At least in more “season-less” places like San Francisco, that rare bout of summer heat we get over the course of the year tends to pounce on us full-force when we least expect it, and it’s usually quite a doozy. That’s why I’m making sure to have my arsenal of summer shorts for this season ready at hand ahead of time, even though the present weather still has me bundled up in bed! This season it’s all about ditching your boring neutral bottoms — khaki cargo shorts or distressed denim — and opting for silky, comfy cut-offs with fanciful prints. Sure, they might look a little kooky on the racks, and printed shorts certainly aren’t for the shy fashionista, but when styled right and balanced with played-down summer basics like a simple striped tee or solid floaty blouse, the effect is fun and chic with loads of personality. Summer 2011 certainly has plenty of pizzazz, if nothing else!

From left to right: Alice + Olivia Printed Butterfly Short, Forever 21 Draped Firework Short, Free People Wren Brush Printed Short, and Rachel Roy Pleated Printed Short.

– Alex Gambardella

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