We all have that one friend we turn to for fashion advice. On the internet, that second set of eyes is Laurel Pantin—a writer, editor, mom, and entrepreneur-about-town—whose never overdressed or underdressed. Ask Earl is a direct line to Pantin’s brain, where once a month, she’ll help you solve the age-old question of what to wear—and how to wear it, well—for any possible scenario. Trying to figure out how to style work pants without looking corporate? Or how to pack for a long-haul flight with toddlers? Maybe it’s summer outfit ideas that don’t involve dresses… Whatever your question, Ask Earl is where you’ll find the answer.
Hi! I’m Laurel Pantin, and this is my dream come true. I write a style and shopping newsletter on Substack called Earl Earl where I write about, well, a lot of things, but mostly personal styling and identity, and how to feel current without looking trendy. Last October, I brought my newsletter to life when I opened Earl IRL (get the pun?) in Beverly Hills. It’s a teeny tiny boutique and styling studio where I can work one-on-one with clients helping them figure out their own personal style, and build an arsenal of clothing that makes them feel excellent. My favorite thing in the world (besides my kids) is helping people solve their style and wardrobe, and I’ve made it my job—my actual job—to answer styling questions. What a trip!
Micro Shorts
I actually really like my legs. I do a lot of heavy resistance training and they’re strong and I like them. However, my style typically doesn’t show much skin. I like to wear things oversized and relatively covered, so to balance these Made Some board shorts out, I went with an oversized Comme Si button-down in Grecian Blue. A logo-heavy tee would feel a bit too Gen Z for me, I’m really not trying to look like I’m in my twenties over here. These little classic blue sneakers also help. Whenever I wear little shorts like this I like to keep my foot covered so that I don’t feel like it’s just flesh out all the way down.
Boxer Shorts
I don’t like to say anything has been “trending” but, boxer shorts have been trending for a few years. I love them in concept—they’re boyish, comfortable, cool, and generally pretty affordable. The trick here is to make them look like shorts, not underwear. A special knit on top works (if it’s too hot for a knit, try a little sleeveless linen blouse). This one is from Zankov and very lightweight. I also like to wear sandals that look very polished and special, like these from Herbert Levine. They’re burgundy suede and gorgeous. The boxers are Comme Si and come in a zillion colors, but I like the dark navy in the shorts. I also think this isn’t the typical way to wear them (I usually see them paired with a coordinating button down or a white tee) which makes them feel a little more grown-up and serious.
Sporty Shorts
These Rachel Comey shorts are so cute, they have a lot of volume, are a great color, and an interesting shape. They’re very sporty, but clearly not true athletic shorts. I love them with another bright sporty piece, like this Rachel Comey sweatshirt, but like the boxer shorts, I prefer to wear them with slightly more polished shoes to keep them from looking too literal. These embellished suede flip-flops are also Herbert Levine and they are so, so comfortable. A tidy little leather pouch instead of a canvas tote also helps this feel like real clothes.
Long Denim Shorts
The only way I’m wearing denim shorts is long. Short jean shorts are too reminiscent of my childhood in Texas, so I prefer something slouchier and more skater now. This is the kind of look I typically go for: baggy, oversized and raw edge jean shorts worn low on the hips like a boy, but I love them dressed up. It’s unexpected and interesting, but totally works. In this case, the Kallmeyer Ellis shorts go beautifully with this Kallmeyer sculptural poplin top. The bell shape of the top offers a nice contrast to how straight the shorts are; it’s a great tension between masculine and feminine and feels very adult.
