All of a sudden, I can't help but notice that the track shorts I was writing about just last month have been suddenly sidelined in favour of a new, and, honestly, quite surprising, shorts trend. As if a meeting had taken place overnight, the chicest celebrities I keep tabs on have begun shelving both their track and denim shorts in favour of the new-season pink shorts trend.

Cropping up in L.A.'s chicest corners, I spotted Hailey Bieber and Nina Dobrev both crafting elevated activewear outfits with Alo's stretchy biker shorts in a soft, pale pink shade. While Hailey styled hers with a complementary pale grey hoodie, Nina leaned into the feminine hue, pairing hers with a matching wrap top.

Clearly emerging as a new-season activewear favourite, pink shorts aren't being reserved solely for workouts, either. I've also spotted celebrities weaving the pretty hue into their everyday wardrobes. Wearing a pair of pale pink shorts with a matching vest top, Iris Law proved that those looking to get ahead of the trend are already investing in the colour.

Meanwhile, Elsa Hosk gave the short-shorts trend a more polished spin, styling her pair with another of the season's growing trends: a striped T-shirt. She kept the rest of the look understated, anchoring the playful pink with timeless accessories, including a chic cognac-toned bag.

Consider this your confirmation that pink shorts are shaping up to be one of the coolest breakthrough trends of the season. Read on to discover the pairs I'm eyeing below.

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So, you’ve seen those photos of Margot Robbie at the airport wearing longline tailored shorts from resolutely minimal brand Beare Park and are wondering how else to wear a long-shorts outfit this summer. As the Australian actress indicated in this viral albeit controversial travel ensemble, long shorts have officially dethroned micro hemlines as the silhouette of the moment.

Such is the volatile nature of the trend cycle. After a period of shorts as small as a pair of knickers, a silhouette pioneered by Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu in their respective spring/summer 2023 and autumn/winter 2023 collections, the fashion set is now reaching for pairs that fall just below the knee. (Ideal for those who ever just shave the lower half of their legs anyway.)

Now, the pendulum is swinging in the other direction, with styles reminiscent of boudoir-approved bloomers, dad-core Bermuda shorts and Pirates of the Caribbean-esque pantaloons all reigning supreme. On the spring/summer 2026 runways, long short outfits could be spotted everywhere, from Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s debut collection for Loewe in Paris to Matthieu Blazy’s first cruise show for Chanel in Biarritz.

Elsewhere, long shorts are cropping up everywhere from Marseille to Manhattan. Offering a breezy approach to summer dressing, long shorts not only provide excess coverage that makes them appropriate for offices, but also an insouciant ease that will make any off-duty look appear more casually cool.

As Zendaya, Ayo Edebiri and Ella Hunt have all proven, styling them with a heeled shoe and softly tailored essentials like a fitted T-shirt or oversized blazer will instantly make you look relaxed and elegant. The key to a chic long shorts outfit comes down to the precise pair you choose. Tailored options will provide a more collegiate effect, whilst sporty elongated basketball-esque shorts will benefit from a more traditionally feminine top to offset the masculine shape. Denim shorts are the easiest to style, with the structured fabric and lived-in colour adding an element of contrast to your look.

Ahead, Who What Wear UK has compiled a definitive guide to styling your long short outfits this season. From elevated wardrobe essentials to innovative combinations you might not have previously considered, continue scrolling through for inspiration.

7 Chic Long Short Outfit Ideas to Wear in Summer 2026

1. Long Shorts + Long-Sleeved Shirt + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: If you don’t have a direct line to Danielle Goldberg, celebrity stylist extraordinaire who works with the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Greta Lee and Jessie Buckley, like Ayo Edebiri does, why not make like London-based influencer and Who What Wear Editor in Residence Monikh Dale? Taking the cardinal elements of The Bear actor’s outfit, she’s made it a little more wearable and accessible by switching out the heels for a pair of flip-flops—ok, they’re from The Row, but still—and a pendant necklace. As Monikh always highlights through her looks, it’s that basics will be anything but boring when styled with contemporary pieces like shield sunglasses and pendant necklaces.

