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  5. How to Wear Shorts in the Summer

How to Wear Shorts in the Summer

Brandi Broxson
By Brandi Broxson Updated May 03, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Midthigh-Length Shorts: Beachy
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran
Warm weather makes them a summertime essential. Today's stylish fabrics and flattering cuts make them a wardrobe chameleon. Use this guide to help you find your next go-to pair.
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Shorter Shorts: 3- To 4-Inch Inseams

Shorter Shorts Outfits
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

This not-too-daring length is great for elongating petite frames or showing off nice legs. (Flats will keep you from looking racy.) “Those with full thighs might have trouble with this cut, as it hits at the widest part of the leg,” says Susan Moses, the author of The Art of Dressing Curves.

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Shorter Shorts: Sporty

Shorter Shorts: Sporty
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Like a modern take on the tennis skirt, an A-line silhouette plays up slim hips. With shorts that have a lot going on (inverted pleats, textured fabric, oversize pockets), keep the rest of the look minimal with a simple white tank.

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Shorter Shorts: Feminine

Shorter Shorts: Feminine
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Jean shorts are pretty enough for date night when they’re made of lightweight chambray and include a tie belt. Pair them with floral flats, dangly earrings, and a suede bag, and loosely tuck in a peasant blouse to cleverly conceal love handles.

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Midthigh-length Shorts: 5-inch Inseams

Midthigh-Length Shorts Outfits
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

That extra inch or two of coverage makes this variety universally flattering. “Roomier cuts through the thighs help balance proportions to create the illusion of narrower legs,” says Los Angeles–based stylist Lindsay Albanese.

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Midthigh-length Shorts: For a Creative Office

Midthigh-Length Shorts: For a Creative Office
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Shorts can be passable on casual Friday in a laid-back workplace if they have a blousy fit and are made of a refined, dark fabric. Wear them with more covered-up pieces, like closed-toe shoes and a sleeved top.

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Midthigh-length Shorts: Beachy

Midthigh-Length Shorts: Beachy
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

For a late-afternoon seaside mosey, slip into easy but cute scalloped chambray shorts and a white sleeveless sweater. A tassel necklace, a rattan tote, and flowery straw sandals complete the breezy but put-together vibe.

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Long Shorts: 7 Inches or Longer

Long Shorts Outfits
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Bermudas and culottes are big trends and wearable for most—with the right shoes. “To keep legs from looking stumpy, opt for height with wedges or chunky sandals,” says Bridgette Raes, the author of Style Rx. Petites may want to skip these cuts, as they can have a shortening effect.

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Long Shorts: Sophisticated

Long Shorts: Sophisticated
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Below the knee and dramatically loose, a linen-blend style provides a foundation for a cool summer suit when paired with a jacket and a blouse in the same shade. Embellished neutral-tone accents hit the right note.

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Long Shorts: Artsy

Long Shorts: Artsy
Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Standard navy Bermudas feel rich next to an asymmetrical top accessorized with a punchy scarf and blue suede heels. Add some gold bangles and a leather cross-body bag for an easy, eclectic look fit for grabbing drinks with friends.

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    1 of 9 Shorter Shorts: 3- To 4-Inch Inseams
    2 of 9 Shorter Shorts: Sporty
    3 of 9 Shorter Shorts: Feminine
    4 of 9 Midthigh-length Shorts: 5-inch Inseams
    5 of 9 Midthigh-length Shorts: For a Creative Office
    6 of 9 Midthigh-length Shorts: Beachy
    7 of 9 Long Shorts: 7 Inches or Longer
    8 of 9 Long Shorts: Sophisticated
    9 of 9 Long Shorts: Artsy

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