A short-cut guide to seamless summer style

1. New denim

Long gone are the days of stonewashed and thigh-high skimming Daisy Dukes. Denim shorts in 2019 are an altogether more sensible affair, with long-line and deceptively dark shades prevailing. Try pairing ELV Denim’s knee-grazing black jean shorts (£145, net-a-porter.com) with an oversized suit jacket and kitten-heel mules and see if anyone in the office even notices they’re denim. Or team Mango’s black denim Bermudas with a baggy tee and crochet bucket hat for a Glastonbury look that will go the distance.

(£25.99, mango.com)

2. Off your bike

The unexpected mega-trend of the year, cycling shorts are as hot in fashionland as they are on the capital’s cycle superhighways. The helmet and the hi-vis jacket not so much, though. So to ensure you don’t spend the day looking like you’re mid-commute, the rest of your outfit is key. Length up top is the most flattering proposition. A super-sized shirt and white trainers is a winning weekender, or pair with little heels and a big blazer that finishes somewhere around the mid-thigh for a surprisingly easy way to don Spandex. 

(£35, arket.com)

3. The shorts suit

Anyone still pondering the question of whether shorts are okay in the office hasn’t met the right shorts suit yet. That 

perfect match may lie with House of Holland’s tasty tangerine two-piece, which features a slightly asymmetric double-breasted suit jacket with drawstring waist tracksuit shorts for a Sunny Delight(ful)-hued take on the smart/casual brief (£835, houseofholland.co.uk). Or perhaps & Other Stories’ lovely linen number has caught your eye, with its Mini Milk-pink oversized blazer and matching buckle-belt pleated shorts? Either way, take the plunge in anything but black, navy or grey — summer is no time for staying in the shade. 

(£158, stories.com)

4. The boxers

Probably the most intimidating suggestion on the list, the trend for wearing shorts that closely resemble a pair of your boyfriend’s underpants is actually a surprisingly wearable one. For proof, see J Crew’s latest campaign, which showcases a pair of striped cotton, drawstring-waist short-shorts — the sort that wouldn’t look out of place while sprawled out on your sofa paired with a Sunday morning hangover — looking effortlessly chic with a crisp white shirt and striped cotton sweater. Or seek out the cotton poplin shorts from Fleur du Mal — the New York label founded by lingerie aficionado Jennifer Zuccarini — which features a bright geometric, embroidered pattern and an elasticated waist, alongside a matching corseted crop top for a cute vacay co-ord (£220, net-a-porter.com). Or for something a little more silky, opt for Stella McCartney’s lace-trimmed, pale-mint negligée shorts (£450, stellamccartney.com) and pair with an XXL tie-dye T-shirt for a 2019-approved look.

(£55, jcrew.com)

5. Cocktail hour

We have Miuccia Prada to thank for many things but most recently it’s fashion’s infatuation with cocktail shorts. Hers were tailored just above the knee and cut from duchesse satin, some splashed in tie-dye, others embellished with crystal clusters. For another take on the trend, look to Matchesfashion.com label Raey and its glittering pink tinsel shorts, cut from a silk blend but lined with cotton for comfort and featuring a wide-leg fit. Dress them down with trainers and a tee or go all out with velvet sandals and a tux jacket. 

(£245, matchesfashion.com)

6. The Bermudas

Bermuda shorts are to holidays what piña is to colada. Le Smoking jacket connoisseur Racil has dipped a toe into more tropical waters this summer with its Hawaiian-print shorts, which are definitely more bar than beach when paired with its matching shirt. Or if you’ve blown the holiday budget on inflatable flamingo pool floats, Zara’s flowing, floral-print Bermudas (£25.99, zara.com) will do nicely. 

(£412, farfetch.com)