Though I’m the kind of person who endures winter by means of denying its existence, I must admit I was really starting to loose my forbearance after – what? – almost seven months of shitty cold weather? It’s about time us girls show off some skin (and maybe get a nice sun-kissed glow) and, in so doing, enhance the effects of our feminine wiles, letting us taunt you boys with thigh-grazing mini skirts that flutter in the wind. For the most part, we know what entices testosterone, but do you know what gets our libidos racing? Well-worn shorts, for one.

That’s right lads, a little exposed thigh can arouse us, if done right. This season can be divvied up into four categories: the put-together athlete, casually tailored tycoon, morbid eccentric and vivid optimist.

The Athlete

Let me explain: the first category, the athlete, is best exemplified by Acne’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection, pairing short loose-fitting navy shorts with two layers of fitted monochromatic grey on top and electric sapphire sneakers. The subtle color coordination and muted tones, save the eye-catching shoes, feigns a desirably nonchalant look. Rag & Bone took the sporty mien a step further, adding a splash of color, but keeping outfits wholly in either cold or warm hues (if you don’t understand this reference, I suggest you revisit elementary art class).

Acne

Rag & Bone

The Tycoon

For the second, what I’m calling the casually tailored tycoon, Billy Reid fused lumberjack and preppy, foraging a marriage between casual and tailored with knee-length shorts in greys and khaki paired with colored denim shirts and polos and topped off with a milkman cap. Hermes presented an homage to the monochrome trend, coupling loose-fitting tees with cardigans, fitted shorts hitting just below the knee and yacht-worthy shoes, all in dapper earth tones.

Billy Reid

The Morbid Eccentric

For those of you with an affinity for turning heads, Comme des Garcons embraced death this season with a morbid line of skull-printed harem shorts, silver dress shoes and red buttons on black. The alluring balance of quirky and sophisticated is much like if St. Marks were to cross Gansevoort Street (yes, I secretly wish it did).

Comme des Garcons

The Optimist

Darkness and demise may not be for everyone, however (though many New Yorkers cover up in copious layers of black) which brings me to the feast of bright colors offered up for the optimists among you. Jill Sander epitomizes the trend with ivory-skinned models parading through an Italian garden in indigo, hunter green and canary yellow shirt-suits and striped shirts.

Jill Sander

I’ve done my part, now it’s up to you, dear reader, to show some leg in style.

Pics via Style.com, Vogue Republic

By Maria Eilersen