THE ROOT 9: 7.3

Embracing the In-Between: Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Lengths

Honestly, a lot of my inspiration for new outfits to try or things I might want to buy comes from just being a little more observant when I'm out and about or even just at the office. Don't get me wrong, TikTok and Instagram are great for inspo, but there's something about seeing an outfit put together in real life that just helps me picture it better on myself. Is that just me?

And lately, I’ve been seeing knee-length pants (jorts included, but not just denim) popping up everywhere. I've noticed them in the office and all over the streets on the weekends / during the week when people are heading out for dinner. The length is... well, definitely awkward and unconventional. While knee-length shorts for guys have always been around, there was definitely a moment where shorter, above-the-thigh shorts were trending. But it really feels like these longer lengths are making a comeback and might be here to stay for a while.

An "awkward" length, when embraced and styled well, ends up looking so effortlessly cool. They definitely grab your attention! Honestly, I'm all for embracing it, owning it, and doing that "awkward" length justice through our style. But I think there's a bigger takeaway here too – it's about internalizing that confidence and showing up authentically as ourselves, no matter what.

When I think of those in-between lengths, jorts are the first thing that pops into my head (and Free People's Bermuda shorts come in a variety of neat washes). But there's so much more to explore beyond that:

Visual inspiration below, and as always, you can find more linked on Pinterest.

From ‘Saved’ To Table

Surely, I can't be the only one who religiously saves Instagram reels and posts, meaning to come back to them, only to have them end up in my saved folder, unlikely to be revisited unless I actively think to do so.

I love a good date night out on the weekend, but I'm trying to be more mindful of my spending. After mostly eating meal preps during the week, there's something special about a fresh, home-cooked meal that just hits different than going out.

So, this weekend, I'm planning to dig something up from my saved posts and make a fun date night at home instead of eating out. You could definitely pick an entree, or go all out and make it an event by finding an appetizer, entree, and dessert you're excited about from your saved content. Plus, the weekend grocery trip is inevitable for me, and adding a shopping list for a date night at home makes it a little more exciting.

To each their own, but I wanted to share a couple of reels I have saved that I'm excited to try and put my own spin on in the coming weeks.

Lunch - Cottage cheese Caesar salad wrap (From @bullmarketfoodie)

Appetizer - Za’atar with toast (from @toastedtable)

Entree - Chicken thighs with lemony dill sauce (From @shredhappens)

Dessert - Snickers Ice Cream using whole foods (from @moribyan)

Was there a creative project you kept putting off, a conversation you wished you'd had, or a moment of self-care that consistently got bumped? That's your "more." Now, what about that endless social media scroll, the meeting that could have been an email, or a task you could have delegated or deprioritized? That's your "less." Consider just one instance of each. Could you have traded fifteen minutes of the "less" for fifteen minutes of the "more"? Even small shifts in our daily routines can create noticeable impact over time. Where's one simple swap you could realistically make next week?