Shorts. Who would have thought these could be the hottest article of clothing in 2006? Not this girl. Never in a million years would I have imagined shorts coming back into style. I dreaded wearing them as a kid, but now they are running off store racks around the country and I indeed have been spotted wearing shorts this season.

From classy Banana Republic shorts for the office, to a nice pair of Gap shorts for a casual Saturday afternoon, shorts are the next big thing. They are being dressed up, dressed down, and ultimately showing off legs all over!

To dress up a pair of chic shorts for the office, pair them with a pair of pointed toe heels alongside a classy button-up shirt. To up the oomph for the office, tie a silk scarf around your neck. To dress down a pair of shorts for a day out at the beach, accessorize them with a pair of
thong sandals such as Target's Mossimo® Peppe Jeweled Whipstitch Thongs.

Shorts are a definite must have for the summer season of 2006. Pair them with a nice pair of heels and you'll be set for a night out on the town!

Beware to avoid one style of shorts: the Jessica Simpson clad Daisy Duke shorts from the movie the Dukes of Hazzard. They are too short to even be considered to be worn out in public. Steer clear of the Daisy Dukes!

Here are a list of stores where you will be able to find the hottest shorts! Happy shopping!

• Banana Republic
• The Gap
• H & M
• Forever 21