summer shorts

The 7 Summer Shorts Trends You’ll Be Living in All Season Long

Photographed by John Rawlings, Vogue, April 2010; Getty Images; Photographed by John Rawlings, Vogue, January 15, 1962; Getty Images.

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Trends come and go, but shorts will forever be a summertime staple. This time last year, the bike short was still having a moment, but this season we’re looking at fresh short styles inspired by the Spring 2020 runways. There’s the trouser shorts from The Row and Max Mara and the knee length denim seen at Saint Laurent and a few fabulous summer shorts moments from the Vogue archive too, of course. There’s even a few pairs that are perfect for lounging around the house or filling in as beach cover ups. As we continue to work from home, there’s more opportunities to wear shorts than ever before, and we don’t just mean on the weekends.

Below, 42 pairs of summer shorts so good, you’ll forget all about your house dresses and loungewear.

The Trouser Short Returns

You don’t need going into the office to try the trouser short trend. The bermuda length style is back again for another summer and was seen all over the Spring 2020 runways too.

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Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, January 1976; Photo: Getty Images
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The Row Marco wool shorts

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Gauge81 Aruba shorts

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Acne Studios shorts

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Remain Birger Christensen Kit gingham pleated shorts

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Pixie Market Riley leather shorts

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Black Halo Isabella shorts

Denim Daze

Channel your inner Daisy Duke with a pair of up-to-there “jorts.” If you’re into the cut-off look, you can DIY any pair by cutting them off with a pair of scissors.

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Photo: Getty Images; Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, Vogue, September 2017
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Mother Tomcat kick fray shorts

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Rag Bone Maya high-rise midi-short

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Levi s 501 Mid Short

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R13 crossover distressed denim short

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Madewell high-rise long denim shorts

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Agolde crisscross upsized shorts

Bag It

The paperbag short gets an exaggerated spin this summer with more extreme scrunched high waists. Some styles even ditch the bow-tied belt altogether, offering a cleaner look.

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Photographed by John Rawlings, Vogue, April 2010; Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, March 1978 
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Miu Miu cuffed shorts

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Fendi gingham check shorts

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Lee Mathews Dwight paperbag shorts

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Madewell papaerbag waist shorts

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Staud Sage short in caper

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Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini cotton twill shorts

Retro Summer

This summer, we’ve been looking to the past for inspiration more than ever. Everything from drive-in movie theaters to oversized, mod sunglasses are making a comeback this year, including these high rise, retro styles with sailor buttons to pleats.

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Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, March 1992; Photographed by John Rawlings, Vogue, January 15, 1962 
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Reformation Bello shorts

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Odyssee stripe trim knit shorts

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Derek Lam 10 Crosby Robertson stretch twill shorts

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Sir the Label Sabine pleated cotton shorts

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The Fifth Label mindless shorts

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Club Monaco high-waisted short

Beach Comber

These loose, itty bitty shorts make wonderful coverups for days at the beach. With a relaxed fit and casual vibe, these printed and knit shorts will be your summer weekend and go-tos.

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Photo: Getty Images; Photo: Getty Images
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Kule Roxy ruffle short

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Nanushka Stevie knitted shorts

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Oseree elasticated glitter shorts

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Khaite the Hilary short in gingham

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Oscar de la Renta paneled high-waisted shorts

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Ganni polka-dot cotton poplin shorts

Ultimate Utility

If you love utilitarian pieces like carpenter pants, boilersuits, and mechanic jackets, the next item on your list should be a pair of classic, khaki cargo shorts. This season’s assortment of the deep pocketed styles goes back to its basic silhouette roots sticking to neutral colors and classic details.

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Photo: Getty Images; Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, April 2010
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Tibi Myriam cotton cargo shorts

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3.1 Phillip Lim belted cargo shorts

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Mango pocket shorts

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Free People Johannesburg shorts

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Citizens of Humanity Madeline relaxed pocket shorts

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Balmain high-rise cotton cargo shorts

Lounge Around

What’s the summer equivalent of sweatpants? Comfy and lounge-appropriate reverse weave shorts. Made from sweatshirt material to lightweight knits and silks, you’ll be happily slipping into these while spending time at home this summer.

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Photographed by Alberto Rizzo, Vogue, May 1976; Photographed by Deborah Turbeville, Vogue, June 1975
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Cos knitted shorts

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Other Stories velour drawstring shorts

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Chloe striped silk shorts

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Ninety Percent organic cotton shorts

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J.Crew sweater short

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Nike Essential shorts