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2. Long Shorts + Embroidered Camisole + Raffia Bag

Style Notes: Long denim shorts—or “jorts"—have become a definitive mainstream style this summer. After first being exclusively relegated to the wardrobes of East London and Brooklyn creatives, it finally seems that fashion has turned its attention to this oft-underlooked style. However, if you don’t plan on hanging a carabiner from the belt hook, styling these might not come as second nature to you. A word to the wise: when wearing longer shorts, you can balance out the extra fabric with something a little lighter on top, be it a tank top or strappy camisole. If you want to look like you’ve wandered straight out of Le Marais, opt for a delicate embroidered top before pairing it with a bandana and raffia bag.

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3. Long Shorts + One-Shoulder Top + Heeled Flip-Flops

Style Notes: When you hear the phrase “long shorts”, your mind might immediately jump to a pair of linen or cotton poplin shorts that you’d wear on your holiday. But as the best-dressed adherents of this trend are showcasing, there’s more to this style than just a pair with an elasticated waist. Enter: Camo shorts. Combining the utilitarian nature of cargo trousers with the trend-forward appeal of camo print, a Y2K trend that has recently been co-signed by Alexa Chung and Iris Law, this long shorts style breathes new life into a conventionally timeless piece. Channel your inner Destiny’s Child by pairing it with racer sunglasses and kitten-heel flip-flops.

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4. Long Shorts + Lace-Trim Top + Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: From Bordeaux to Marseille, French women have all adopted long shorts as their summer uniform, especially ones that sit low on the waist, hang loose through the leg and tie up at the waist. This precise silhouette invokes this “borrowed from the boys” sensibility, as you’ve just rolled out of bed with your gorgeous lover and thrown on the bottoms he wore for this tryst. To make it feel less like underwear-as-outerwear, add some coquettish touches like a pouch bag and a lace-trim top.

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5. Long Shorts + Black Blouse + Two-Toned Shoes

Style Notes: Speaking of stylish Parisiennes, their collective adoration for vintage pieces is making more antique-inspired shapes come to the fore, like these ruffle-trim long shorts. A hybrid between a pair of capri leggings and bloomer trousers, this cropped style defies the rules of what a long short is usually regarded to be. Embrace your inner Marie Antoinette or Olivia Rodrigo and wear something that you’d wear lounging about the Palace of Versailles.

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6. Long Shorts + Pointelle Tank-Top + Heeled Mules

Style Notes: Floral jacquard and silk taffeta have been two of the biggest micro trends, so it should come as no surprise to see them come together for a pair of long shorts. This fluorescent style, spotted on British content creator Lucy Williams, highlights how subversive twists on timeless shapes, especially when featuring a prominent motif, will make you appear far more agenda-setting and trend-forward than just wearing a typical pair of long shorts. The pointelle knit tank top is the perfect finishing touch, too.

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7. Long Shorts + Leather Top + Heeled Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Of course, if your wardrobe is filled with core pieces like long jean shorts, you can always count on a rotation of exciting tops to complement them perfectly. In this case, the leather top contrasts perfectly with the denim, creating a visual tension that’s rooted in materiality, rather than anything superfluous like colour or texture. As those with excellent taste will know, it’s sometimes about investing in finer fabrics like suede and lace to make a look more engaging.

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If anyone can convince me to get behind a trend, it's Alexa Chung. If any group of fashion people can do the same, it's the French. So when both start moving in the same styling direction, you can bet I'm paying attention. As London settles into another stretch of warm weather, I've found myself inspired by the non-denim shorts trend they're suddenly championing, and I'm seriously considering investing in a pair of boxer shorts this summer.

Fashion's coolest solution to a run of hot days, this lightweight shorts trend isn't far removed from the boxer shorts you'd typically find in a men's underwear drawer. Borrowing the same relaxed silhouette, cropped length and breathable cotton fabrication, they're as practical as they are cool. In fact, ticking so many boxes, it begs the question: why didn't we start wearing these sooner?

A fresh take on the underwear-as-outerwear movement—which has largely centred around slip dresses and corset-inspired tops—the boxer shorts trend delivers the same playful attitude in a way that feels much more relaxed. Borrowed from the boys, it injects a relaxed energy into summer outfits that's perfect for the season ahead.

Proving just how easy they are to elevate, Alexa Chung styled her checked boxer shorts with a white cotton shirt, before finishing the look with tall black peep-toe heels.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, I've noticed some of France's chicest wearing the trend with simple tees and caps for an understated take.

