Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
While a summer dress code embraces lightweight fabrics, brighter colors, and a general sense of ease, there's bound to be an important meeting, special occasion, or mandatory event that calls for dressier fare. Luckily, shorts that comply with dressier standards are no longer few and far between. Long tailored options can thrive in the workplace, while trims, embellishments, and stylish hemlines help shorts count as elevated party-wear. Skeptics will warm up to a slew of new, versatile short options that can be worn in a set, à la Chanel, or balanced out with summery separates. When you have to get dressed during a heat wave, at the very least, let your legs catch a breeze. Ahead we've got 10 dress short options to choose from.
1. Zara Long Shorts
For the boardroom or client lunches, pair this long short with a silky button-down top and a long string of pearls.
2. Gauge81 White Pleated Shorts
A pleated front gives these shorts a tailored silhouette, while the high-waist is a perfect complement to a summery bralette top. If you're not keen on completely baring your midriff, finish off the look with an oversized blazer.
3. Loulou Feather Shorts
Get the party started in these pastel pink, feather-embellished shorts. They'd make a cheeky wedding after-party ensemble alongside a pretty top.
4. H&M Gold Button Shorts
A white short gets an upgrade with the inclusion of shiny gold buttons and a stylish slit hem. Darts on the backside contribute to the great fit.
5. Versace Rose-Print Shorts
The feminine rose embroidery on these shorts offsets a more boyish pinstripe pattern. For date nights, wear these with a lightweight cropped cardigan and a pair of slingback kitten heels.
6. MSGM Ruffle Trim Shorts
See and be seen in this vibrant orange short with ruffle hem details. Pair them with a simple T-shirt or a striped bodysuit, and accessorize with a trendy chain-adorned sandal.
7. Raey Taffeta Shorts
A silk taffeta fabric will take your shorts to elevated heights. The interior lining has an elastic cuff hem so there's little chance of these riding up.
8. Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Shorts
These bold floral shorts are the summery wardrobe solution for outdoor soirées. Pair them with a crisp white button-down to look utterly polished.
9. Pixie Market Riley Leather Shorts
A faux leather short will look expensive without breaking the bank. Throw on a summery linen blazer and a pair of hoop earrings to keep it appropriate for an office setting.
10. Derek Lam 10 Crosby Pleated Sailor Shorts
These nautical-inspired shorts are a go-to for summertime celebrations or a seaside rendezvous. Pair them with a short-sleeve Breton stripe shirt for full-out preppy sailor vibes.
Sara Holzman is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to.
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