Style + Beauty Editor

This summer mini skirts rule the racks along with another teeny-weeny fashion trend: short shorts. Both make ideal weekend-wear and work well with ballet flats, metallic gladiator sandals, and flip-flops for running around and hanging out.

Most women have a preference for one or the other, and I'm no exception. I think a mini (yes, definitely one that's longer than Rihanna's!) is easier to wear than short shorts. It'll skim over the widest, softest (and very possibly the flabbiest) part of your body, making your thighs, bum, hips and tummy look kind of, well, cute.

Shorts, on the other hand, have always seemed to divide, grab onto and expose the fleshiest bits (okay, except on Audrina Patridge, below),which is why I'm happy to see longer versions, too, that don't look boxy, stiff or granny-ish. Just be very sure you can handle sitting, crouching down, pumping gas and crossing your legs without drawing a crowd.

Here are my 10 favorite picks, but let me know which side you're on and what's too short for you. And, please, do yourself a favor and wear boyshorts - not thongs - under these!

MINIS
Flared, fuller styles in softer fabrics now actually sit at your real waist instead of low on the hip (though a lower waist works well for straight, sturdy jeans-minis). Add a tank and long cardigan to the former, a super-fine, lightweight button-down shirt or a bohemian top to the latter.

1 MinkPink chambray dandelion bow skirt ($68, urbanoutfitters.com) a not-basic basic that's loaded with charm.

2 Michael Stars Collection Hayley lawn double-layered mini ($80, revolveclothing.com) manages to be edgy and elegant.

3 Ann Taylor Loft denim mini ($39, anntaylorloft.com) looks like a jeans skirt that's five times the price.

4 Arden B. tiered knit mini ($38, ardenb.com) is great with striped tees and doubles as a swimsuit coverup.

5 Free People cotton butterfly dirndl skirt ($98, shopbop.com) projects an urban downtown vintage vibe.

SHORTS
Cutoffs are bigger than ever - the more frayed and worn the better, in lengths from top of thighs to knees. My own big question here is why buy them if you can snip an old pair you already own - they'll fray in the wash, but anyhow...here's to helping the fashion industry during the recession. And while there are thousands of baby-shorts, the kind that used to be called hot-pants, the ones that look coolest are cargo-styles. Wear your jeans-shorts and cargos with soft plaid or madras shirts and floaty embroidered tunic tops to underscore the newness.

1 Charlotte Russe Hydraulic Shorts ($26.99, charlotterusse.com) are great if you're going short-short and can't crop your own.

2 Arden B. destroyed flap pocket Bermuda in stretch denim ($38, ardenb.com) are a total bargain.

3 7 for All Mankind Dojo shorts in Honduras Wash ($165, bloomingdales.com) are a knee-length splurge that's worth it for tough fits.

4 Joie Brelin Long Cargo Shorts ($158, saksfifthavenue.com) have a relaxed feel in comfy linen.

5 Diane Von Furstenberg stretch poplin "Carrie" shorts ($185, bloomingdales.com) are cuffed baby cargos Carrie in "Sex" would wear.

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