I’ve been sitting on this post for a couple of weeks without running it because I possess so much ambivalence on the topic of shorts. And I’m only including it now because I Instagrammed a picture of myself bravely wearing them over the weekend, which prompted several of you to request a post on them. But they’re such a contentious topic. Many of you flat-out hate them, and for good reason: the wrong pair can do terrible things to your legs. And so many of you have crazy neuroses about exposing your knees under any circumstances. But I like them when it gets really hot, and believe that they can look good on even the most imperfect pair of legs—if you find the right pair. I got some very similar to these from James Perse last summer and wore the hell out of them. They’re definitely on the casual side, but if for kicking around, they’re great.

These have the feel of chinos, which appeals. I’d wear them with a button-down and good belt.

I have these, and adore them.

I think the gym short silhouette is actually a very flattering shape, if you want to go shorter.

And here’s a gym short in plus-size range.

This pair comes almost to the knees and is therefore probably best for those with longer legs.

I like the army green and high waist of this plus size choice.

A shorter pair than I usually go for, but they’re nice and roomy around the leg, which keeps them flattering.

A nicely tailored option from Theory.

I wish this came in more sizes, because it’s the best longer-length denim short I found.

There’s nothing I love like a big fat rugby stripe tee.

I live in No 6 clog sandals this time of year, but I’m hard on my shoes—I walk weird, and run down the heels quickly—so my sandals from years past are looking pretty busted. I decided to freshen things up with this huarache clog, which I got in the excellent red you see here. It comes in three heights (this is the highest) which is handy.

Tevas are so very ugly, but so damn comfortable, and my old pair—with a white footbed, which was a mistake—were looking pretty nasty, so I replaced them with these, in a pretty good army green.

And yet another Ulla Johnson dress I am dying for: it’s so feminine, but the shirtdress shape keeps it clean-lined at the same time.

I actually own these Nili Lotan military jeans in a regular blue jean wash, so I can’t possibly go for these, too. But I am sorely tempted.

And finally: the simplest, most nicely-priced preppy-chic dress for kicking around on weekends.