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Our Market Editor’s Favorite Summer Shorts—and How to Style Them

Written by:Sandra SlusarczykPublished on:
Fashion editor:Sandra Slusarczyk

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Photo courtesy of Matteau

As goop’s market editor, Sandra Slusarczyk has her finger firmly on the pulse of the fashion world. If there’s a new It bag or budding trend out there, she knows about it—and will happily tell you what’s worth investing in.

In talking to friends, family, and coworkers, I’ve come to realize a sad truth: So many people have this set-in belief that shorts don't look good on them. They think they’re unflattering or too casual, or their only association is the pair of frayed denim cutoffs they ran around in as a teenager. But hear me out: Shorts can be chic, polished, and grown-up-looking. And I truly believe there’s a pair out there for everyone. These are the styles I personally gravitate toward—along with some try-on tips and ideas on what to wear them with.

THE BERMUDA SHORTS

These are a great choice for people who are scared of shorts, because they’re not all that short. You don’t want anything too tight—ideally, they should be fitted at the waist and wide through the legs so you get that nice A-line silhouette. (Tip: When shopping, prioritize how the legs fit and have a tailor take in the waist if necessary.) A knee-length hem is flattering on most people; any longer and the proportions start to look off.

MATTEAU SHORTS, goop, $420; AGOLDE SHORTS, goop, $198

Style them with either a slim-fitting top (tucked in to emphasize the waist) or something boxy and cropped, like this Toteme shirt. For shoes, I think a chunkier sandal looks nice—although a minimal one works, too.

Wear It With

  1. Shirt
    TotemeShirtMytheresa, $330shop now
  2. Sandals
    A EmerySandalsgoop, $180shop now
  3. Everyday Knit Henley
    G. Label by goopEveryday Knit Henleygoop, $395shop now
  4. Sandals
    TotemeSandalsgoop, $300shop now

Photo courtesy of Megan Vega

THE BOXER SHORTS

Here, it’s about balancing the casualness of the shorts with something more substantial on top, like a button-up or a lightweight sweater. I also like the idea of accessorizing with a giant bag—it makes the look feel laid-back but intentional, rather than just-rolled-out-of-bed. The same thing can be accomplished with a well-chosen shoe, like a chunky slide or sneaker.

  1. Essential Button-Down
    G. Label by goopEssential Button-Downgoop, $350shop now
  2. Sandals
    Birkenstock 1774Sandalsgoop, $390shop now
  1. Gia Oversize Cashmere Crewneck
    G. Label by goopGia Oversize Cashmere Crewneckgoop, $595shop now
  2. Shorty Boxer
    G. Label by goopShorty Boxergoop, $175shop now
  1. Bag
    Rue De VerneuilBaggoop, $340shop now
  2. Sneakers
    VejaSneakersgoop, $135shop now

THE SHORTS SET

We've seen lots of micro shorts styled with heavier tailored jackets on top on the runway lately. (Miu Miu, in particular, comes to mind.) And there has definitely been a trickle-down effect.

ANOTHER TOMORROW SHIRT, goop, $590; ANOTHER TOMORROW SHORTS, goop, $490; SEA JACKET, goop, $450; SEA SHORTS, goop, $295

The sets here reinterpret the trend in a more wearable way. I’m especially into the black one by Another Tomorrow—the shorts are super tailored and on the longer side, which I love. This green set by Sea is also a nice option: It’s done in garment-dyed cotton, which gives it a more casual feel. It would be great for weekends or a quick trip up the coast.

Wear It With

  1. Sandals
    AeydeSandalsgoop, $445shop now
  2. Ruffle-Trim Top
    G. Label by goopRuffle-Trim Topgoop, $375shop now
  3. Sandals
    AeydeSandalsgoop, $325shop now
  4. Mimi Cropped Shirt
    G. Label by goopMimi Cropped Shirtgoop, $375shop now

If you want something a bit more classic, you can’t go wrong with a white linen suit. This one by Alex Mill comes with a relaxed double-breasted blazer and pleat-front shorts that work for both office and beach. The look is timeless—you can break it out year after year, knowing it will never go out of style.

ALEX MILL BLAZER, goop, $350; ALEX MILL SHORTS, goop, $145

  1. Sweater
    KULESweatergoop, $248shop now
  2. Flats
    The RowFlatsMytheresa, $690shop now
  1. Blazer
    Alex MillBlazergoop, $350shop now
  2. Shorts
    Alex MillShortsgoop, $145shop now
  1. Shirt
    MadewellShirtgoop, $82shop now
  2. Sandals
    Emme ParsonsSandalsgoop, $465shop now

THE EVERYDAY SHORTS

Also known as the walk-the-dog shorts. Or the duck-out-to-grab-coffee shorts. Or the pull-on-for-any-scenario-that-requires-more-than-pajamas-but-less-than-real-pants shorts. Made from a drapey fabric with a wide elastic waistband, these G. Label shorts are comfortable as can be, which is why I recommend them to everyone.

G. LABEL BY GOOP ONE-AND-DONE SWEATER, goop, $595; G. LABEL BY GOOP EASY LINEN SHORT, goop, $295

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