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.
For the boardroom or client lunches, pair this long short with a silky button-down top and a long string of pearls.
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.
Get the party started in these pastel pink, feather-embellished shorts. They'd make a cheeky wedding after-party ensemble alongside a pretty top.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These bold floral shorts are the summery wardrobe solution for outdoor soirées. Pair them with a crisp white button-down to look utterly polished.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Sara Holzman is the Style Director 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. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.
-
Does Katie Holmes Have a New Favorite Shoe Trend?
She swapped her usual sneakers for $150 Mary Janes.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Nicola Peltz Beckham Skipped Her Mother-in-Law Victoria Beckham’s 50th Birthday Party—But There’s a Reason
The nonexistent Nicola/Victoria feud continues to not exist.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Hugh Grant Is More Than Ready for the Next 'Bridget Jones' Movie
The fourth movie might just be the best of the entire series.
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published