With plenty of summer still ahead of us, this is the shorts trend I'll be relying on for the rest of the season. If you're thinking of giving it a try too, scroll on to shop my edit of the best boxer shorts for women below.

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I've never considered the shorts in my wardrobe to be among my most elegant pieces. When I want to look polished during the summer, I typically reach for a satin dress or a white cotton skirt instead. But since spotting Tracee Ellis Ross stepping out in New York this week, I'm reconsidering my stance.

Wearing a pair of knee-grazing tailored Bermuda shorts, Tracee found the shorts trend that's just as refined as your chicest skirts or trousers. The longer length created a sleek, elongating effect, lending her outfit a sense of polish that summer looks can occasionally lack.

Of course, the styling played an important role, too. Pairing her tailored shorts with a checked button-down shirt neatly tucked in, Tracee nodded to one of autumn's biggest print trends whilst keeping the outfit light and seasonally appropriate. She finished the look with brown peep-toe heels, adding height and sophistication in one step.

Whilst a denim pair of shorts would have given the outfit a more casual feel, the tailored fabrication and longer Bermuda cut imbued the look with the same refined quality as a pair of sharp, wide-leg trousers.

If you're looking for a chic way to stay cool through the hottest days of summer, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best Bermuda shorts to buy now.

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I never thought I’d be able to say this, but this never-ending UK heatwave has made it officially too hot for my jeans. Usually, you’d find me in denim trousers well into the high summer season, but with temperatures surpassing 30 °C on some days, I’ve been on the hunt for lightweight alternatives that are better suited to the warm weather but also feel just as versatile as my trusty jeans.

My biggest dilemma? Finding chic ways to style these hot-weather alternatives. Jeans often do the styling for themselves, pairing well with even the most basic of staples. However, when it comes to trousers, skirts, shorts and dresses, I find it much more difficult. And, if you’ve found yourself in a similar predicament, never fear, as I’ve been on the hunt for some easy but elegant non-denim outfits to copy from now and well into the early autumn season. And luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best of the best below.

From classic linen trousers that can be taken from day to night with ease to trending capris that are sure to earn you style points, keep scrolling to discover the 5 outfits I’ll be copying when it's too hot for my jeans.

5 Breezy Alternatives to Wear When It's Too Hot for Your Jeans

1. Linen Shirt + Linen Trousers + Suede Flip-Flops

Style notes: Linen season is here! But it won’t be around for much longer, so I’m determined to get the very most out of it by swapping my jeans out for this breezy fabric. A pair of these pull-on trousers will not only keep you cool but can also be styled in myriad ways, like with a relaxed shirt and suede flip flops for a day around town.

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2. Satin Blouse + Midi Skirt + Ballet Flats

Style notes: A white midi skirt is synonymous with the summer season, and I’m determined to get the most out of mine before temperate drop again. The easiest way to style it? With a satin blouse and leather ballet flats, of course!

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3. Waistcoat + Capri Pants + Heeled Sandals

Style notes: Once considered rather controversial amongst the fashion set, Capri pants are now officially back as the cool alternative to leggings in the summer. And don’t be intimidated by these cropped pants; they can actually be styled in the exact ways your jeans can. Just take a look at this chic waistcoat and heeled sandals ensemble above.

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4. Embroidered Top + Bermuda Shorts + Sandals

Style notes: A much more polished alternative to jeans or jorts, I’ve practically lived in my Bermuda shorts this season. They make for easy styling for the office, but can just as easily be dressed up for more formal occasions as well, as shown above.

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5. Mini Dress + Trending Accessories + Flip-Flops

Style notes: With the ability to be taken from day to night with just a few simple wardrobe swaps, a throw-on dress will be the most hard-working piece in your summer capsule wardrobe by far. Me personally? I’d style mine with leather flip flops and trending accessories, as Ingrid has above.

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If there’s one thing I’ve noticed each season, it’s that whilst microtrends are constantly emerging, some have more staying power than others. They aren’t the kind of pieces that make you rehaul your entire wardrobe overnight, but they are a fresh new take on a much-loved staple. They don’t usually have the virality of mainstream trends, but some catch our eye enough to notice them quietly trickling into our favourite influencers' looks, too.

