The Heatwave is Here! 8 Shorts and Flip Flops Looks I'll be Copying For the Rest of Summer
Summer is synonymous with shorts and flip flops, so of course they go well together.These are the outfits that prove they're a match made in sartorial heaven.
The UK is officially hotter than Ibiza right now, and while I would choose to be on my favourite island any day of the week, I'll take the heat here as an alternative. As someone who is solar powered—I'm a much nicer person when the sun is shining—I'm more than happy about the balmy temperatures we're having. This is, until I'm on the underground, aka hell, when it's set to be 30 degrees during the heatwave next week. While any kind of fan is an essential to pack in your bag right now, what about the outfit?
Jeans are not an option, my suede jackets aren't going near me, and socks and trainers aren't happening. Which brings me to my forever favourite summer pairing: shorts + flip flops.
I own more shorts than I do skirts, so I would say they make up 90% of my summer looks. And while I love the look of them with ballet flats, toe-baring weather requires an easy slip-on, airy flip flop that needs minimal thought or effort. And I'm not alone, as so many fashion people rely on this duo to get them through summer. Whether it's denim jorts with jellies, like Lucy Williams, or a sporty pairs with two-tone flip flops, these are the 8 shorts and flip flops outfits you'll want to copy right now.
1. Denim Jorts + Jelly Flip Flops
Style Notes: The cut, the colour, the length—Lucy Williams' perfect denim shorts are one of the easiest to wear all season. Look out for that comfy low-rise waist and loose-fit, then simply add a 'nice top' and jelly flip flops. Any colour goes, as long as they're squishy.
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2. Sporty Shorts + Two-Tone Flip Flops
Style Notes: I bought a burgundy pair of Adidas Sprinter shorts last year, who knew they would become my most-worn item all summer? Minimalist Lois has gone for classic black, and I appreciate the subtle pop of red with two-tone flip flops.
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3. Satin Lace-Hem Shorts + Wedge Flip Flips
Style Notes: Satin shorts are still a thing once again this summer. Sarah has worn hers with a matching cami (I'll be shopping these from the PJ section), a denim jacket and heeled wedge flip flops. Expect to see the Y2K inspired sandals everywhere from now on.
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4. Bloomer Shorts + Embellished Flip Flops
Style Notes: Anne-Laure has jumped on the bloomer shorts trend, and could they be more adorable? Granted, they may not be the most practical for everyday, but who cares when they look this good. Embellished flip flops are key this season, and while the Parisian has opted for toggle-detail flip flops with this Longchamp pair, expect to see golden hardware, beading, coins and studs all elevating the humble flip flop this summer.
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5. Crochet Shorts + Havaiana Flip Flops
Style Notes: With exotic locations in mind, Marina's crochet shorts are always worth packing. Kept simple with Havaianas and a halterneck, I'll 100% be copying this for my next trip away *counts down days*.
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6. Satin Shorts + Leather Flip Flops
Style Notes: Marianne's taffeta satin shorts are so chic, they stopped me mid scroll. Any silky pair—particularly in a bold hue—will really lift a simple flip flop. A luxe leather pair will also elevate the whole look to make it work for dinner, especially on vacation.
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7. Linen Shorts + Clear Flip Flops
Style Notes: Since Margot Robbie wore that airport look, I've been looking for the perfect pair of black Bermudas. While I'll of course be copying Margot's long sleeve top, I like Hannah's take with a slouchy white shirt and go-with-everything clear flip flops.
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8. Micro Shorts + Heeled Flip Flops
Style Notes: Amaka is backing '90s thong sandals with a heeled pair. Styled with a one-shoulder top and micro shorts, I love every single element of this throwback outfit (and when the temperatures rise to the 30s, I'm sure you will too).
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Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.