They're beloved by kickball teams and soccer moms, the uniform of backyard barbecues and Sunday afternoon trips to Home Depot. Like Teva sandals and Eddie Bauer backpacks, they're practical -- sturdy testaments to the triumph of function over fashion. But if you thought you knew all there was to know about women's shorts, think again. The summertime staples have gotten ... chic?

Indeed. See them on the runway at Chloe, where they were tailored and prim, topped by a collared shirt and a natty blazer. Buy them at local boutique Pieces of Silver Spring, where, if such is your wont, you can get green brocade short shorts stippled with ivory sailor buttons. Their price: $172. Their inseam: about two and a half inches. Give or take half an inch.

"I find that more -- how would I say -- confident women are drawn to them," store co-owner Carina Brown says.

Should your own level of confidence require a more modest approach, know that mid- and knee-length shorts also have legs this season, though it is the micro styles that reign supreme at many stores.

"They're flexible," says Anhtu Lu, a buyer at Commander Salamander in Georgetown. The style "can be sexy, but it's got a little cuteness, too."

Walking the line between "a little cute" and "a little cheesy" can be tricky, though. Pair your shorts with spiky shoes or a too-tight top and the whole look can plummet into Lindsay Lohan territory. Of course, Lindsay, Britney, Mischa and Nicole et al. are the ones who popularized the notion of stylish shorts in the first place.

"Shorts reflect what's going on in rock culture, in Hollywood culture," says Claire Brooks, president of brand consulting company ModelPeople.

Still, there are ways for regular Janes to wear them well. "The proportions have to be right: the type of jacket, the length of the jacket," says Nancy Pearlstein, owner of Georgetown boutique Relish. "I've seen some people who look absolutely fabulous, but it has to be a little more studied than just throwing on a beautiful dress."

When it comes to wearing shorts to the office, Pearlstein's point is particularly well-taken. Says Brooks: "This is essentially a flirty style that doesn't take itself too seriously." So if your workplace is relaxed, knee-length Bermudas -- tailored, pressed and not worn with flip-flops -- can be a casual Friday option. But if you want to be taken seriously at a big meeting, there's little question that you should pass on a short suit in favor of the real thing. Especially if you're running for president.

"I see Hillary sticking with the pantsuits," Brooks says.

Ready to try the dressy shorts trend on for size? Keep the following do's and don'ts in mind as you make your way to the mall.