You might wear shorts out and about, at home, or both. This outfit formula focuses on pairing shorts with tops that are sleeved and voluminous.

1. Billowing Blouse

Bohemian and boho-lite blouses with sleeves are voluminous in subtle or exaggerated ways, and pair wonderfully with shorts. The Poetcore trend offers its billowing versions too. Breezy, lightweight, dressier than a tee, and adds a touch of pretty or dandy. It’s good sun-protection for your upper body too. Wear billowing blouses over shorts, or semi-tucked to temper the volume. Add espadrilles, flat sandals, flat mules, fisherman sandals, mesh flats, or another kind of casual flat. Add a relaxed bag to complete the look.

More examples of sleeved billowing blouses worn with shorts:

2. Matching Set

Matching top and bottoms sets, or co-ords, continue to trend in fashion. They are an easy outfit option because the top and bottom match is ready-to-go. Co-ords can be solid or patterned. Here are examples of long shorts worn with lightweight matching jackets, and shorts of varied lengths worn with matching sleeved shirts. The shirts are worn loosely over the shorts. Feel free to scrunch the long sleeves of shirts to showcase some forearm skin. The AllSaints example is dressier than beachy, and completed with a polished black backpack and hard edged black ankle strap flats.

More beachy and relaxed examples of sleeved shirt and shorts sets. You can break up the set by wearing a tank top under the shirt, leaving the shirt loose and unbuttoned.

3. Drawstring Top

Here, a voluminous white and avant-garde V-neck blouse is tempered by the sporty addition of a drawstring. It’s worn with flared black shorts. Black mesh flats match the shorts and model’s hair. A dark green woven tote adds a casual summery touch, and some colour.

4. Tees, Sweaters, Rugby Tops, Shirts

Last, here are more examples of big sleeved tops worn with shorts and flat casual footwear. There are oversized tees and beachy sweaters, as well as button down shirts that do not create a matching set, roomy rugby tops, and fashion sweatshirts. Add jewellery, eyewear, hats and watch as desired.

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They’re versatile because they can be worn in many ways. On hot days they work on their own with pants, shorts, jeans, jorts, culottes, and skirts for a breezy and relaxed look. They are equally useful as layering pieces under tops worn open like button-down shirts, lightweight blouses, jackets, track tops, and gauzy cardigans. Some people wear them under open-weave pullovers and very sheer tops for coverage. They also layer well under open waistcoats and vests, and can be worn under spaghetti strap dresses for a practical integrity.

Here’s a selection of tanks and muscle tees that have worked well on my clients, or have good reviews. Most are cotton or cotton-rich. Notably, tanks and muscle tees from PACT have particularly good reviews. Tanks from AllSaints are super if you want them fitted with ruching. The short West Side Ruched Tank is great to wear with skirts. There’s a good Washable Stretch Silk Shell Tank from Quince if you’re after something neutral and dressier.

These very lightweight navy Massimo Dutti Cotton Blend Wide-Leg Trousers are worth a look too. They’re wide, swooshy, avant-garde, and surprisingly crease-resistant. Dramatic, drape like a dream, and very comfortable. Easy to hem for petites if they’re too long. They look great with tank tops and muscle tees.

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In short, viscose, modal, and lyocell are all part of the rayon family. They begin as wood pulp from trees like beech, eucalyptus, bamboo, or spruce. The pulp is chemically processed into a soft fibre that can be woven or knitted into fabric. Some classify these as natural fibres because they originate from plants, while others consider them semi-synthetic because of the chemical processing involved.

Rayon

Rayon is the UMBRELLA term. It refers to fibres made from plant pulp that are chemically processed into soft textile fibres. Rayon was originally developed as an affordable alternative to silk, which is why many rayon fabrics have a fluid drape and are silky to the touch. One of rayon’s strengths is that it blends beautifully with other fibres. It softens crisp cotton, relaxes rigid linen, and adds movement and fluidity to fabrics that might otherwise feel stiff or dry. Rayon is also highly breathable and absorbent, making it especially comfortable to wear in warm and hot weather.

