As temperatures start to rise, so do hemlines – meaning it’s time to give your wardrobe a short and sweet update, says Amy Norbury. From tailored Bermudas to chic co-ords, shorts are a go-to for summer style
Ah. The sweet sound of summer is almost upon us, bringing with it a whole raft of updates for your wardrobe. As the mercury starts to rise, so do the hemlines – and pins which have barely seen the light of day in months get ready to make an appearance.
Shorts have been having a fashion moment for many a season as we’ve cycled (ahem!) through trusty denim cut-offs and the shortest of hotpants, to skintight lycra bike shorts and more modest tailored affairs.
And for 2023, the shorts story is one of opposites.
At one end of the spectrum, those short-shorts are making a comeback, as championed by Miu Miu and their barely-there numbers across the SS23 catwalks. But if your hotpants days are behind you, at the other end, looser and longer styles are leading the way for wearable style.
One of the season’s hottest cuts is straight out of the movies. Inspired by Julia Roberts’ classic salmon bermuda shorts-and-blazer combo in Pretty Woman, bermuda shorts are top of the list for easy, breezy style. High-waisted and belted preferably, pair with a loose-fitting blouse or cami and a matching blazer for boardroom-to-bar chic.
Speaking of matchy-matchy, co-ords are showing no signs of slowing down their fashion trajectory. Spring’s love of suiting continues apace, with tailored shorts suits offering the perfect take on all-occasions dressing. Team with a shirt and sandals for a smarter smart-casual vibe, or dress down with a T-shirt and trainers.
Away from suiting co-ords take on a more casual approach, with floaty shirts and bold patterns offering a relaxed holiday feel whether you’re at home or away. Top picks include LMND’s cotton poplin Chiara shorts, with their ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ boxer style and co-ordinating loose fitting shirt which makes light work of summer dressing.
Trusty denim is always going to have a say when it comes to your shorts arsenal, and every wardrobe should have at least one pair. Following on from the all-encompassing ‘mom’ jeans trend, ‘mom’ shorts are the way to go for a flattering fit which marries comfort with style. And what more could you want?