The latest? Balloon shorts. Sitting between tailored shorts and bloomers, balloon shorts have a voluminous shape that tapers at the hem (giving the same effect as the bubble skirt that took the fashion world by storm a couple of summers ago). They offer a fun, playful approach to dressing and have a romantic element whilst also being surprisingly easy to wear.

They teeter into the underwear-as-outerwear territory, and if the thought of styling them alone feels daunting, wear them under a minidress to ease yourself in. From plain styles to polka dots or gingham, balloon shorts are quickly cropping up more and more, and I’ve compiled five ways to wear them so you don't have to. Scroll on to see the pieces and get some inspiration for how to add them into your summer wardrobe.

1. Strapless Fitted Top + Balloon Shorts + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Pairing balloon shorts with a structured, fitted top gives a more defined silhouette. This matching polka-dot set ticks off two trends in one go, but you could always mix and match the separates and opt for a plain top with polka-dot shorts (or vice versa) to create a focal point.

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2. Shirred Blouse + White Balloon Shorts + Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Perfect for those days that require low effort with maximum impact, a shirred top is a summer staple this year. Pair it with classic ballet flats and white balloon shorts for a chic monochrome look that can be easily thrown on but still looks refined.

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3. Poplin Blouse + Matching Balloon Shorts + Wedges

Style Notes: If there’s one thing I love in summer, it’s a matching co-ord, and this Posse one instantly caught my eye. The red gingham print has a timeless feel, and the pieces can be worn together or separately to create new looks. You could wear this outfit from day to night without needing to change your shoes.

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4. Broderie Anglaise Blouse + Gingham Balloon Shorts + Sandals

Style Notes: The butter-yellow of these shorts can function as a neutral with a summery twist. Add the season's most sought-after top (a broderie anglaise blouse) into the mix, and it gives it that romantic, classic flair whilst being childlike.

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5. Tank Top + Denim Balloon Shorts + Trainers

Style Notes: Denim balloon shorts have an everyday ease. Styling them with a basic tank top and trainers makes for a cool, easy look for laid-back weekend plans.

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Whilst the heatwave will have you clambering for a pair of delicate broderie anglaise shorts or a lace-trimmed dress, the most stylish dressers around are ditching these quintessential summer motifs for something a little more autumnal. Indeed, checked prints are on the rise, be it the flannel shirts tied around the waists of sensual slip dresses or gingham blouses that cascade over a pair of denim shorts. Plaid fabrics might be synonymous with falling brown leaves, piping hot lattes and rewatches of Gilmore Girls, but when rendered into a thigh-grazing babydoll dress or peasant top, any inclination for pumpkin spice season goes at the window.

Indeed, adopters of the check fashion trend aren’t wearing it in a way that’s pining for the blistering chill, cosy scarves and hot water bottles. Instead, they’re wearing it in a way that feels subversive and vibrant, especially during a time of year defined by picnic blankets strewn over verdant parkland and the checkerboard tablecloths of alfresco lunches.

There’s something quite ‘90s about the trend, courtesy of the fact that checked shirts were a staple in the wardrobes of fashion icons from the decade like Kurt Cobain, Claire Danes and Winona Ryder. However, rather than the more grunge inclinations of these members of the celebrity style set, wearing checks this summer feels far more minimal. This is down to the fact that the check print trend has become such a ubiquitous motif, cropping up in the collections of romantic and understated designers like The Row, Faithful and Posse.

You could even argue that the Olsen Twins are at the helm of this revival, with the duo opening its Spring 2025 collection with Italian supermodel, Mariacarla Boscono, wearing a checked button-down with tailored black trousers and chunky toe-ring sandals. Elsewhere, Dôen, the California-based brand beloved for its use of nostalgic prints and ethereal silhouettes, have helped push the checked summer agenda with its Faye dress, a ‘60s-inspired throw-on mini adored by fashion editors and trend setters.

Still, there are countless check print styles that are currently trending, offering fresh and contemporary takes on the perennial trend. From the saccharine bubble shorts to the transeasonal funnel-neck jacket, scroll on for the chicest ways to wear check prints this summer.

The 5 Key Checked Fashion Trends for Summer 2026

1. Babydoll Dresses

Style Notes: Drop-waist dresses have officially dropped out of the conversation, with the most prevailing dress shape this season arguably the babydoll variety. From Olivia Rodrigo’s floral-adorned Generation78 style to Elsa Hosk’s Sandy Liang version, this silhouette is easy to style and breezy to wear. However, this season, the most covetable option does have to go to the Faithfull Costa dress, which is a style with puffed sleeves and a blue shade that’s inspired by Cadaqués in Spain, as seen here in Cincinnati-cum-Nashville based influencer Hannah Allen.