Viscose

Viscose is the most common and affordable type of rayon. Quality varies enormously. Superior viscose is quite luxe, like ECO VERO. Inferior viscose wrinkles, pills, shrinks, and loses its shape. Personally, I am hesitant to purchase items made of 100% viscose because of the downside. That said, I have a gorgeous blouse in 100% ECO VERO, which is a brilliantly robust viscose that launders and drapes beautifully. And viscose blended with other fibres is equally brilliant. I’m a big fan of those fabric compositions.

Modal

Modal is a softer and stronger version of rayon. Compared to viscose, modal is generally smoother, more durable, and less prone to shrinkage. It’s a great fibre for knitted fabrics. That’s why it’s a popular fibre in knitwear, loungewear, underwear, and sleepwear. It’s extra soft, comfortable against the skin, and launders well, which is an important attribute for wardrobe basics that become wardrobe workhorses.

Lyocell

Lyocell is another type of rayon, but made with a more modern manufacturing process that is considered more environmentally responsible. It’s increasingly blended with denim to create jeans that feel softer without added stretch. Wool blended with lyocell is also becoming more common because it creates fluid drape and feels especially comfortable against the skin.

Tencel

Tencel is not a separate fibre. It’s a brand name from the Austrian company Lenzing AG for their premium lyocell and modal fibres. Manufacturers often use “Tencel” and “lyocell” interchangeably, although technically Tencel is branded lyocell or modal produced to specific quality and environmental standards.

In the end, these fibres occupy an interesting middle ground between natural and synthetic fabrics (although I think of them as natural rather than synthetic). They offer softness, drape, and comfort that many people love, especially in modern relaxed silhouettes, casual attire, and fluid hot-weather dressing. Understanding the terminology simply makes it easier to decode garment labels and make informed wardrobe choices.

As always, fabric quality matters just as much as fibre content. A beautifully made rayon garment can outperform a poorly made cotton or linen one. Construction, weave, finish, and care all make a difference. And fabrics made of blended fibres can be the very best fabrics of all.

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Onto some outfit inspiration. Choose any colour palette in solids or patterns. The idea is to be inspired by the combination of silhouettes because bubble skirts are more versatile than you might expect. Comfortable and dramatic too.

1. Peplum

A peplum top has a defined waist, which looks lovely with a BIG skirt because it tempers the volume and adds structure to the outfit. It’s a fab one for Team Waist Definition. Here, a black peplum top is combined with a milk chocolate brown bubble skirt. Black sling-back pumps and a small satchel add a dressy and elegant touch to the outfit.

2. T-Shirt

Bubble skirts can be worn casually with T-shirts. Here, a fluid white tee is worn over a periwinkle bubble skirt. A short boxy tee would work well too. A sweater is tied around the waist for a practical and decorative effect, like we did back in the ’80s. The sweater can also be draped around your shoulders. Suede clog hybrids are the super relaxed shoes of choice. Feel free to wear casual sandals, mules, low profile sneakers, espadrilles, or loafers instead.

3. Bubble Hem Squared

Bubble skirts can look less voluminous in a slinky and soft knitted fabric, like in the chartreuse co-ord you see below. The skirt is matched with a bubble hem top in the same colour and fabric to create a two-piece dress. A Spring scarf adds more colour, while pewter shoes ground the outfit in a quietly neutral way.

4. Boxy

Last, an avant-garde look combines a black bubble skirt with hitch-up detailing, making the silhouette look more architectural. It’s combined with a short boxy white blouse with similar hitch-up detailing, thereby marrying it back to the skirt. Simple black slides add a casual and nonchalant element to the outfit. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

I bought a tomato red bubble skirt from H&M that is nostalgic as all heck. Takes me straight back to 1985 and I absolutely LOVE it. The fabric and silhouette looks polished and playful after I pressed out all the creases, and it’s well made too. A $60 skirt that looks like a pricey designer piece. It’s very comfortable, and a delight to wear. It matches many tops and short jackets in my wardrobe, and is easy to style. It perfectly matches my new Everlane sweatshirt, thereby creating a two-piece dress, and that’s how I wore the skirt first. Finished off the look with pearly white dressy flats, pearls, blue specs, and a citron bag. The exact items are represented in the collection. Wearing skirts with sweatshirts has been an excellent outfit formula for my style and climate. I am firmly back on Team Skirt because of this formula.

