Spring-Ready Shorts
With spring on the horizon, shorts-appropriate weather won’t be far off – and with the majority of brands have already launched their SS15 collections, there’s never been a better time to shop for a pair of shorts that you will be proud to bare your pins in.
Able to be dressed up or down to suit the occasion, tailored shorts are a capsule wardrobe essential. The ideal pair will fit perfectly at the waist, be cut slim through the thigh (form-flattering but not skinny), finish an inch or so above the knee and come in a summer-appropriate fabric such as cotton or madras.
With this in mind, we’ve picked five of the best pairs on the current market, so those scruffy board shorts can be banished once and for all.
The Nautical Option: ASOS Ticking Stripe Shorts
What’s not to admire about the timeless, nautical appeal of these striped shorts? There’s something very Hamptons-esque about them.
As for how to wear, take inspiration from the beachside resort’s renowned preppy approach to style by teaming them with a sharp white polo shirt and a pair of suede penny loafers or driving shoes.
Available at ASOS, priced £22.
The Coloured Option: Reiss Wicker Rose Tailored Chino Shorts
Maybe it’s the name ‘Rose’ that has us feeling all romantic towards this pair of finely-crafted chino shorts, or perhaps it’s their warm color.
Either way, they would make an excellent addition to your spring/summer wardrobe, particularly if you already own a solid selection of neutral styles.
Eye-catching in an understated way, make them the focal point of your look by combining with pared-back staples – a white short-sleeved shirt or tee would be ideal.
Not confident enough to don shades of pink quite yet? They also come in mint green, airforce blue, stone and navy.
Available at Reiss, priced £65.
The Comfort Option: Carven Elasticated Waistband Shorts
Not all tailored shorts come in traditional chino form. French brand Carven has taken inspiration from streetwear this season to produce this elasticated waistband design.
Extremely comfortable yet maintaining a sharp and refined silhouette, the navy blue hue allows them to be combined with everything in your existing wardrobe.
Reference their underlying sports luxe influences by teaming with a white crew-neck T-shirt, lightweight bomber and pair of minimal leather trainers.
Available at Farfetch, priced £198.
The On-Trend Option: Topman Ornate Printed Shorts
Topman Design, the high street retailer’s designer arm, took a trip back to 1970s Los Angeles for its spring/summer 2015 collection – and the results were spectacular.
Definitely a pair for the more confident male, these shorts feature an all-over vintage floral print and are cut slightly longer for a retro feel.
Great for making a statement at casual events, give the hems a couple of folds and team with a neutral Cuban collar shirt to really nail this season’s big seventies trend.
Available at Topman, priced £80.
The Summer-Ready Option: Marks & Spencer Textured Linen Shorts
These off-white linen-blend shorts from Marks & Spencer tick all the right boxes.
Breathable, lightweight and comfortable, the addition of cotton gives them slightly more structure and helps reduce wrinkles, ensuring you stay looking sharp while feeling cool.
When it comes to styling, white linen looks its very best when paired with navy – try a simple polo or cotton poplin shirt.
Available at Marks & Spencer, priced £29.50.
