Home Sweet Home // dress shorts + vest

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix giving shorts outfit ideas
Earlier this month I took a trip home, traveling from NYC to Chicago. I grew up in a suburb located outside the city called Naperville, and I love that my parents still live there so that I can come back and visit. These photos were taken in front of our city's iconic "Dandelion" fountain - isn't it beautiful? 
brunette fashion blogger showing off balayage blonde hair
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix showing how to wear shorts
...Getting back to fashion, I wanted to style a summer outfit that proves shorts CAN be dressed up, and therefore appropriate for more than just beach days and weekend wear. While most people reserve their shorts for after hours (sometimes in part due to office dress code,) this look is perfect for a night out or a summertime event. 
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix showing how to wear shorts to work
The key to mastering the classy-shorts look is to pick a pair in a neutral color (i.e. black,) a flattering silhouette (i.e. not too short,) and a dressy material (i.e. NOT denim.) This elegant pair is made of polyester and elastane, and, bonus - they're also high-waisted. Wearing shorts has never felt more grownup! 
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix wearing shorts with heels
When going for that formal shorts vibe, accessories play a major role. Since I'm wearing a relatively simple top, I added a black blazer vest for sophistication points. The vest also ties my shorts together and makes the two separate pieces look like a set.
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix showing how to wear a vest
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix summer outfit ideas
These mesh heels are way cool. I love the athleisure feel, which totally plays off of my casually chic shorts.
Mesh high heels
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix summer street style
Half choker, half necklace, this piece, while purchased in Paris, is available right here! It's super unique and adds tons of flair to any ensemble. The coolest part? The flowers are made of genuine leather. 
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix wearing a silver flower choker
nyc beauty blogger
Every woman needs a bright sunny purse in her life. This one never fails to give my outfits that extra oomph. Without it, I'd be black-and-white, which is all well and good, but come on people - it's SUMMER!
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix with yellow Rebecca Minkoff clutch
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix wearing shorts
Aside from my clutch, I added some color to my outfit in the form of makeup. I painted my lips a purpley fuchsia, which made quite the statement against my white top and black accents. When in doubt, go for the bold.  
nyc beauty blogger showing summer makeup ideas
Brown to blonde balayage highlights
If you think my hair's getting blonder, you'd be correct ;) I owe it all to balayage highlights and the talented people at Fringe Salon NYC
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix summer work outfit ideas
Photos by Sarah Harper 
[shorts: Banana Republic (similar pair here) // vest: Express (I also like this one) // top: Ann Taylor (similar style here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklace: & Other Stories // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // watch: Fossil // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in "ZZ"]

There's nothing quite like being home. And while my visit to Illinois was a quick one, it was incredibly memorable and only left me wanting more. 
NYC fashion blogger Kathleen Harper of Kat's Fashion Fix wearing shorts with a vest for office style
 // SHOP //


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