5 Stylish Ways To Wear Shorts For Any Occasion

When it comes to the sartorial dilemma of shorts and when and where to wear them, opinions are divided.

LK Bennett
(Image credit: LK Bennett)

When it comes to the sartorial dilemma of shorts and when and where to wear them, opinions are divided.

But it's hot and and we want to be comfortable. So, beat the heat in style with these five stylish ways to wear shorts:

Suit up

Yes, you really can wear shorts to the office and look smart. The short suit is the answer to this sartorial dilemma. After all, it's really just a vertically challenged trouser suit, non? Just make sure that the shorts are not too fitted and cut just above the knee. A good rule of thumb is to make sure they stop where your fingertips hit your legs or longer. Team with a blouse or shirt for a polished look.

Disclaimer: probably best to avoid shorts all together if you work in a super-conservative office. Take your cue from upper management.

On a night out

Opt for something in a luxe fabric, like this metallic Bimba Y Lola pair (pictured below), styled up simply with a vest top and heels. It's best to keep it simple and chic, but if you want to feel more done, accessorise with jewellery and an evening clutch.

Bimba Y Lola shorts, £330

Casual chic

If you want to keep leg exposure to a minimum during the day then opt for knee-length shorts. If they're printed, balance your outfit with neutral colours, if you’re going to wear a coat make sure it’s slightly longer than the shorts to keep your proportions in line.

Gerard Darel shorts, £130

Go short and go wide

If you’re all about flashing the legs then choose a style that is loosely cut and in a fluid fabric. This Zara pair (pictured below) is also great if you have a boyish shape because the drawstring helps define the waist. Style with a loosely fitted top or a blouse (avoid t-shirts - they'll make your look too casual). The rust and cream colours help to make this look chic so keep it tonal for a sophisticated look.

Zara shorts, £29.99

Matchy-matchy

Co-ordinating your top and bottom half always make an outfit look pulled together. Glam this up with heels for a wedding.

J Crew, £118

Abisoye Odugbesan is a London-based freelance fashion stylist and was previously fashion editor at Marie Claire UK. Abisoye is also the founder of beauty platform Beauty And Style Edit. Her work includes styling fashion and beauty editorials, celebrity dressing, wardrobe and brand consultancy, still life shoots and e-comm.