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What I appreciate most about Levi’s today is the depth and inclusivity of the assortment. There are silhouettes for almost every preference, body type, and style aesthetic. You’ll find skinny, slim, straight, relaxed, boyfriend, barrel, bootcut, flare, wide leg, horseshoe, oversized, and vintage-inspired fits, alongside denim skirts, dresses, jackets, and tops. The range of rises, washes, and inseams is equally extensive. Many styles come in shorter and longer lengths, and some are available in curvy fits. There’s a strong assortment of non-denim casual wear too. You can also shop secondhand Levi’s online, and read about the brand’s sustainability initiatives here.

Levi’s also does a good job with gender-neutral dressing. In my opinion, the 501s were one of the best examples of this back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Many current items are intentionally unisex, oversized, or relaxed in fit, and there’s an ease and versatility to the collections that feels current. Even some of the so-called unintended unisex pieces work beautifully across genders. For example, some of my women clients have had great luck shopping the men’s department for jeans, tees, and jackets.

Quality is another strength. Levi’s denim is robust, launders well, and most items are reasonably priced. Their Japanese selvedge, Blue Tab, and Japanese-inspired collections are significantly pricier, but worth exploring if you enjoy fashion-forward, dramatic, and avant-garde denim. And if you’re an old-school denim lover like me who enjoys thick, somewhat rigid, 100% cotton denim without stretch, Levi’s has you covered too.

Levi’s stores deserve special mention because the in-person shopping experience is consistently excellent. The staff wear the product creatively and are knowledgeable about fits, washes, rises, and lengths. Promotions and loyalty-member discounts are frequent too, which helps keep the brand feeling accessible despite its iconic status.

A standout feature is the Levi’s Tailor Shop, available in many flagship locations. This takes the denim experience to another level. Customers can have jeans hemmed, tapered, repaired, distressed, embroidered, patched, or otherwise customized. The embroidery and customization options are especially fun. You can add initials, graphics, patches, embellishments, raw hems, rivets, tabs, buttons, and other personalized touches that make the denim feel bespoke. Levi’s has wisely embraced the idea that denim becomes more meaningful when it reflects the personality of the wearer. You can even have jeans hemmed in-store within the hour.

In a fashion landscape that frequently changes, Levi’s remains remarkably steady and iconic. The brand manages to feel nostalgic, modern, practical, fashionable, inclusive, and aspirational all at once, which is no small achievement. We have two flagship Levi’s stores in Seattle that are AMAZING. In my opinion, they offer one of the best brick-and-mortar retail experiences in the US. I take clients and friends there regularly when they’re shopping for jeans or denim items, and always encourage them to explore the customization options. So far, we’ve all had great luck and a lot of fun there.

I’m personally a huge fan of Levi’s and loyal to the brand. I frequently browse the new arrivals and keep a close eye on the Japanese Blue Tab collections. I LOVE that I wore 501s decades ago and am happily wearing them again today. I currently own two pairs that feel wonderfully nostalgic and make me smile every time I wear them. A few months ago, I also found the best bespoke denim jacket for me of all time at Levi’s, and I’ll share that story soon. In the meantime, here’s how Levi’s is currently represented in my wardrobe.

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The dress is made from Lenzing’s ECOVERO viscose, a sustainably produced fibre derived from wood pulp. It comes in five unique summery patterns and is available in petite, regular, and long lengths. Sizes range from US0 to US22.

If you’re taller, consider the long length. If you’re shorter, try the petite. I’ve seen both lengths on my clients, and the fit is excellent. The silhouette skims and floats against the body, and is forgiving through the bust and midsection without looking poufy. The skirt has a lovely swoosh, and the fabric feels heavenly against the skin.

As an added bonus, the dress is currently discounted by 30% through June 9.

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Onto some outfit inspiration for Spring and Summer.

1. Pants

A pair of cherry red lined wide leg pleated pants is paired with a summery white sleeveless pointelle sweater. I love the length of the pants. The sweater is semi-tucked to showcase the waist of the pants, and shorten its length. Dark red thong sandals add an extra beachy and high Summer touch. Add a raffia bag or other casual bag to complete the look. Substitute the pants for a skirt, if that’s more your thing.

