Summer 2025 belongs to Lorde. With her album release only days away and Glastonbury appearance whispers swirling, she's approaching the impossibly busy high-summer months with the same easy, relaxed energy that's won her so much favour for years.
Translating into an effortlessly cool wardrobe collection of breezy staples, I spotted Lorde out this week styling the casual shorts trend that matters the most right now. Ditching the denim cut-offs, the look of the season is decidedly softer and sweeter with the gingham shorts trend. Cut from breezy cotton and patterned in picnic-ready checks, these feel like the cool wardrobe upgrade that makes a summer collection feel distinctly 2025.
With their slouchy, relaxed fit, Lorde’s gingham shorts channelled a laid-back, I-just-threw-this-on energy that runs through her style. But in a characteristically clever twist, she gave the casual base a directional energy, swapping the usual trainers or Mary Janes for a pair of sleek black pointed-toe heels.
Creating clever contrast that transformed the easy cotton shorts into something surprisingly polished, the heels added leg-lengthening lift and structure, balancing out the voluminous silhouette of the shorts and tee combo without compromising the nonchalant vibe. She finished the look with rectangular black sunglasses and a laptop casually tucked under one arm—a modern-day fashion muse on the move.
Read on to find our edit of the best gingham shorts.
SHOP GINGHAM SHORTS:
These also come in striped styles in beige and blue.
Style with the matching gingham blouse or pair with a simple tee.
These pretty gingham shorts are so easy to slot into a summer capsule wardrobe.
These also come in navy, green and cream.
Style with a simple tank for an easy, chic summer look.
These come in UK sizes 6—20.
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