This summer ditch your belt and say hello to the comfort of elastic waistbands! Elastic waistbands, with and without draw strings, are the biggest trend this summer that you can actually wear successfully. Not just for gym shorts anymore. These easy breezy summer shorts are perfect for a daytime BBQ or a night out drinking.

(From top- Row 1: both Denim&Supply by Ralph Lauren. Row 2: American Eagle, H&M. Row 3: both ChubbiesShorts.com. Row 4: both J Crew Factory. Row 5: both Gap.)

The other (bigger) trend this summer is tropical prints. You’ll see them everywhere at the mall. This trend got it start on the Spring runways in Paris back in 2012. Now it’s finally trickled down to the retailers we can afford. I love this look but I recommend you proceed with caution because you can easily end up looking like a Margaritaville reject when done wrong.  (Above: short from H&M. Right: Givenchy Menswear Spring 2012)