Australian style icon Lara Worthington has turned heads after stepping out in New York City wearing two of Gen Z's most polarising trends at once. The 38-year-old mother and media personality rarely makes public appearances these days, but when she does, it is guaranteed to be a fashion moment.
Worthington was seen rocking oversized, cargo-style jorts – shorts that cut off around the knee – as she strolled the streets of Manhattan. Jorts, a term coined from "jean shorts", first peaked in popularity during the 1970s but have since experienced a massive resurgence in recent years as an oversized staple beloved by the younger generation. While some love the trendy style, others are not as convinced, with entire threads emerging that are dedicated to discussing whether or not jorts should be celebrated or "stopped".
"Hideous," claimed one fashion critic recently, as another boldly declared the look "ugly" on Reddit. Others may disagree, but Worthington does not appear fazed by the discourse. The model smiled for the cameras while wearing a heavily layered top with the baggier bottoms, which have been a controversial street-style item in recent years.
She finished off the look with yet another divisive item – Tabis – a cult shoe that has been likened to looking like a "camel toe" by some critics. While the casual ensemble appeared effortlessly thrown together, fashion experts warn that copying the look is not as simple as it seems.
Expert Tips on Styling Jorts
Style commentator Annalise Salm explained that jorts are notoriously "tricky" to style, which is exactly why so many everyday shoppers struggle to pull them off. According to Ms Salm, the long, unstructured cut of the shorts naturally lends itself to a very boyish aesthetic.
"I think the way that you can make them look stylish is with a belt and open-toe heels," Salm said. "If you wear an enclosed shoe like a loafer or sneaker, then that is when it can look more boyish."
To combat the inherent masculinity of the shorts, Ms Salm suggested leaning into more elevated, feminine footwear choices. "To make it chic, try an open-toe sandal or thong heel," she advised. "I also think that wearing heels makes it look more elevated and gives you some extra height."
Ms Salm noted that because of where the hemline of the jorts falls, the trend has a habit of making the wearer look shorter than they actually are. "Anything that is just above the knee, throw on some heels," Ms Salm said.
The Sandwich Method
The expert also recommended using a popular styling trick known as the "sandwich method" to pull the look together. "Go for a thin belt and use the sandwich method so your shoes and belt are the same colour but the jorts are a different colour," she explained, adding that the technique "creates some nice contrast for a monochrome outfit".
Worthington is no stranger to making headlines with her wardrobe choices, often wearing extremely casual outfits with astronomical price tags. Back in November, she turned heads in a dress and heels combo that despite looking deceptively simple, cost a staggering $58,000 minimum.
Witchery Collaboration
Her latest street-style moment comes after Worthington fronted a major brand campaign collaboration with Australian retailer Witchery in March. The label, which has been around for 56 years, is currently undergoing a major brand evolution, cementing its new premium direction with the style icon. The collaborative collection was reportedly a year in the making and mirrors Worthington's personal taste.
The extensive range features 28 ready-to-wear pieces and three footwear styles, including a variety of jackets like bombers, bikers, funnel-necks, and trenches. It also includes structural blazers, dresses, shirts, classic jeans, knits, tailored pants, and sleek bodysuits.
"I wanted the collection to feel elevated yet effortless, pieces designed to fit seamlessly into my everyday wardrobe," Worthington said of the launch. "The creative process with Witchery was intuitive from the beginning, and I am incredibly proud of what we have created together."
