Summer is here, and that means it’s officially shorts season! Whether you’re heading to the beach, brunch, or just running errands in the sun, finding the perfect pair of mini shorts can be a total game-changer. But with so many styles out there, how do you choose the one that flatters your body type best? This shopping guide breaks it down for you, from classic denim shorts and polished tailored styles to effortlessly cool bermuda shorts and bold, leggy hotpants. Whatever your vibe-casual, chic, or daring — we’ve got the perfect summer shorts to help you show off in style. Read on for a look at the four on-trend styles of shorts you could be rocking this season:
Denim shorts
Let’s start with a classic; this summer, you must own a pair of denim shorts! Though denim shorts are huge this year, they never really go out of style so they will make a great fashion investment for several summers to come. Today’s denim designs are vast, whether you want a vintage-inspired well-worn look or roll-up Boyfriend style cut-offs, there is so much choice. Embellishment is another massive trend this year, and you will find plenty of adornment on the high street shorts of the moment; look out for the addition of studs, diamante, tassels and lace patches. Denim shorts with added patterns and prints are also all the rage; Aztec, floral and cosmic print designs are still going strong. Coloured denim is also a possibility, black and white are the obvious choice aside from traditional blue denim but pastels will also be popular.
Tailored shorts
Shorts do not have to be a casual affair, tailored shorts are huge this season meaning with the right accessories and a great fitted jacket, shorts can be suitable for a formal occasion. Tailored shorts can be found in varying lengths, though formal mini-shorts which form part of a suit are going to be huge this year. Spring’s New York and Paris fashion shows saw models for Carolina Herrera and Chloé parading the short suit best. If you are looking for a way to work the shorts trend whilst remaining office appropriate, the tailored short suit is a must try.
Bermuda shorts
When you want a more laid back, longer-length short, opt for the Bermuda short. This versatile baggy short, which stops just above the knee, can be work with a vest top for the beach or an elegant blouse for the office; choose from both patterned summer designs and tailored smart-casual styles. Though this unfitted style will not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is far from a frumpy style and definitely the most comfortable of short formats. Bermuda shorts are brilliant for foreign holidays where you want to keep cool but need to respect the local’s opinions on showing to much skin. Chic Bermuda short designs were first seen on the spring 2014 runways of Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg.
Hotpants
For the brave, hot pants are the ultimate summer garment. Not everyone is lucky enough to have the figure for them, but for those who fancy these micro-shorts they will find plenty of different styles to choose from. Prints, denims and leather-look finishes are big in-stores right now. With hot shine Lycra look another possible option for those with a playful dress sense!
Mini shorts are a summer staple, but the key to rocking them is finding the right fit for your shape and style. This guide explores four must-have styles: denim shorts for laid-back looks, tailored shorts for a dressier edge, bermuda shorts for extra coverage with chic flair, and hotpants for the bold at heart. No matter your body type, there’s a flattering and fashionable pair out there for you. Stay cool, stay confident, and let your legs do the talking all summer long!
