Olivia Palermo Wearing Shorts

As a fashion fixture, Olivia Palermo's honed her craft in knowing what works, and if ever there was a chance to see the living proof of that, it's right here. The style pro hit Intimissimi's Fall/ Winter '13 fashion show in Verona, Italy, armed with two chic shorts looks — and consequently inspired two essential styling lessons. She sticks to the same formula with both of these ensembles: sheer button-down, stem-flaunting but polished Summer shorts, and the same woven pumps to finish each look. Of course, we love that she differentiates the two with contrasting color palettes, making her floral bottoms and light-hued blouse perfect for day and her black-on-black just right for an evening out. Replicate both looks with our shopping picks and tips below.

• To channel the same daytime polish with your shorts, look to pretty prints, cool brights, or lace on tailored shorts. Most importantly, look for a fit that flatters your leg line. With fuller thighs, a hemline that falls just above the knee with a looser fit will be most flattering. As for shorter stems, look for a higher-waisted pair of shorts that will help create the illusion of longer legs.
• Whether you're dressing for day or night, slim your waist by tucking your button-downs and blouses into the waistline of your shorts. This will not only lend a more pulled-together finish, it will draw the eye in to your slimmest point.
• For night, an all-black look like Olivia's can be a sultry spin on shorts. If you're looking to go more glam, swap out a tote bag for an eye-catching clutch and finish with a pair of statement earrings or a special necklace.
• Further the leggy effect with a pair of stem-lengthening heels. Olivia's woven pumps transition easily from day to night, but a pair of nude heels or wedges would work just as well — and give the illusion of mile-long legs.
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