How to wear shorts this summer

It can take time to find the right pair, but in these climes it's worth it

Patterned Shorts, £24.99, H&M

A rise in temperatures inevitably leads to a hike in hemlines and an excuse to relegate our trousers to the back of the wardrobe.

However, knowing what to wear on sticky summer mornings can prove particularly challenging, especially if you’re not a fan of skirts or dresses.

Enter: shorts. Despite being a quintessential summer staple, shorts remain a polarising piece that many women avoid and it’s not hard to see why.

Perhaps the only thing worse than shopping for a new pair of jeans, they’re either too tight, super baggy or finish at an awkward length.

But not all hope is lost.

A necessary addition to your wardrobe, shorts are a great way to show a little skin and cool down in warmer climes without baring all.

Plus, anyone who has endured the uncomfortable hot weather chafe on their inner thighs will know all too well that owning the right pair can make or break your summer holidays.

The key here is to pick a pair that suit your shape and the occasion – and, above all else, that you feel comfortable wearing.

Pleated Bermuda Shorts, £25.99, Zara

Luckily, the number of potential styles you can invest in are endless; there are short shorts, leather shorts, bermudas and even skorts, but which shape to pick?

While shorts don’t necessarily have to be short, if you want to flash your pins this summer take your cue from Saint Laurent whose 1980s leather versions were an exemplar of the trend.

Bleach Fray Kiri Shorts, £28, Topshop

Since there’s so little fabric to work with, it’s important to remember that short doesn’t necessarily mean tight, so experiment until you find a pair that fit well and team with a loose silhouette on top.

Not one for baring all? Try a pair or Bermudas that come in longer, tailored cuts. Super versatile, this style makes for acceptable, age and office appropriate daywear.

Fluid Tailored Short, £25, Marks & Spencer

For work, wear yours with a tucked-in silky shirt or a longline blazer and remember that it’s width, not length that matters here.

A slightly wider cut style will instantly make your legs appear leaner especially when worn with something tailored on top.

Basic Black Cycle Shorts, £5, Pretty Little Thing

Lastly, having made an appearance on the spring/summer 2018 catwalks, cycling shorts have made a surprising comeback thanks to the Kardashian clan.

While they’re wearing theirs with little else than a crop top, an easy way to get in on this trend is to wear them underneath a button down dress or channel the Eighties with a super-oversized T-shirt.