Shorts are a tricky one, aren't they? Dresses are so effortlessly styled – an outfit in themselves in summer, and layered over a roll-neck or under an oversized knit come autumn – while skirts suit both the office and a Saturday in the park. Shorts, however, can leave us at a loose end. Perhaps it's because the last time we wore them regularly, we were in year 10 and they bore a closer resemblance to denim underwear than trousers... Or maybe it's because we can't shake the image of dads at BBQs in cargo shorts and sandals, or the flame-printed board shorts our brothers wore on family holidays circa 2005. Playsuits certainly put shorts at the back of the queue for summer attire several seasons ago – now, it's time to reintroduce them to your wardrobe.
On the catwalks of SS17, models bared their legs in shorts of all styles and textures. Bella Hadid stormed the Versus Versace show in a high-waisted black pair, complete with leather jacket for the collection's biker rebel vibe. Dries van Noten gave us white board shorts with flip-flops – once the preserve of retired tourists – paired with a loose-fitting white T-shirt. Band of Outsiders showed us how to work a suit short, with a grey oversized two-piece for summers in the city. With designers proving their flexibility, we've reconsidered our stance on the summer staple. When looking for shorts styling tips, seek out the likes of Jane Birkin for easy '70s city-strolling, Marilyn Monroe for a '50s pin-up vibe, and Alexa Chung for Breton tops and denim cut-offs.
Ahead, we've found the perfect pair of shorts for every occasion, plus tips on how to wear them.
The Two-Piece
Bring the disco to your desk with this dazzling Topshop two-piece. Pair the shorts with a band tee for daytime, and add the jacket and a cami for post-5pm drinks.
Topshop Metallic Shorts, £36, available at Topshop
Workwear
These shorts are endlessly flattering thanks to the accentuated belted waist and pleats. A white shirt looks great with anything navy, and this duo will switch up your boardroom look nicely.
Sea Pleated-Front Cotton-Blend Canvas Shorts, £300, available at Matches Fashion
The Board Shorts
Who'd have thought that mid-thigh loose shorts would look good on anyone but sun-kissed surfers? This yellow pair will (hopefully) encourage the sun to come out, and looks ideal with a minimalist crisp white top.
COS Turn-Up Shorts, £45, available at COS
The Could-Be-A-Playsuit
This oh-so-pretty two-piece is lovely alternative guest attire for a casual summer wedding.
Zimmermann Divinity Wheel Broderie-Anglaise Shorts, £315, available at Matches Fashion
Leather
Add a hard edge to your shorts with this tie-waisted pair. These will carry you through to autumn when worn with velvet, too.
Mango Faux Leather Shorts, £29.99, available at Mango
Holiday
This silk pair screams 'Aperol Spritz on the French Riviera'. We'd style ours with an oversized poplin shirt worn over the shorts, rather than tucked in.
Kalmar Drawstring-Waist Striped Silk Shorts, £288, available at Matches Fashion
The Boxer
Weekday's boxer-esque shorts remind us of Alexander Wang's surf-inspired spring 2017 ready-to-wear collection. Follow the designer's lead and wear with a boxy, cropped hoodie.
Weekday Manon Shorts, £12, available at Weekday
Denim
The denim short is a classic and we take a leaf out of the Jane Birkin book when it comes to styling them. A blue, crisp, unbuttoned shirt, and a pair of Birkenstocks, please.
Rachael Comey Ignite High-Rise Raw-Edge Denim Shorts, £286, available at Matches Fashion
High-Waisted
This paper-bag pair draws attention to your waist in all the right ways. We love Zara's clash of colour against the ice-white, too.
Zara Pleated Bermuda Shorts With Bow, £19.99, available at Zara
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