Though shorts of the knee-length variety may feel more skatepark than chic summer dressing, the long and short of it is that the past-the-thigh variety is quickly becoming the style of the summer.
The longline short is a stylish alternative for the Daisy Duke-adverse out there (myself included), and they are surprisingly versatile. Dress them up with a kitten heel, or pair them down with trainers (a pair with vintage flair works best here–think Nike Cortez). You’ll quickly discover knee-grazing shorts are your new wardrobe must-have.
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They also come in various styles, and there’s something for everyone. Admittedly, there can be an air of Avril Lavigne about them (though I personally don’t mind styling mine with a loose shirt and tie—I promise this works), but you can also opt for the more tailored variety.
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Victoria Beckham’s straight-cut style is a great investment. The houndstooth pattern lends well to slingbacks and silky camisoles, but come cooler temperatures, throw on a roll neck and some knee-high boots, and you have the perfect transitional piece.
Emily Ratajkowski and Charli XCX are good sources of off-duty inspiration. Both opt for a sportier flare. Think: heading to the park. Studio Nicolson's cotton drawstring shorts riff off the boxer trend but add length and, with it, a breezier, more refined finish that works well in this context.
Cool girls tend to air on the lower-slung side of things. Try playing with mix-matched dressing—see Broderie Anglaise, sleeveless blouses with long denim shorts on the hip and biker boots on the bottom.
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COS has a fantastic pair of the denim kind that sits mid-knee and packs the volume, while &OtherStories offers a more office-appropriate safari style that screams out for a smattering of gold-toned jewellery.
There’s also a wealth of them to be found secondhand, and often, you’ll find a unique style this way. Take the vintage softly tailored linen pair and matching waistcoat I recently found, which has a major Julia Roberts pretty woman energy.
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