WearsMyMoney

We’re not usually in the market for shorts so early in the summer, but this past week’s freak heatwave has made me reach for some of my favourites. Shout-out to anyone who still has their classic lockdown Topshop shorts from 2020, and extra points to you if you can still fit into them. 

First up, a little bit of shorts advice that I feel compelled to give every year: size UP! Shorts should never be tight, and you’re already hot, so don’t try to squeeze your sweaty body into something that clings. You’ll only feel like a sausage trying to escape its casing. The only exception is gym shorts, but we’re not talking about those today. 

I also favour shorts with a wide opening at the hem. Trust me, they just look better. Ideally, I don’t want the bottom of my shorts touching my skin at all. 

Shorts should be for everyone, so I hope I’ve found a pair that takes your fancy, and even if the weather turns you will be prepared for the next round of summer. 

SMART SHORTS

Let’s start with shorts you could potentially wear to work. Summer is always tricky in the office. You want to look presentable, but you also need to feel cool (in both senses of the word). Although I do recall that in my office days the air conditioning was often so fierce I practically had to keep a puffer jacket to hand indoors during the summer. It doesn’t do your body temperature any favours going from the furnace of the Central line to the workplace freezer.

I always feel for anyone who works in an M&S Foodhall. Even in the height of summer, they need a padded gilet to keep warm in there. But it’s a great place to go to cool down if you’re out and about in a heatwave. 

1. Sezane Freya Beaded Earrings
2. Sezane Morgane Beaded Necklace
3. ME + EM Cheesecloth Relaxed Summer Shirt
4. Abercrombie Linen Button-Up Shell Top
5. & Other Stories Tailored Linen Shorts
6. M&S Linen Blend Pleat Front Shorts
7. Penelope Chilvers Shepherdess Leather Sandals
8. Sezane Mira Low Sandals

DENIM SHORTS

Finding the perfect pair of denim shorts can feel like the ultimate quest when it comes to summer dressing. They can’t be too short, they can’t be too tight and they have to be comfortable. Unfortunately, the shorts of years gone by are no longer available, but I can recommend these from Hush. Great wide hem, good length and flattering front pleats. Take your usual size in these as they come up a little big. Definitely my favourites from this year’s crop. 

1. Liberty Aviator Sunglasses 
2. Mother Appliquéd cotton T‑shirt
3. Zara Colourblock t shirt 
4. Hush Larissa Denim Shorts
5. Mango mid-rise denim shorts
6. Arhies Flip Flop Sandals
7. M&S Green Flip Flops
8. COOLA Clear Sunscreen Spray

SPORTY SHORTS

I wore my Adidas sporty shorts a lot last summer. I like to pair the sportier look with a nice white shirt instead of a T‑shirt, and sandals rather than trainers. It just makes me feel less like I’m heading off to play basketball and more like I’d be accepted into polite society.

1. A. Kjærbede Cream Sunglasses 
2. Massimo Dutti cotton poplin shirt
3. Varley Ritchie Short Sleeve Sweat top
4. Adidas 3 Stripes Sprinter Shorts 
5. M&S Cotton Side Stripe Jogger Shorts
6. Teva Infinity Sandals
7. Ugg GoldenGaze Toe Post Sandals

LONGER DENIM SHORTS

If you’re not in the market for short shorts, then the longer denim variety could be the style for you. Jorts, if you will. These can be tricky to style without looking like a rogue teenage boy. I’d suggest pairing yours with a cute blouse or a more girly top to tone down the potential butchness of the jorts. And again, wear them with sandals or ballet flats rather than trainers. 

1. Zara Romantic Ruffle Shirt
2. Le Specs SubZero Sunglasses 
3. Monsoon Sleeveless Printed Jersey Top 
4. Loewe Large raffia tote bag
5. Arket Pleated Denim Shorts
6. Mint Velvet Denim Mid Length Shorts
7. Amazon Essentials Strappy Sandals
8. Grenson Quinta Leather Sandals 

BERMUDA STYLE SHORTS

A smarter alternative to jorts, and also office-appropriate, Bermuda-style shorts are a winner for many occasions. Think Margot Robbie at the airport (about the only time I can even begin to imagine wearing what she wears), and pair yours with mesh ballet flats while keeping the rest of the outfit monochrome. 

1. Rixo Sofira Embroidered Blouse 
2. Jennifer Behr Shell Pendant Necklace 
3. Albaray Cap Sleeve T Shirt
4. Mango Straight linen Bermuda shorts
5. Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Raffia Bag 
6. Saint + Sofia Black Leather Belt 
7. Uniqlo Jersey Pleated Shorts
8. River Island Red Woven Ballet Pumps
9. Nobody’s Child Leather Cut Out Ballet Flats

MATCHING SHORTS SETS

To be honest, I would usually save it for holidays, but I did bust out my shorts set from WNU this past weekend and it felt good. Yes, it’s a bit like wearing your pyjamas outside the house, but not one member of my family made a snarky comment to this effect, so I’ll take that as a small win. 

1. ME + EM Nude D Frame Sunglasses 
2. Albaray Tropique Print Shirt
3. River Island Linen Blend Scallop Trim Waistcoat 
4. River Island Linen Blend Scallop Trim Shorts
5. Albaray Tropique Print Shorts
6. Massimo Dutti Soft leather ballerinas
7. Jigsaw Suede Cross Strap Sandals

DESIGNER SHORTS

Finally, a little selection for those who’d like to blow the shorts budget this summer. In defence of expensive shorts, I will say that I’ve had these Toteme shorts (and the matching top) for three years now, and they have come out every holiday and every summer since. I can’t say that they’ve paid for themselves, but I do love them so. If it’s designer denim shorts you’re after, then these from Agolde are (to my mind) the best on the market.

1. Farm Rio Stitched Garden linen-blend shirt
2. Tom Ford Brianna aviator sunglasses
3. Toteme Logo-embroidered silk shirt
4. Agolde Parker Long high-rise denim shorts
5. Toteme Logo silk shorts
6. A.EMERY Nolan leather sandals

Next weekend, I may do ‘shoes and sandals that are comfortable right away and don’t require plasters or socks’. I may need to work on that title, though. 

Kate x