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2. Balloon Shorts

Style Notes: Another check trend that’s bubbling up is balloon shorts. With inflated proportions and a slight bloomer shape, this cropped style is the latest iteration of the underwear-as-outerwear trend, with the hemline equivalent to the length of knickers. Still, when designed with a dreamy check print, they feel like the perfect thing to throw on and go, be it in city settings or coastal alcoves.

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3. Grunge Shirting

Style Notes: It feels like every few years the check shirt has a revival. A mainstay in off-duty wardrobes in both 1996 and 2016, fast forward a decade and it appears this wardrobe staple is ready for a revival. Last winter, this style went viral thanks to a certain COS version. This summer, it’s gaining intrigue once again, appearing in the collections of Toteme, Matteau and Mango. Not only is this proof of the checked print’s constant appeal, but also evident that investing in the right style will have you reaching for it year-round, even if you are simply tying it around your waist or slinging it over your shoulders as an accessory layer.

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4. Awkward-Length Skirts

Style Notes: Don’t let the name fool you. A skirt that falls just below the knee, which has always commonly been referred to as an awkward length, is one of the most covetable styles of the season. Languidly skimming the area between your ankle and your calf, this in-between shape is an essential look for both Hailey Bieber and Matthieu Blazy. Still, don’t think that wearing a checked skirt is equivalent to wearing a tartan kilt. Ditch the pleats and opt for a more streamlined and pencil style that evokes a Parisian sensibility.

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5. Funnel-Neck Jackets

Style Notes: The long days, blue skies and scorching temperatures currently gracing us are set to end. But don’t fret. Enjoy them while they last, whilst still preparing for the season about to be upon us with a polished funnel-neck jacket. Most commonly seen in suede and leather styles, this shape has become one of the most sought-after styles for cooler moments. However, for days when the weather turns and all you want to do is stay at home to watch The Celebrity Traitors, you’ll already be set.

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Pause the denim shorts. If you want to stay cool this summer without compromising on elegance, take your styling cues from the ever-chic Demi Moore. Stepping out this week, the actor swapped classic cut-offs for a graceful pair of knee-grazing Bermuda shorts.

Offering more coverage than the micro shorts that dominated last summer, the longer length of Bermuda shorts feels inherently more elegant, whilst the calf-baring silhouette still delivers the lightness needed to dress comfortably through a heatwave.

To enhance the leg-lengthening effect, Demi styled hers with a pair of pointed-toe ballet flats. Although completely flat, the elongated toe subtly extends the line of the leg, creating a poised, streamlined finish. She completed the look with oversized black sunglasses, a fine-knit black cardigan and a glossy leather bag.

Whilst Demi opted for sleek ballet flats, I've also spotted stylish dressers in their 20s pairing Bermuda shorts with minimalist flip-flops and delicate strappy sandals for a more relaxed, high-summer take on the trend.

If you're looking for a shorts trend that actually looks elegant, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best Bermuda shorts to buy now.

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White shorts always shape up to be the sleeper hit of the summer. Minimal, easy, and endlessly wearable, they’re the kind of staple that doesn’t need to shout to be relevant. Every fashion person seems to own a pair, but the way they’re being styled this summer feels especially fresh—less resort cliché, more cool-girl uniform. Whether tailored or slouchy, they’re the base for some of the season’s best looks.

For summer 2026, it’s all about contrast. Crisp, structured white shorts paired with oversize poplin shirts and sleek sandals feel modern and pulled together without trying too hard. On the other end of the spectrum, longer, looser silhouettes styled with fitted tanks or sporty pieces like retro sneakers and oversize crewnecks give off an effortless edge. It’s a subtle shift, but it makes all the difference.

Texture also plays a role. Think clean denim, soft linen, or elevated twill—each bringing a slightly different energy. Linen pairs feel breezy and low-maintenance, especially when worn with simple tanks or ribbed knits. White denim cutoffs, on the other hand, still hold their place, but the styling this year is more pared-back: minimal accessories, neutral layers, and sharp shapes.

