New York has been in scorched earth territory for the past few days. Outfit decisions have been reduced to a single question, "what will touch my skin the least?" Needless to say, I have been wearing a lot of shorts. In particular, my favorite DIY cut offs that I made from a pair of Express jeans. They are perfectly worn and frayed now after a summer's worth of wears and washes.

Here are my tips for making the perfect cut off shorts:

1. Choose a looser pair of jeans

I cut these from a pair of baggy boyfriend jeans. They were pre-distressed, but after seasons of wear the holes had grown too huge to look purposeful. I loved the fit too much to get rid of them - and baggy boyfriend jeans turned in to perfect short shorts.

2. Cut longer than you want

I am a fan of cuffing. I placed the jeans up to my waist to mark how short I wanted them, then I cut an inch and a half below that line. It is better to cut too long and try again than have shorts you can't wear.

3.  Avoid symmetrical cuts

You want straight lines, but I avoided trying to make mine too perfect. This allowed for the material to fray in some places and look effortlessly cool instead of off-the-rack perfect. Every time I wash them, a new spot gets frayed and I love them even more.

Tag me in your finished shorts (@anucreature) - and try to stay cool out there!

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will restore, empower, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5: 10