Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
If you were looking for a chance to debut your knees, now’s the time. We’ve reached peak heatwave and there’s no better excuse to bear your bare legs.
Mini dresses and skirts can feel young or out of place in the office. But shorts can take you anywhere – yes, even to meetings.
Which shorts are in (and out) of fashion right now?
Step away from the cheek skimming Daisy Dukes. Yes they had their day (and are still okay at festivals), but fashion-wise the look is passé. Meanwhile beige chino styles might seem preppy and smart, but they will make you look outdated.
Instagram’s influencers have been pushing bulbous bloomers as a style to try too, but steer clear or risk looking like you’ve forgotten to change out of your pyjamas.
As for what’s flattering – gingham may seem like a fun print to try, but it can add the illusion of lumps and bumps where there aren’t any. Vertical stripes are best – don’t bother with horizontal patterns as this will only widen your waist and hips.
Instead there are three main styles that are hot right now: Bermuda shorts, tailored city shorts and Jorts (jean shorts).
They all come in at mid–thigh to just above knee length and in linen, tailored cotton or denim. And you’re guaranteed to find a cut that suits you.
Bermuda shorts
Bermudas and city shorts are the easiest to zhuzh up for meetings – pair yours with a sleek skinny belt, a linen shirt or a frothy blouse and ballet pumps. Or throw on a blazer to look more sharp and sophisticated. For a final flourish, you can easily pull your outfit together with a skinny leather belt – studded styles are hot right now.
Neutral shorts colours are easier to style: beige, blue, grey and black are great base shades for building an outfit. The beauty of these kinds of shorts is that they aren’t overly tight or fitted. A little give or a slightly oversized fit will look chic (and they’re more comfortable).
Tailored City Shorts
Jorts
Save your jorts for weekends, holidays or al fresco dining. Wear these with a flirty floral top or one of Uniqlo’s built-in bra tops. Dark denim and mid-blue washes will always be more flattering on your hips and bum.
If you want a white pair of jorts, aim for off-white and ecru instead to look current. Avoid rips and frayed hems and stick to clean cut designs instead.
The best shorts if you’re tall
Tall leggy ladies you have free reign when it comes to shorts, especially now the mid-length length is trending. Those with wide hips should look for designs with a natural or slightly low waist and make sure it’s a straight, rather than billowing line, from hips to hem. Opt for a slightly oversized fit, rather than overly figure-hitting for the most flattering finish.
Where to buy shorts if you’re tall: Free People, Next, ASOS and Hush.
The best shorts if you’re petite
If you’re petite, stick to styles that cut off at the mid-thigh point – and no longer – to give a lengthening illusion. Aim for a 3 to 5 inch inseam and avoid ultra loose-fit designs with excess materials or risk swamping your lower frame.
An A-line short, where the hem is wider than the waist, will also balance out proportions – as will a high waisted fit and vertical details like stripes or embellishment. Stick to neutral shoes on your feet to elongate your legs – a black ballet pump or sandals will cut you off and draw the eye to the wrong place. Instead, kitten heeled mules will elevate the simplest of shorts and elongate your limbs. And if you’re petite wedged heels are back! Don’t skip the trend while it lasts.
Where to buy shorts if you’re petite: Reiss, Mint Velvet, Mango and Karen Millen.