At the end of the day, white shorts aren’t a trend—they’re a foundation. And right now, they’re the piece every stylish person is building their summer wardrobe around. If you haven’t figured out how to wear yours yet, now’s the time to start.

See our favourite white-shorts outfits for summer 2026 below.

5 Chic and Easy White-Shorts Outfit Ideas for Summer 2026

1. Blouse + Flip-Flops

Style notes: I love the all-white with a pop of red situation happening here. It's the perfect outfit formula for a sun-soaked beach holiday or a trip around the city.

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2. Tank Top + Slingbacks

Style notes: Sometimes, all your white shorts needs is some tonal staples to make them look chic. A classic black tank and white slingback heels will add an elegant edge to the baggy Bermuda shorts, finished off with a trending animal-print bag to make the look feel "2026".

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3. T-Shirt + Ballet Flats

Style notes: This look is checking off all the latest summer trends: long pendant necklace, round glasses, and sleek leather belts.

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4. Blouse + Boat Shoes

Style notes: It wouldn't be summer style without a breezy white blouse-and-shorts combo. Add a sleek pair of loafers and shoulder bag to finish off the look.

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This is how you dress up your white cutoff shorts.

5. Lightweight Knit + Sandals

Style notes: Perfect for the office and beyond, here's another effortlessly elegant way to wear white shorts this warm-weather season.

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I’ve always had a slightly complicated relationship with shorts. Denim pairs have a habit of riding up, whilst shorter linen styles never seem to hit quite the right spot on my legs (the realities of being 5’2”). For years, I’d simply avoid them altogether, reaching instead for linen trousers, slip skirts or easy summer dresses. That was until one particular silhouette started appearing everywhere I looked: the Bermuda short.

Not so long ago, Bermuda shorts felt more practical than polished. They were firmly in “dad on holiday” territory. This summer, however, they’ve undergone something of a fashion rebrand. Thanks to minimalist tailoring, relaxed proportions and fashion people styling them with romantic blouses, crisp shirts and simple tank tops, they’ve become one of the coolest pieces you can own. Less countryside hike, more Copenhagen Fashion Week.

What makes them so appealing is their versatility. Cut just above—or sometimes below—the knee, they offer a relaxed silhouette that feels effortlessly elegant, whilst the extra length makes them surprisingly easy to style. Whether paired with a fitted tank and leather flip-flops, an oversized linen shirt and woven tote, or a pretty embroidered blouse and ballet flats, they somehow make every outfit feel more directional with very little effort.

After spending far too many hours scrolling the high street, I’ve noticed three brands consistently getting Bermuda shorts right: COS, Zara and H&M. COS excels at clean, minimalist tailoring, Zara has embraced elevated details like embroidery and tie-waists, whilst H&M continues to produce the affordable linen pairs that fashion editors return to every summer. Keep scrolling for the very best Bermuda shorts to shop now.

Shop The Best Bermuda Shorts at Zara, COS and H&M

When it comes to summer dressing, comfort and ease are at the forefront of everyone's minds. There are arguably few pieces that work harder in a summer wardrobe than a good pair of shorts, and whether they're worn with a matching top, basic vest or broderie anglaise blouse, they’re a versatile option that combats the heat whilst still looking stylish—a win-win for us.

However, when it comes to styling a petite frame, finding a flattering pair can be quite the task. It all comes down to balanced proportions and styling them in the right way to ensure they are a chic option you can confidently wear without overthinking. Petite frames don’t have to be restricted to one style of shorts either; the right pair of short-shorts or mid-thigh length can still elongate your legs as they lengthen your lower half. And, for those that prefer a longer length, opting for a higher waist creates the illusion of a more balanced frame, so you aren't drowning in fabric.

My top tip for petite shorts outfits? If you’re wearing a more oversized style, pair it with a fitted vest. For a matching co-ord option, tuck the shirt into the shorts to create the waist definition. And, adding a belt is a quick and easy way to bring accessories in whilst also, again, defining your waist. Sound good? Well, I’ve pulled together an edit of the five biggest shorts trends for petite frames in summer 2026 so you can find a shape, length or cut you'll love.

