WearsMyMoney

Is it too early to talk about shorts? I’m saying it’s not, as last weekend I was wearing mine and, with our UK weather, you just never know if we’re going to have a nice bit of sun or torrential rain (often on the same day), so it’s good to be prepared for all eventualities at this time of year. First up, I must reiterate that YES, you can wear shorts.

I can tell you for sure that no one notices your leg imperfections more than you do, and fake tan can hide a multitude of ‘sins’. My favourite is this one from Tan Luxe. It’s fairly light, so it’s good for all my fellow pasty-legged ladies out there. You can build up the colour by applying more the next day if needed, but I find a light application does the trick. Do it at night, and use a tanning mitt. It doesn’t streak, doesn’t smell bad and it won’t come off all over your bedsheets.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready (weather permitting, obvs) to wear the shorts, so here are some styles to think about.

MY FAVOURITE DENIM SHORTS

I hope these are still in stock by the time you see this. I’m writing this on Thursday, so don’t sue me if they’ve gone. If Mango have any sense, they will have done a big order this summer as they are the best shorts ever, and, yes, I am including the old Topshop shorts (RIP) in this sweeping statement. Don’t be alarmed that they look very short on the model, she’s probably very tall. Here’s me wearing them. In fact, wearing almost this whole outfit. I’m 5’7 and size 10. I have the shorts in a size 12 because I like some room to manoeuvre in my short shorts.

1. Boden Connie relaxed fit cotton shirt 
2. Kirstie Le Marque diamond and black enamel lock necklace (on sale) 
3. Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses 
4. Tabitha Webb cashmere and wool blend bomber jacket 
5. Mango denim shorts with front pockets 
6. Adidas Handball Spezial suede trainers 
7. Hush Vero leopard tote bag

CLASSIC FIT SHORTS

They don’t have to be khaki, but we know from last week that it’s a very useful colour to have. I feel like this would be a great look for a city break, but am adding some palm trees in case your city break is somewhere slightly more tropical than Manchester or Glasgow. Although, who knows? There may well be a crop of palm trees somewhere near the Arndale Centre; you see all sorts these days.

1. Scream Pretty palm tree stud earrings 
2. Uniqlo denim utility jacket 
3. River Island blue stripe embroidered shirt 
4. DeMellier leather strap basket bag 
5. Mango linen blend pleat front shorts 
6. Reebok Club C Revenge trainers 

SMART SHORTS

This set also comes with a waistcoat, but I wonder if a three-piece shorts suit is a step too far? Maybe, maybe not; but I worry that if it’s warm enough to wear shorts, you might get too hot with so many layers. Then you’d have to carry your jacket, or take a bag big enough to put it in, but then again, a waistcoat would look good on its own with the shorts, so you carry on. I might be overthinking this…

1. H&M Gold coloured sunglasses 
2. Monica Vinader Rio gemstone bracelet
3. John Lewis stripe linen blazer 
4. COS linen t shirt 
5. Gucci Ophidia leather trim logo bag 
6. John Lewis stripe linen shorts 
7. ASRA Neve natural leather ballet flats (use code BANKHOLASRA for 25% off) 

NONE MORE BLACK

As I often say, ‘If in doubt, wear black’. It will always look good. This would be great for a summer soirée if you want to be comfortable and don’t fancy wearing a dress. A classic pair of black shorts will serve you well.

1. All Saints straw fedora hat 
2. Boden chunky t bar chian necklace 
3. H&M broderie anglaise sleeve top 
4. Tu contrast faux leather straw bag 
5. All Saints Kylin skinny leather belt 
6. John Lewis black linen shorts 
7. Boden Iris snaffle slider sandals 

LONGER LENGTH SHORTS

I’ve noticed a lot more of these longer-length, Bermuda-style shorts around this year. I’m tempted. They would be good for days when you haven’t tackled those rogue hairs we talked about last week. Also good for those who fear an expanse of their own thighs. I haven’t tried these shorts yet but, with this style, I’d probably err on the side of caution and go up a size and wear a belt if needed.

1. Celine cats eye sunglasses 
2. New Era MLB Varsity cap 
3. Mango striped cotton polo shirt
4. John Lewis ANYDAY ribbed scoop neck vest top 
5. H&M Bermuda denim high waist baggy shorts 
6. Nike Cortez green trainers 

CHINO SHORTS

A classic style that you can have for years that will be perfect for everyday wear. Also, and I could well be wrong as I haven’t worked in an office for 4 years now, but I feel like you could get away with wearing this outfit to the office in the summer. You could change the sandals to a light loafer or an espadrille if toes are unacceptable in a business environment.

1. By Iris Lola denim shirt 
2. Marks & Spencer rectangle chunky sunglasses 
3. Mint Velvet tan suede eyelet belt 
4. & Other Stories fitted linen blazer 
5. Weekday knee length chino shorts 
6. Whistles Ezra leather strappy sandals 
7. Dragon Diffusion woven leather tote bag 

SUPER COOL CO-ORDS

Finally, a little look at the short co-ord. Yes, you might get some ‘Are you going out in your pyjamas?’ comments from hilarious members of your family, but I love this look in the summer. If you add some great sunglasses, a good bag and nice sandals (instead of slippers and a scrunchie) I definitely think you can get away with it.

1. COS floral print silk shirt 
2. COS floral print silk shorts 
3. Mango stripe cotton shirt 
4. Mango stripe cotton shorts 
5. Toteme embroidered silk twill shirt 
6. Toteme embroidered silk twill shorts 

Let’s hope we get some more shorts weather soon. If you’re lucky enough to be going somewhere warmer this bank holiday or half term, then enjoy wearing yours.

Kate x