Shorts Outfits for Grown-Ups

Kick off your summer wardrobe by investing in one the season's hottest trends: the short. (opens in new tab) Haven't worn shorts in decades? Get inspired by the sophisticated new options flooding your favorite sites. Choose from varieties long and short, opt for a pair with pockets, go for cotton, linen, or silk—the choices are aplenty, but that wasn’t always the case. Women once fought for the right to wear shorts at all; they were even outlawed in several states. Eventually the bans against shorts were lifted and the '50s brought a boom in short shorts, (opens in new tab) publicized by pin-up girls, while longer Bermuda styles were popularized for everyday wear. Today, the leg-revealing bottom (opens in new tab) has had another fashion renaissance starring on the spring 2020 runways at Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, and Dior. Don't shy away from playing with proportions and prints. Pair them with blazers and button downs. Add on elevated accessories. Ahead, five shorts outfits that are all grown up.