2. Topper

Red toppers can be effective dopamine boosters. Here, a cocoon shaped oversized parka tops a neutral combination of chocolate brown slouchy wide leg trousers and cream long sleeved tee. Black boots match a dressy black shoulder bag and the model’s hair. Think of any other neutral pairing of top and bottom like navy, olive, toffee, tan, or grey – and complete the outfit with a red topper.

3. Dress

A cool toned red smocked fit and flare frock is the statement star of the show. It’s completed with black heeled sandals and dressy bag, which match the model’s black hair and eyewear. A bag and pair of shoes in a shade of brown, metallic, white, or animal print would work well too. And so can a two-piece dress made up of a skirt and top.

4. Pattern and Blue Denim

Think of any patterned top in cool shades of red and combine it with blue denim. Here, a pair of on trend denim clamdiggers is combined with an untucked boho-lite patterned paisley blouse. Classic white sneakers with gum soles add a sporty touch. Add jewellery, eyewear, and watch as desired.

Personally, red has featured in my own style all my life. My red is a warm toned orange-y tomato red. I think of it as “a neutral” because to my eye, it works well with every colour, and especially neutrals. Red is versatile. Who bats for Team Red?

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A yoke is a fitted panel that sits at the top of a skirt, usually around the waist and upper hip area, before the fuller part of the skirt begins. The length and shape of the yoke vary from style to style. Yokes can be curved, angled, V-shaped, straight, or asymmetrical, and are sewn separately from the rest of the skirt. Think of them as built-in shaping sections that create structure on the waist and hips. Volume is added below the yoke with gathers, pleats, flared panels, or asymmetrical pieces. The collection shows examples of skirts with yokes.

Yoked skirts are appealing because they combine structure with ease, creating shape without clinging. The fitted panel contours the waist and hip area before releasing into volume lower down the body. This can feel more comfortable, and look more streamlined, than skirts that gather and pleat at the waist, which can create bulk around the midsection. The silhouette is breezy, elegant in motion, and practical in longer lengths because it offers sun protection and coverage. The look pairs well with fitted tops, short boxy or tailored jackets, oversized blazers, oversized denim jackets, tucked and semi-tucked knitwear and tees, fluid shirts, and cropped tops that showcase some or most of the yoke.

You can also style a yoked skirt by entirely covering the yoke. Simply wear a longer tailored, fluid, or oversized top over the skirt so that it just covers the yoke. Or wear a top with a welt positioned on the seam where the yoke joins the fuller part of the skirt. Knitted tops, sweatshirts, and knitwear often achieve the “welt effect” naturally.

Personally, as long as the skirt is voluminous and long, and the yoke isn’t too far down the hips, I enjoy wearing skirts with yokes. I wore them in the ’80s with oversized pullovers, welted tops, shoulder pads, and cropped jackets. I’m happily wearing a yoked skirt in 2026 in better fabrics and without the shoulder pads because I like the proportions. I recently modeled my new yoked skirt on the forum. 

Over to you. What are your thoughts on skirts with yokes?

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When I first shopped at Aritzia, I found the assortment puzzling. Career wear, athleisure, and clubbing attire all under one roof and seemingly aimed at the same customer felt disjointed. Over time, I realized that this is one of the retailer’s strengths. Aritzia operates almost like several boutiques housed within one store, with each in-house label catering to a different aesthetic and lifestyle. For example, the “Babaton” label focuses on polished tailoring and modern workwear. “Wilfred” feels softer, more romantic, and fashion-forward. “Sunday Best” skews youthful and playful. “TNA” is casual, sporty, and athleisure-inspired. Housing these different style identities together broadens the appeal of the retailer, and cleverly allows customers to shop across multiple lifestyles in one place.

The size range has improved over the years. Many items run from XXS to 2XL, although availability varies by style and silhouette. Fit can also be inconsistent across the different labels. Some silhouettes are oversized and roomy, while others are quite trim and body-con. Some bottoms are offered in curvy fits too. It helps to try items on, and to read online reviews and garment measurements carefully before ordering.

Price points range from moderate to fairly high. Tees and simple tops often start around US$40 to US$80. Knitwear and dresses tend to sit in the US$100 to US$250 range, while tailoring and outerwear can climb significantly higher. Their famous Super Puff jackets can cost several hundred dollars depending on fabrication and length. Aritzia does host seasonal sales, which makes the assortment more affordable.

