Is it OK to wear shorts when the temperature drops? What do you wear with them?
—Risa, via the Ask Style inbox

Fashion folklore has it that shorts must be banished to the back of your closet come wintertime. But it's time to dispel that myth, 'cause the quirky trend can look seriously stylish if done with a little skill. Read on for Viva Fashion editor Carmen Ordoñez's three-prong recipe for winter shorts success.

"Choose a fabric that's appropriate. I recommend staying away from very thin materials such as linen, and instead stick to warm fabrics such as tweed or wool, which are more seasonal," advises Ordoñez.

The next integral ingredient is tights.

Try sporting bare legs in the winter and you'll earn some interesting looks, not to mention subject yourself to pneumonia. Let's bypass all that and instead pair "opaque tights with darker-colored shorts. Not only will they keep your legs nice and warm, but it will also help to elongate your legs," says Ordoñez. 

As for layering, you know the drill—more is better. Begin with a lace cami, then layer a cardigan and top it all off with a slouchy boyfriend blazer. A cozy knit scarf completes the look.

Now that you have an excuse to show off those Pilates-toned legs year round, just remember to exercise your newly found know-how and you'll never come up short (excuse the pun!) on style.

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