaker’s chalk, or a pen. Make the second cut, but make it lower than your mark.
Try them on again. At this point, decide on your final length. Leave them there if you’re planning on rolling up the hems, but if you want the proper cut-off look, trim them to the length you’d like. It’s cool to leave them a little longer, then you have the option of both looks.
