I've always been a bit wary of shorts. I'm a trouser devotee, rarely ever opting for skirts or dresses—even during the hottest months of the year—but I'm admittedly timid around shorts. Despite their status as a summer-wardrobe icon, they aren't always easy to work into your rotation, and I've found them difficult to style. They'll never feel as elevated as my favourite cotton or linen trousers, but one of the best things about working in fashion is all the inspiration and styling skills you pick up through your impossibly fashionable colleagues and the countless stylists and creators you come across.
Now, in summer 2026, I feel more confident than ever about wearing them, and, more importantly, knowing what to wear them with. In fact, Bermuda shorts are my newest obsession, and I've included a handful of looks below that illuminate their flexibility and inherent elegance. I'm clearly not alone in celebrating longer styles; another chic trend to evolve in 2026 is silk taffeta shorts, a cool evolution from the silk-trousers trend we saw earlier in the year. Butter yellow is also still very much relevant, as are the eternally classic denim shorts. So whether you're a shorts enthusiast or just now carefully dipping a toe into the category (like me), I have you covered with five chic summer shorts outfits worth bookmarking.
The Fashion Set Are Wearing These 5 Outfits with Shorts in Summer 2026
1. Vest + Tailored Bermudas + Woven Hat
Style Notes: It's always worth having several timeless summer outfits you can turn to when you need a promisingly stylish look or can't decide what to wear. This is one of them. A white vest paired with black Bermuda shorts and sleek flip-flops will never feel dated. The perfect finishing touch is a woven summer hat in a bucket silhouette; a proven staple for sunny days.
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An easy top that works with so many pairs of shorts.
These are tailored and have structure, but the Tencel fabric gives them a little more movement.
Sun-safe and very stylish.
2. White T-Shirt + Silk Taffeta Shorts + Statement Bag
Style Notes: Earlier this summer, we saw the emergence of the silk trouser trend and how they impart outfits with an undeniable elegance. Their opalescent sheen and bold colours are now translating into equally gorgeous shorts. With a white T-shirt and a statement bag that complements the shorts, you have a relatively simple look that stands out.
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The T-shirt that's better than all the rest, according to fashion insiders and editors alike.
These shorts gave a similar texture without the associated price tag of silk.
If you didn't think drawstring bags could be luxe, think again.
3. Sheer Jumper + Satin Shorts + Heeled Flip-Flops
Style Notes: All-white outfits, or those in a spectrum of cream and ecru shades, are exceptionally fitting for warm weather. They feel light and breezy but always look elegant. This particular combination from Monikh Dale features satin-y textured shorts and a sheer jumper that create a sense of fluidity and movement. Finishing the look with heeled flip-flops makes it suitable for nicer dinners and occasions.
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Bouclé gives this jumper a super-soft texture. Wear it over a vest or bralette.
Lace-trim is in for tops, skirts and shorts.
An especially sleek pair of heeled flip-flops. The kitten heel is reminiscent of styles from the '90s.
4. White Button-Down + Denim Shorts + Basket Bag
Style Notes: When it comes to classic summer outfits, one of the most iconic duos is a white shirt with denim shorts. A white button-down and a pair of black heels instantly elevate the more casual aesthetic of denim shorts. Tie it all together with a woven basket bag, which feels undeniably summer-ready. Each of these components is ideal to have in your capsule wardrobe, as they're all versatile in their own right.
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An oversized poplin shirt is an essential for any season, including summer.
The tailoring and pleat give these denim shorts a little more sophistication.
Leather straps make a basket bag feel elevated enough to take from the beach into the city.
5. Black Vest + Butter-Yellow Bermudas + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: When you're looking for elegant and expensive-looking colour combinations, I suggest jet black and butter yellow. The former acts as a chic base for your outfits, and the latter contributes softness. I love how Colorado-based fashion creator Dawn Tan incorporated summery layers to this colour pairing by tying a lightweight knit around her waist and adding a few chic black accessories.
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I recommend having a high-neck vest in your wardrobe in a few select colours, including black and white, for plenty of outfit combinations.
These may be made of denim, but they look so much more elevated with a pleat and in a butter-yellow hue.
A classic shoe that'll work now and long into autumn.