It's A Shoe Thing, Part II

Skirts

This season we have so many skirt length options to enjoy. Whether the skirt is short or right above the ankle, straight or flowing, buying a shoe to express your lifestyle dressing is easy.

Short Skirt Options

Casual - We all interpret casual dress differently, and the most important element of a casual look is the shoe should scream comfort. A thong or woven flat sandal, a casual sequin open toe flat, or a canvas Ked are certainly good options for a casual short skirt.  

Dressier short skirts - Wedge sandals, whether you opt for espadrilles with ankle straps or fabric ties, are easier to walk in than high heels and look great with most length skirts. Kitten heels, lightweight leathers, microfiber shoes, or open toe patent leathers are great for a dressier short skirt.

Options for Longer Skirts

Casual long, flowing, or gauzy fabric skirts pair easily with sandals and wedges of all sorts. Metallics are true neutrals and soften bright colored fabrics and patterns. Transparent shoes in a smoky black or clear, along with blush, bone, or flesh tones have replaced the white shoe - amazing! Various colored corks, a lace up low heel, and open toe platforms pair easily with dressy chiffon fabric blends or simple cotton. Mules are a wonderful comfort shoe for flowing skirts, but are not necessarily a look to wear with straight long skirts. It may appear too heavy and clunky.

Tip for wearing long skirts: Hem the skirts to allow two and a half inches to show from the top of your foot to your ankle. It is more flattering for your foot and shoe.

With all the choices of colors, textures, fabrics, lightweight leathers, embellishments, heels heights, and styles, it is a fabulous time to let your personality shine through your shoe choices. Being practical works, but being expressive can be so much fun too!

Sexy Summer Alternatives To Mom Shorts

Hot Mama

Summer presents a host of potential wardrobe malfunctions. For many of us, that includes shorts that, um, don't flatter. Yes, we're talking "mom shorts." Here's what to wear instead.

In addition to being short on style, mom shorts add visual weight and make legs look stumpy. Gone are the days when many of us could wear Daisy Dukes with confidence, but that doesn’t mean we are ready to give up. There are so many great options to tiresome, basic shorts.

The trick to pulling it together this summer is not to overthink it. Dress for comfort, and your style will come together with just a few great purchases. Check out these six expert picks.

Rompers

The romper is this season’s version of a baby doll, says Suzanne Libfraind, the Savvy Stylist. It's easy to wear with canvas sneakers or gladiator-style sandals, a straw hat and a pair of ‘80s-era sunglasses. (Bisou Bisou Romper, $39, JCPenney.com)

Capris

Looking for a replacement short? Libfraind suggests a neutral-color capri with a horizontal striped tank and boyfriend sweater. Capris come in all lengths with bands or buttons to cinch the length. Complete the look with a drawstring floral hobo satchel and a woven straw sandal. (Streetwear Linen Crop Pants, $13.47, NewYorkandCompany.com)

Summer presents a host of potential wardrobe malfunctions. For many of us, that includes shorts that, um, don't flatter. Yes, we're talking "mom shorts." Here's what to wear instead.

Dress the Part

Slip on a printed miniature floral dress with a brightly colored wedge shoe and oversized bag in a similar tone. Keep the jewelry to a minimum so the focus stays on the outfit, says Libfraind. (Floral Animal Print Skater Dress, $40.58, ASOS.com)

Style it up

This embellished tunic can be worn alone with sandals or paired with a cigarette-style pant -- perfect for hot summer days and sassy with a silver peep-toe dress sandal at night, says Libfraind. Grab a brightly colored clutch, and off you go! (Embellished Tunic Dress, $78, VictoriasSecret.com)

Ladies in skirts

Skirts this season offer the most freedom of casual wear. Look for skirts in abstract florals, chambray denims, minimized tie-dyes, horizontal stripes or even animal skin prints, Libfraind suggests. A simple t-shirt with ruffles, layered bands, sequences or metallics keeps you looking current and never boring. Layer with long necklaces, chunky chains, clear beads or spherical bracelets to add a touch of personality. (DG2 "Vintage" Floral Tiered Denim Skirt, $49.99, HSN.com)

Short Shorts

Maybe you still feel the love for the short shorts of your youth. In that case, go for it! "The shorter the better for spring. From teenagers to sexy moms, girls are loving their shorts super -short and fitted," says celebrity stylist Jason Campbell. Try pairing with easy flip-flops and ballet flats. The trend for shorts and high heels is holding strong, too -- it's a great day and nighttime look. Creams, whites and blush tones are turning up in both night and day looks, but the safe way to go is dark for night (embellished with a bit of shine in some cases) and lighter,

more casual colors for day. Cool styles are cropping up from brands such as Franklin and Gower, which are selling short shorts with customizable tuxedo stripes. (Cheap Monday Denim Short Shorts, $55, ShopBop.com)

Article originally appeared at http://www.sheknows.com/articles/814890/sexy-summer-alternatives-to-mom-shorts-1