The Best Summer Shorts You’ll Actually Want To Wear Right Now

It's impossible to talk about summer dressing without mentioning something that a lot of people genuinely seem - year in, year out - quite alarmed by: shorts. Maybe it's the fact that they tend to be short, go figure, and therefore quite exposing after a spring spent bundled in leggings.

Or perhaps that, with their relaxed fits and elastic waistbands, you have to work that little bit harder to make them look smart in your summer wardrobe. Nevertheless, 2023 is backing shorts in a big way this warm weather season - and they've had something of a makeover since the last time you wore them. But how exactly does one wear shorts?

First, you need to know what are the best summer shorts to look for. Chino-style shorts have been edged out for tailored shorts that look 100% more sleek. Some even come with matching suit jackets (usually both halves of the equation are pleasingly oversized so the overall effect isn't too shrunken) or with especially elongated and slim-fit legs so that they're effectively culottes.

Tamu McPherson recently styled her high street pair of shorts - chestnut-coloured from Mango - with a matching waistcoat and a crisp white blazer to bring three-piece suiting well and truly into summer territory. I can't help thinking that this exact combination, with the addition of some gleaming costume jewellery, would work wonders as an alternative to a wedding guest dress.

For a more relaxed option, and for anyone who used to fall back on cargo shorts, the best shorts have a relaxed fit and come with an elasticated waistband this summer. Opt for 100% linen or a cotton-linen blend to make them extra breathable during warm weather.

Denim shorts always seem to make an appearance, but instead of the teeny-weeny cut-offs that provide zero sun coverage, this summer's jean shorts are loose and long or come with something statement about them (either an especially high waist or a pleasingly fun pattern).

Finally, best shorts practice dictates that there needs to be an element of balance in your outfit. What this means, simply, is that you should counterpoint that stretch of leg with something oversized on top. An organic cotton shirt with a few buttons undone, say, would immediately make a pair of sweat shorts look sharper. And at the beach, give a pair of swim shorts (or even swim trunks) a surfer kind of cool with a tie-dye jumper and a bucket hat.

That's the long and short of it, but have a go and see what you come up with. You might just wear them all summer long.