Home Sweet Home // dress shorts + vest

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? 

...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. 

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! 

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.

These mesh heels are way cool. I love the athleisure feel, which totally plays off of my casually chic shorts.

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. 

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!

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.  

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. 

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. 

 // SHOP //