Why Everybody’s Wearing Shorts
From Bermuda to denim, boxer to tailored – chic shorts are on the rise. Here, we reveal the long and short of this summer’s hottest styles
If you’re looking to add an instant cool-girl effect to your summer style, it might be time to go long on shorts. Once the preserve of the beach and sporting pursuits, shorts in a variety of lengths, luxe fabrics and shapes were seen all over the SS24 runways – from Alexander McQueen to Loewe, Bally to Dries Van Noten and Gucci – lending them more versatility this season. So, whether your style is sleek and tailored or relaxed and slouchy, a great pair of shorts is the sure-fire way to sharpen your warm-weather outfits. Read on for the key styles to know…
Bermuda
If knee-length shorts aren’t ordinarily your sartorial go-to, Hailey Bieber’s immaculate top-to-toe white ensemble should convince you otherwise – because Bermuda shorts are the breakout star of the summer. Follow Bieber’s lead by styling with a pair of fisherman sandals and white socks on casual days, or dress them up for evening with a vest and mesh ballet flats.
For boardroom-ready Bermudas, go for styles that are long and tailored, then sharpen the look with a belt and loafers. Australian label Matteau’s black organic cotton-blend twill shorts (featured in our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted pieces) look great styled with an oversized linen blazer and flowing shirt. Elsewhere, Toteme and Tod’s styles are timeless choices and perfect for office dressing when the mercury rises. What’s more, they’re both exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. Pair them with a wool vest for meetings, then swap in a crisp white tank top and chunky sandals for an elevated weekend look. Thierry Colson’s vibrantly striped shorts are pleated at the waist and, when paired with the matching shirt and sandals, will take you comfortably from yacht to lunch.
Denim
Jeans shorts – or ‘jorts’, as they have come to be known – have exploded this summer, with longer lengths the cut du jour. Citizens of Humanity’s relaxed wide-leg ‘Brynn’ version is a one-way ticket to model-off-duty chic, while Agolde’s low-slung ‘Risha’ pair oozes Cali-beach cool. Alternatively, The Frankie Shop’s neat ‘Xavier’ shorts make a strong case for white denim and look chic paired with a floaty blouse and gold jewelry. If you’re petite or just prefer shorter lengths, try Frame’s ‘Le Grand Garçon’ black denim shorts – the frayed cuffs lend a laid-back beachy feel that works perfectly with swimwear.
Boxer
The ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ aesthetic has already influenced our denim silhouettes and shirting, and its latest claim is shorts – because boxers have been repurposed and adopted by the fashion set as the ultimate cool-girl summer staple (and they’re more versatile than you might think). For daywear, try The Frankie Shop’s embroidered, striped twill ‘Lui’ shorts, or a white buttoned pair from Sébline. Didn’t think you’d be wearing men’s underwear to dinner? Think again. Alaïa’s ultra-short shorts look chic dressed up for a night out with a silky camisole, strappy heels and a blazer, while LouLou Studio’s broderie anglaise ‘Aurora’ shorts work perfectly with sandals and an oversized shirt for their namesake outing.
Silk
For something that feels as comfortable as it looks, silky shorts are a summer savior. Maximalists might look to Alémais’ vibrantly printed ‘Rummy’ shorts, which are perfect for pulling on over a swimsuit or Versace’s ultra-short shorts – playfully printed with starfish – which will pair perfectly with the matching bowling shirt for ultimate beach peacocking. For those leaning on a minimalist wardrobe, the print Toteme created from a blown-up version of its monogram has become something of a cult classic among fashion insiders – get the chic black shorts before they’re gone.
Tailored
If you’re looking to perfect your personal uniform, tailoring is always a great place to start. And for SS24, you can’t go wrong with a pair of pleated tailored shorts. Our exclusive selection of standout styles includes must-haves by Tove, Blazé Milano and Brunello Cucinelli. London-based Tove specializes in timeless, refined staples, and the blue linen-blend pair from our edit will work hard in your work and weekend wardrobe for years to come. Wear them to dinner with the matching top and a gold chain necklace. Blazé Milano’s ‘Ferien’ pinstriped shorts are perfectly office-appropriate, especially when styled with the matching blazer, while Brunello Cucinelli’s impeccably cut white pair lend Riviera chic to every look.
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