Guest post: Slimming shorts for Summer Fun

When the sun’s out, the shorts go on. Warm weather is the perfect opportunity to give your legs a breath of fresh air and enjoy wearing lighter, more breathable clothes. Still, you want to stay looking great, which is why there are some styles of shorts that are perfect for keeping your style in check without compromising on comfort.

As you’ll know if you’ve been browsing through the summer collections on the high street or online, there is a wide range of styles on offer. From ultra-short shorts to stylish casual trousers like these Cotton Traders cropped pants, you can find a length and a style that suits your preferred look and your budget. So what to choose to make sure you look your best? There are some style tips that you can carry with you, helping you to find the shorts that work for you.

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Cotton Traders cropped pants

Tailored shorts offer the best of both worlds – comfortable styles and slimming shapes. The tailoring just makes sure they fit in the right places and give you a good line or silhouette. Look for shorts with side-fastenings as this produces a flat front which is flattering for most shapes. Ignore shorts that have bulky pocket details at the waist, as this reduces the impact of the tailoring. Choosing high-waisted shorts gives you a longer line, holds your stomach in a bit more and allows you to wear a variety of tops – from cropped t-shirts to blousy tunics or tucked-in shirts, worn with a nice blazer like this checked blazer from Cotton Traders.

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Cotton Traders checked blazer

Knowing the length of shorts that is best for you is also important. Mid-length shorts might be comfortable, but if you have short legs, they are likely to make you look shorter, so either go for much shorter styles, or look for shorts that finish just above the knee rather than cutting you in half mid-thigh. Capri pants finish below the knee, but always look elegant and can be just as easily dressed up with strappy sandals as they are dressed down with flip-flops.

Fabric also matters, particularly if you need to stay cool. Linen, cotton or a blend of the two ensures good styling without discomfort and making sure you choose the right size means you can wear your shorts with confidence. Because above all, you need to be able to head out into the garden, down to the beach or over to friends in your shorts without worrying about how you look, but instead ready to have fun in the sun.