Sorry, Denim Cut-Offs—This Shorts Trend Is a Much Cooler and Chicer Summer Style
Fashion writer Lauren Cunningham lists the six ways to wear silk and satin shorts, from bold blue hues and ballet flats to lace trims and loose shirts.
Wearing shorts in summer is, of course, not groundbreaking. We've spent years in denim, linen and even cycling styles, after all. And yet recent trend cycles have taken what was once considered a basic item—many of us did, after all, make them by hacking off the bottom of our jeans—and made it considerably more elevated, thanks to the rise of silk and satin. This season, things have taken an even bolder turn, as classic neutrals sit alongside bright, confident colours.
Just as the sports short got its cool-dressing rebrand, the satin short has followed suit. Vibrant green, pink and blue are just a handful of the shades being styled with everything from simple T-shirts to suede blazers. Depending on the occasion, naturally.
Though, fear not, those who lean towards the minimalist end of the spectrum, as classic cream remains plenty popular. And micro lengths need not be a concern with longline styles proving especially sophisticated.
Consider it a gentle nudge to step away from the denim shorts that have hogged the limelight for quite long enough. Scroll on for six looks worth stealing.
6 Ways to Wear Satin Shorts this Summer
1. Statement Silk Shorts + White Tee
Style Notes: Few outfits don't work with flip flops, but a statement short and simple tee combination looks especially effortless with them. For maximum impact, take a leaf from Lucy Williams and invest in a statement shade to carry the whole look into holiday mode.
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Granted, these shorts are silk, not satin, so they need an extra bit of tlc.
Just large enough to house your phone, keys and lip gloss.
Every stylist friend of mine swears by the Cos T-shirts.
Remember The Row's Ginza flip flops? The Beach Sport 2 is this season's sell-out.
2. Colour-Rich Satin Shorts + Cardigan
Style Notes: Effortless dressing is where satin shorts excel, making any outfit feel considerably more polished than their denim counterparts ever could. Bold colour only adds to the effect, which means all that's really needed are the everyday staples: a great loafer, a cosy cardigan and a seasonal tote bag.
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For anyone who loves a pop of colour, these Aligne satin lace-trim shorts are divine.
These soft toe loafers are sure to be comfier than their structured leather cousins.
If you're someone who feels the chill, a cardigan can instantly cosy up bare legs.
Summer time is raffia season and this roomy tote will satisfy even the messiest of packers.
3. Lace-Trim Satin Shorts + Blazer
Style Notes: Wondering how to wear satin shorts in the city and not just on holiday? Hannah Lewis has the answer: a simple vest top, blazer and ballet flats. If you can get away with it in the office, even better.
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Chances are, if you spy a particularly well-dressed woman wearing cream silk shorts, they're from Róhe.
An easy building block for many a great outfit.
I hate to remind you that not every day is warm enough to go sans jacket. A suede blazer is a particularly chic solution.
A simple Mary Jane flat adds a touch more interest than a classic ballet flat.
4. Bold Blue Shorts + Matching Pumps
Style Notes: One of the easiest yet most impactful styling tricks relies on committing to a single colour. In this case, blue. Style your shorts, shoes and accessories around it and you'll have an outfit that's minimal in pieces yet quietly daring in effect.
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If you can't quite find the shade you're after in your favourite stores, turn your attention to the sportswear section.
If you aren't quite wanting to wear your star sign on your sleeve—too telling, I say!—opt for something a little less personal.
Break up the sea of black and brown shoes with a bold blue. Any outfit will feel far more exciting.
I own this canvas coat and it really is the best throw-it-on-and-go kind of layer.
5. Green Satin Shorts + Slogan Tee
Style Notes: This is the perfect example of throwing something together and trusting that it will work. Green satin shorts, a slogan tee and a camo cap are each far more versatile than they might first appear. Though swap any one of them out for something less bold and you'll still have a sleek outfit.
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These De La Vali satin and lace shorts offer a slightly softer colour option to the vibrant green of Dôen's silk style.
The goal is to find a tee that looks like you not only picked it up as part of a merch giveaway, but have also owned it for years.
A camo cap might not be on your style radar, but it will pair with a surprising amount of looks.
The coolest dressers I know all own a piece of Otiumberg jewellery.
6. Longline Satin Shorts + Lightweight Shirt
Style Notes: Silk shorts aren't just for cropped tees, as Lindsey Holland proves there's a more considered way to tap into the trend. If the bloomers comeback spoke to you, this longline silk shorts look will slot right into the rest of your wardrobe. The wine glass is optional, naturally.
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The majority of silk shorts feature hiked-up hemlines, so this knee-length design feels like a sophisticated switch.
This beaded style feels a touch more glam for the evenings.
With Nothing Underneath—or WNU as fans of the brands like to say—has quickly become the go-to shirt brand for every London dweller.
The Ace & Tate x Ganni collab is back for yet another summer of standout sunglasses.
