I'm Not Anti-Shorts, But I Definitely Prefer Wearing These 7 Stylish Alternatives
Try on these skirts, dresses and trouser styles for the perfect alternative to shorts that feel just as elevated and comfortable.


I've always had a difficult relationship with shorts. Difficult in that I love them on other people but, on me, I've always felt a little self-conscious when wearing them. My legs aren't the part of my body I love the most, and while I don't shy away from wearing dresses and skirts that fall above the knee, I've always felt like shorts just don't suit me. A big part of this is my build. I'm 5' 3", and whilst petite women definitely look incredible in shorts, my legs are actually shorter than my torso, and some shorts just don't seem to work with the ratio I have.
Over the years, I have found shorts styles I do feel great in—usually mid-thigh and tailored, smarter shorts—but I've also become a bit of an expert at finding alternatives to shorts that I can wear in the summer months. I brought this up to my colleagues this week, and they all immediately wanted to know what they could wear instead of shorts.
This comes with a caveat. If you want to wear shorts, then you absolutely should wear shorts! However, if you're looking to switch things up or if you're like me and just don't love wearing them, scroll on to see the alternatives to shorts I recommend trying.
7 CHIC ALTERNATIVES TO SHORTS TO WEAR THIS SUMMER
1. BREEZY SKIRTS
Style Notes: Although shorts are synonymous with summer, nothing feels more sensible for warmer weather than a breezy, non-constricting skirt, in my opinion. These are much more comfortable to wear, and nine times out of 10, look more elegant, as proven by Sasha's pretty green version. Search for styles in cotton or linen to make them feel even more summer-appropriate.
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2. CAPRI PANTS
Style Notes: If you want to look on-trend this summer, then a pair of capri pants is where it's at. They might feel more daunting to wear given their close cut, but when you consider the fact they're basically a chicer interpretation of leggings, they become all the more translatable. For me, I find they balance out my frame and make my legs look longer, especially when I wear them with heeled flip-flops as Marilyn has done here.
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3. MINI DRESSES
Style Notes: If you like wearing shorts because of, well, how short they can be, then a summer mini dress will give you the same energy. I like the look of more fitted dresses for a simple silhouette. You will have an abundance of patterns, colours and fabrics to choose from too.
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4. SKORTS
Style Notes: Okay, so I know skorts are technically shorts, but there's a lot to be said for that small piece of fabric, especially when it comes to sitting down. Where shorts can quickly look scruffy when crumpled, skorts don't crease as easily, and thus look more polished even after hours of wear. I love how chic Mona's heeled sandal and jumper pairing are with this one.
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5. LINEN TROUSERS
Style Notes: If it's something lightweight you seek, then a pair of linen trousers will be just as cool as a pair of shorts. The open weave of the fabric encourages more airflow, which will stop you from overheating. Plus, no matter what you wear them with, they always look nonchalantly stylish—just take it from Marina's pretty outfit. The same, however, cannot be said for all shorts.
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6. DENIM SKIRTS
Style Notes: I love jorts on everyone else but me, as I don't love how they make my legs look. Instead, I've taken to wearing denim skirts in their place. Choose one of the more interesting styles on the market, and they'll look just as on-trend as jorts. Take Adenorah's cool acid wash skirt as the ultimate inspiration.
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7. Culottes and Cropped Trousers
Style Notes: Cropped trousers and culottes are the perfect happy medium. Choose cotton or linen picks to stay comfortable even on the warmest summer days. You can also select a length that feels most comfortable to you, whether you prefer an ankle-skimming trouser or something closer to a Bermuda short. Monikh's lovely summery pairing of white and red is something I'll be saving for inspiration for the next few months.
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This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.