Fabrics and quality are generally great, although not uniformly exceptional across every category. Some pieces are beautifully made and wear extremely well, while others are less impressive. To my eye, Aritzia excels at elevated wardrobe essentials and simple modern tailoring. Think dressy wool coats, trench coats, trousers, blazers, solid blouses, belts, and puffer jackets. Those are exactly the categories I tend to shop with clients, often with great success.

Many Aritzia stores are architecturally striking, with soaring ceilings and carefully designed interiors that feel upscale. Some locations include cafe or lounge-like elements. There are usually patient friends and family members waiting comfortably in the lounge while their loved ones shop. The dressing room set-up is distinctive too. The fitting rooms themselves are fairly minimal, while the communal mirror area outside the rooms is expansive and dramatic, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. That means you need to step outside the fitting room to see said items in the mirror, which some shoppers find fun and others find off-putting.

Overall, Aritzia occupies an interesting niche in the market, and I enjoy browsing in-person with clients when I’m at the mall. It offers trend-aware fashion with a polished and elevated sensibility, while remaining practical, clean, neutral, and subtle. For shoppers who enjoy modern fashion with a luxe feel and minimalist palette, it’s a retailer worth browsing. Personally, I’ve had excellent luck with Aritzia’s dressy Effortless Pants, especially versions made with fabrics from Portugal and Japan. On the other hand, I’ve passed on a few 100% polyester items that didn’t end up working when put through their paces.

Over to you. Have you shopped at Aritzia, and what are your impressions of the brand and assortment?

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I’d like to rekindle the vibe with a pretty new necktie in soft colours. Something along these lines:

Some of my clients enjoy wearing neckties, and it’s fun to be creative with their outfits. Here’s some outfit inspiration for those who enjoy the look too. For those who don’t, perhaps you’ll appreciate the vibe from afar.

1. Necktie Bow

I’m fascinated by how they tied this necktie. Visually, it’s very effective! I think it’s a loosely tied bow, and will be experimenting at home. A high contrast necktie is worn on the skin of the neck, so inside the collar of the shirt and not around it. Choose any colour button down shirt and tie. You could wear the necktie bow over a T-shirt too. This shirt is semi tucked, and the pairing is worn with a floral mini skirt, which you can substitute with a skirt that is more to your taste. Add shoes and a bag that work with the outfit.

2. Utility Pants, Short Jacket, Heels

A pair of olive utility pants is paired with a tucked blue and white striped button down shirt. A high contrast navy necktie is worn around the shirt collar the traditional way. A short off white Chanel-esque tweed jacket is the dressy topper of choice. It matches dressy white pumps that amp up “the pretty” in the outfit. The black belt adds back traditional “menswear dressing”. Add a bag to match the palette.

3. Suited

These outfits are from Aritzia. The outfit on the left combines a dressy and somewhat slouchy grey pants suit with an untucked white T-shirt. A high contrast blue and navy striped necktie is draped loosely around the neck like an oblong scarf. Chunky athletic grey, black and white sneakers are the sporty shoe of choice. I’d have preferred to see low profile refined sneakers with the suit, although wear the shoes that work best for you. The outfit on the right combines a pair of black dressy and slouchy trousers with a brown and white striped button down shirt. A chocolate brown patterned necktie is worn in a traditional way around the collar of the shirt. A fluid dressy blazer tops the pairing. Dressy black boots and belt match the black bottoms and model’s hair.

4. Relaxed with Dressy Shoes

An oversized pale pink button down shirt with rolled up sleeves is tucked into a pair of dark grey pleated trousers. A low contrast light grey striped tie is worn in a loose and relaxed way around the collar of the shirt. White pointy toe pumps add a dressy, pretty and refined edge to the look. White earrings add a playful element. Add a bag that works with the outfit.

5. Jorts and Culottes

Last, a light blue and white striped button down shirt is combined with a matching necktie creating a delightful set and low contrast effect. Sleeves are scrunched to showcase forearm skin, and relax the shirt. The shirt is tucked into lemon jorts (culottes). Black slingbacks and clutch add a dressy edge, and match the model’s hair. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

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