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.
Shop Skirts:
A great length for summer and you can't go wrong with classic white.
Linen will keep you cool.
The lace trim and peach colour are beautiful details.
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.
Shop Capris:
These are ethereal, and a superb option if you prefer more relaxed fits.
A classic black matches with everything.
These have just enough length to where they don't feel like shorts.
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.
Shop Mini Dresses:
Simple, sleek and eternally timeless.
This brings spring florals into summer through the prettiest shade of blue.
The tie-waist and butter yellow shade are practically made for summer wear.
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.
Shop Skorts:
This comes in a chic black and an elegant butter yellow.
A very chic denim version, which transitions nicely into autumn.
The ruffles make this skort feel all the more skirt-like.
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.
Shop Linen Trousers:
These are made for dressing up, but work perfectly well in casual situations too.
These are such high-quality trousers. They're lined and come in petite lengths.
Black and white are great colours, but this blue is perfect for coastal escapes.
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.
Shop Denim Skirts:
The side buttons are so elegant. (Psst, this is also a skort.)
The perfect shade of denim for summer—though I adore the Ondine shade for autumn wear.
Prefer a midi length? This is the one.
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.
Shop Culottes and Cotton Trousers:
I'm a huge fan of neutrals, but something about this light green is so refreshing.
This pair will become the workhorse of your closet.
These trousers are incredible, as they feel comfortable for all day wear but they're sophisticated too.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
