Helen Skelton's mid-length shorts are an elevated denim staple with the perfect amount of coverage for the returning heatwave
She's been filming for Lost and Found in the Lakes and proved shorts don't have to be daunting if you find the right length
Just when we thought it was safe to give our favourite comfortable sandals and flowy dresses a break, the heatwave is on its way back. That means we'll be relying on breezy, comfortable pieces more than ever and shorts are many people's favourite go-tos.
However, finding flattering shorts that make you feel confident and elegant can be a challenge and that's why longer lengths are a great option. Helen Skelton recently wore a pair of denim shorts while filming BBC's Lost and Found in the Lakes and they fell to just above her knee.
The presenter shared a glimpse of this summery outfit in a behind the scenes post on Instagram and the shorts offered coverage whilst still being cool to wear in the heat. Helen picked a vintage blue wash with raw hems that gave them a relaxed feel.
Recreate Helen's Summer Look
These high-rise shorts have a relaxed silhouette that makes them so comfortable to wear and they come in several different washes. They fall to just above the knee and have a vintage-inspired design. Pair with a simple Tee or a cami and add some sandals and you're heatwave ready.
Designed with a flattering high-rise waist, traditional five-pocket styling and a classic button and zip fly, these shorts are a useful wardrobe staple for summer. Belt loops mean you can accessorise your look and the branded hardware adds a premium feel.
I own these exact shorts and I've been wearing them so much in the hot weather. They're high-rise and fall to a flattering length, with a wide-leg shape. I'd advise sizing up in these for comfort and the mid-to-dark blue wash is a good smart-casual colour.
The Lucy Tank from Whistles has a classic round neckline and contrasting buttons running down the front. The oatmeal shade is incredibly easy to pair with different tones and it also comes in black. It's made from a cotton-blend material and would work over a T-shirt in autumn too.
Belts are an easy way to transform the look of an outfit and this one is very affordable and comes in various colours besides black with gold hardware. It's made from leather and is 30mm wide. Wear it with your favourite jeans and shorts, or use to add an edgy feel to your summer dresses.
Made from a cotton-blend material, this knitted waistcoat an easy styling piece. It's designed in a regular fit and has a sweeping V-neckline and four buttons to fasten it at the front. The cream colour would look great as a soft contrast against blue denim and you could style this with shorts, jeans or skirts.
Although the shape makes a big difference, in general, the darker the denim, the more formal shorts feel. If your signature style is smart-casual then go for mid-blue like Helen - minus the frayed detailing. For a more relaxed look, I'd recommend light blue washes, whilst indigo feels quite sophisticated.
She added a neat black belt which not only added extra definition to the waist, but made the shorts feel particularly polished and "finished". Belts are one of those accessories that can have a big impact and they're a simple way to make shorts feel more elegant rather than trendy.
Helen Skelton styled her shorts with a cream button-up tank top which she tucked in for a seamless finish. Although it was sleeveless, it wasn't strappy, and provided a good amount of shoulder coverage in the sunshine.
Not everyone loves showing much skin, even when it's hot, so another way to style shorts is with a floaty shirt or blouse with longer sleeves. Alternatively, go for a vest top and layer a linen shirt over the top which falls to a similar length as your shorts.
We didn't get to see which shoes the Lost and Found presenter was wearing with this particular look, though Helen is a big fan of chunky sandals and she was wearing a tan pair in another snap in her post. These would work well with her shorts and button-up top, as they would add a relaxed, comfortable edge.
Denim shorts can be easily styled with a variety of everyday footwear options, from flat sandals to white trainers and ballet flats. They can be elevated with wedges too, though traditional stiletto heels can be just a bit too much of a style contrast.
Helen Skelton completed her summer outfit with brown tortoiseshell sunglasses and her go-to gold chain necklace. This is the kind of look that would be ideal now the hot weather is coming back, for everything from BBQs with friends to running errands or relaxing in the garden.
