How to Wear Cargo Shorts Without Looking Dumpy

Cargo shorts are comfortable, casual...and can run the risk of looking like you've just come from your job as a camp counselor. Here are some tips on how to look cute and fashionable in cargo shorts by pairing it with items from your own closet.

1) Make sure the hit at the right spot on your middle. They should fall at your hips, not your upper abs. That way you can go with a looser, more comfortable fit without looking bigger all over. The farther up the shorts fall, the fatter you will look - it gives the illusion that you don't have a waist.

2) Make sure they hit the right spot on your leg. Don't wear them any longer than a couple inches above your knee, otherwise you will look shorter.

3) Wear a belt. Otherwise you risk looking a bit too mid-1990's grunge. You have options here - a cute scarf in a pretty pattern looped around your waist and tied at your side can be adorable, and provides a nice contrast to the structure of the shorts. You could also wear a leather belt - a braided leather belt is nice, as is one in a nice leather with an interesting buckle. A vintage or broken-in wide leather belt adds structure while still being comfortable. Skinny leather belts in either metallic or patent leather are cute. And an embroidered fabric belt adds whimsy. Whichever belt you choose, a belt makes your outfit look put together, not just thrown on.

4) Don't just throw on any T-shirt. For especially hot summer days, a tank top in a color that flatters your skin tone works great - but it also makes a belt mandatory. Don't go for a skin-tight tank - you need to provide balance to the looseness of the shorts. Go for a form-skimming tank that allows your skin to breath and balances out your shorts. If you have good shoulders (and nearly all women do), this is a great way to highlight them. If you are in shape, this is a great way to show off your muscles! A racerback tank is also great - it makes the whole outfit look sporty, and looks great if you put your hair up as well.

Tees that are too large, no matter how comfortable they are, will make you look several sizes larger even if you are a skinny stick. You can still wear a comfortable T-Shirt without it adding bulk to your look.

5) Tunic tops are also good. A tunic top should end an inch or two below your hip. A loose fit is good, as long as the fabric is light and airy. It should at least have a cap-sleeve, but an inch or two above your elbow is ideal. This is good if you don't like your upper arms. It should be a slim sleeve without being tight.

6) Silk tops are great. They provide contrast and softness when paired with cargo shorts. They add a nice girly-ness to the look. Just make sure they aren't too dressy - but it's easy to find plenty of casual silks.

7) Wedge shoes are nice and add length to your look (as well as slimness), but if you want to wear flat sandals, a decorated pair are a great look too. Mary Janes are also good.

There are days you just need to be comfortable as you run errands, but you still want to look good. Cargo shorts fit the bill if you put them with the right pieces.