AMALGAMATE.: 05/18/10

They don’t have to be this micro, but a sexy, leggy pair of shorts surprises everyone (especially guys) when topped with something tailored, or lacy, or both.

Blazer, top, shorts, Stella McCartney; sunglasses, Wunderkind; earrings, St. Kilda Jewelry by Nora Kogan; necklace, Alyssa Norton; belt, Dior; crystal pave globe ring, Swarovski; stacked rings, Le Vian; gold band, Camilla Dietz Bergeron; bracelets, Alyssa Norton. For iridescent nails like these, try Orly Nail Lacquer in Rage, $8, orlybeauty.com.

Try a Super-Straight Skirt

Whether you go for the trendy longer length or stop at the knee, make it bright instead of safe black.

Cardigan, skirt, flower belt, socks, Rochas; hat, Makins Hats; bow bracelet, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry; rope bracelet, Jewelry by Beth Lauren; gold bracelets, Camilla Dietz Bergeron; ring (at left), Daniel Espinosa; stacked rings (at right), Le Vian; shoes, Christian Louboutin.

Reconsider Shoulder Pads (Not Kidding)

Subtle ones like these make your body look long and gorgeous if you balance them with narrow lapels and keep the rest sleek and tapered.

Jacket, capris, Bottega Veneta; bra, 3.1 Phillip Lim; flowered belt, Rochas; bow bracelet, Sonia Rykiel; striped bracelet, Alyssa Norton; black rhinestone bracelet, Made Her Think; serpent bangle, Jenny Bird; other bangles, Le Vian; rings, from left: Cartier, Zorab Atelier de Creation, Carrera y Carrera, Doyle & Doyle; shoes, Donna Karan New York. To get bronze cheeks, try Estee Lauder Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Exotic Bronzing Blush, $32, esteelauder.com.

Go High-Waisted

You’ll create such a pretty, femme shape when you tuck in your shirt. Also, see how nothing exactly matches here? That’s a chic risk to take too.

Sweater, skirt, bloomers, Louis Vuitton; sunglasses, Wunderkind; necklace,Janis by Janis Savitt; cuff, Carole TanenbaumVintage Collection; ring, St. Kilda Jewelry by Nora Kogan; bag, Derek Lam; shoes, Tabitha Simmons.

Embrace the White One-Piece

It’s the swankiest, sultriest thing ever to hit the beach (or your couch). Yes, make sure the fabric is thick and opaque, and prepare for some pretty wild catcalls!

Swimsuit, Eres; sunglasses, Dries Van Noten by Linda Farrow; necklace, Steven Shein; gold band, Camilla Dietz Bergeron; blue-crystal ring, Swarovski; other rings, Le Vian; striped bracelet, Alyssa Norton; rope bracelet, Jewelry by Beth Lauren; white cuff, Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection; shoes, Miu Miu.

Do Socks With Heels

It’s a fun look that’s migrating from runways to real life. If the combo here seems a little too much for you, replace the stacked pump with an ankle bootie and just let your socks peek over the shoe.

Top, skirt, Donna Karan New York; belt, Zac Posen; socks, Burberry; pumps, Rochas.