1. Striped Shorts

Style Notes: I know what you're thinking: "Stripes for petite frames? Groundbreaking." But they are a fail-safe option for a reason. The eye naturally follows vertical stripes, creating the illusion of longer legs and naturally elongating the frame. This summer, stripes are back on the agenda with less nautical energy and more of a quiet-luxe neutral spin, so add your favourite white shirt and wear on repeat with a pared-back leather flip-flop.

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2. Lace-Trimmed Shorts

Style Notes: They might not be the obvious choice, but lace-trimmed shorts are a great option for petite shoppers. Their delicate, soft silhouette doesn’t add extra bulky fabric that would overwhelm smaller frames, whilst the lace hems draw attention without making legs appear shorter. Whilst the market is starting to lean into longer, Bermuda-length styles, we love classic crop for a polished daytime look that strikes the balance between elegant and effortless.

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3. Tailored Shorts

Style Notes: When it's too hot for wide-leg trousers, tailored shorts are my go-to recommendation for petites. They give a polished finish and feel more "grown up" than denim. Pleated fronts give a lengthening effect, whilst linen is an obvious choice in summer. Just keep an eye out for high waists to make sure that the hem falls above the knee.

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4. Sporty Shorts

Style Notes: Sporty shorts are so on-trend this summer (just ask Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz), and they're another great option for all bodies. Most track-style shorts have some form of vents on the side, which draws the eye down, whilst a drawstring waist is endlessly comfy. Take tips from the A-list (and style influencers) and pair with a long-sleeved tee and flats for an off-duty look that's ready to go at a moment's notice.

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5. Denim Shorts

Style Notes: Let's face it: just like jeans, denim shorts are a classic style in any wardrobe and a timeless option that works with just about any top they're paired with. Follow the proportion "rules" to ensure you're getting the most out of your look, and they're a pair you’ll reach for every year.

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If you're also summering in the UK, you'll know that this run of heatwaves hasn't made getting dressed much easier. When you're trying to wear as little as possible whilst still looking polished, you may be struggling at this point. Your tanks and white tees are likely already on heavy rotation, but the denim shorts you've relied on for summers past are likely feeling a little less refined. Fortunately, the recent spell of warm weather has coincided with the rise of a fresh shorts trend that's significantly more elegant than its predecessors.

Spotted just this week on Charlize Theron in Paris, the actor stepped out in a chic pair of satin shorts, styling them with towering silver heels for one of the chicest takes on heatwave styling I've come across.

Crafted from light-catching satin, this shorts trend brings an inherent elegance to a summer outfit that denim can't replicate. The fluid finish gives the shorts a dressed-up feel, making them the perfect choice for warm-weather occasions when you want to look polished.

Whilst Charlize teamed her Tom Ford shorts with a glossy satin blouse in a beautiful butter-yellow hue and a neat black blazer from the same label, I've also spotted this particular shorts trend styled in much more relaxed ways by fashion people throughout the season.

It's also one of those few trends that's been adopted by a range of fashion groups. I've seen women in their 20s embracing the shorts just as much as those in their 50s. Offering easy elegance alongside the lightweight finish that heatwave dressing demands, it's become one of the chicest warm-weather buys of the season.

If I had to recommend just one piece to invest in for comfort and style right now, satin shorts would be it. Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best pairs below.

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Hold the heels. Being 5'4" and under doesn't mean relying on towering stilettos to feel polished during summer events. Instead, take your styling cues from one of the best-dressed petite women I've come across: Bel Powley.

Stepping out for a day of tennis at Wimbledon this week, Bel wore one of the chicest petite-friendly looks I've seen this summer. Her crisp white high-waisted shorts sat neatly at the waist, with the high-rise cut creating the illusion of longer legs and a clean, streamlined silhouette.

Rather than opting for expected heels, Bel grounded the look with a comfortable pair of Mary Jane flats. Choosing a soft butter-yellow style, the tonal palette createed one continuous line from top to toe, further elongating her frame whilst lending the outfit an easy elegance.

Dressed head-to-toe in Longchamp, Bel paired her tailored shorts with a crisp cotton shirt in a rich forest green, before finishing the look with the brand's Looong Shoulder Bag in a vibrant blue tucked beneath her arm. Creating a refined, petite woman-friendly take on summer event dressing that goes to show that flats can feel just as elevated as heels.

Read on to shop Bel Powley's look and discover my edit of the best high-waisted shorts and Mary Jane shoes below.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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