Mark My Words: The Chicest Dressers Will Be Wearing These 7 Shorts Trends This Summer
From pretty lace iterations to cool utility styles, here are the seven shorts trends that every fashion person will be wearing in summer 2026.
We’re in somewhat of a mini heatwave here in London, and that can only mean one thing: summer is officially on its way! And with that in mind, I’ve already started to daydream of packing away my tailored wool trousers until early autumn. And taking their place? Shorts, of course.
A great alternative to the myriad of trouser styles that I reach for throughout the chillier months, I practically live in shorts throughout summer. And more and more, we’re seeing shorts become the go-to style for stylish dressers, no matter the season or temperature. Not only do they strike the perfect balance between classic and cool, but I’m convinced that with the right styling tweaks, they can work at literally any occasion. I’ve already invested in a pair of trusty Bermuda shorts, but with elevating my summer capsule wardrobe at the top of my priorities this month, I decided to go on the hunt for the shorts styles that are set to dominate summer 2026. And trust me when I say that trending shorts styles of the season all manage to feel as timeless as they look fresh.
From pretty lace iterations that will help to dress up your tank tops and tees to relaxed utility styles that are sure to earn you cool points amongst the fashion set, keep scrolling to discover the seven shorts trends set to dominate summer 2026 and beyond.
7 Shorts Trends Every Fashion Person Is Wearing in 2026
1. Tailored
Style Notes: When it gets too hot for tailored trousers, I turn to shorts in this smart silhouette to see me through until early autumn. Spotted on the runway from the likes of Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss, they make for the perfect dressed-up alt to trousers that you can easily wear to the office or a summer evening out.
Shop the Trend:
Straight from the runway.
These look way more expensive than their £23 price tag.
Wear with loafers, trainers and sandals alike.
I want the entire suit.
2. Lace
Style Notes: Once considered drab or even rather frumpy, lace is now one of the it fabrications of the season. We've already seen lace take over the blouse, skirt and dress world, and it looks like shorts in this vintage-inspired print are set to dominate summer 2026. It’s versatile, classic and most importantly, looks (and feels!) cool throughout the warmer weather.
Shop the Trend:
Wear with a tank top and flip-flops in the day, and a blouse and kitten heels in the evening.
Such an elegant hue.
This black iteration is calling to me.
Everyone will think these are designer.
3. Utility
Style Notes: If you love a pair of cargo trousers as much as I do, then let me introduce you to its cooler younger sister, the utility short. A much lighter alternative to the Y2K-inspired trousers we all know and love, utility shorts will bring a cool girl edge to all of your outfits this summer.
Shop the Trend:
Safari-chic.
Contrast these with a pair of elegant slingback heels.
The perfect pair to take from day to night.
Weekday never disappoints me.
4. Bermuda
Style Notes: The perfect balance of looking put-together but feeling low-effort and chicly undone, Bermuda shorts offer a cooler (no pun intended!) alternative to the baggy, breezy trousers that typically dominate the summer season. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve already invested in a classic black pair last year, but I have to be honest, the styles I’ve linked below are also tempting me.
Shop the Trend:
The styling possibilities are endless.
Just look at the colour!
This chocolate brown pair is calling to me.
Clean-cut perfection.
5. Boxer
Style Notes: Wearing boxer shorts outside of your house can seem daunting, but they’re actually incredibly easy to style. Pairing well with both casual and dressier clothing alike, it’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward style that you’ll rely on from now until early autumn.
Shop the Trend:
The navy makes a nice point of difference from my usual black clothing.
Wear with a white button-down shirt and minimal trainers for a cool off-duty look.
This sage green will pair well with neutrals and bold colours alike.
These come in sizes UK 6 - 22.
6. Embroidered
Style Notes: Embroidery was spotted all over the spring/summer 2026 runways, but its shorts with this pretty detailing that’s caught my attention for the upcoming warm-weather season. It’s elegant and eye-catching, and the best part? It will act as the focal point of every summer outfit, allowing me to keep the rest of my outfit pared-back just as I like it.
Shop the Trend:
So easy to dress up or down.
Perfect for my summer travels.
So pretty!
Wear with blouses, tanks and tee alike.
7. Bloomer
Style Notes: Hearing the words “bloomers” might initially feel intimidating, but rest assured that summer 2026 is all about those romantically soft and billowing iterations. These bloomers are comfy, keep you cool, and add an effortless polish to your outfits, making them perfect for dressing up tank tops, tees, and blouses without feeling too out there.
Shop the Trend:
How cute are these?
I'd keep things simple and style these with a plain white vest top and minimal leather sandals.
I want the matching bralette as well.
Perfect for holidays.
