Julia Roberts shows the simplest outfits are often the chicest in blue denim shorts and classic white adidas trainers
It's the heatwave uniform I always come back to
We wear our jeans every day for the rest of the year, so it makes sense that in the summer months, they're replaced by some trusty denim shorts.
Here at woman&home, we know that finding flattering shorts can be a tall order, but once you have, you'll wonder how you ever got through a heatwave without them.
Celebrities are a great place to find style inspiration, and at the top of our list this week is the one and only Julia Roberts. She was pictured last month in New York with her son Phinnaeus, and her outfit was spot on for the soaring temperatures. She teamed a pair of blue frayed hem denim shorts with a pair of adidas Stan Smith trainers, a simple black button-down shirt and a colour block crossbody bag that appears to be by Tods. It's the shorts outfit that will never date, and puts classic white trainers firmly back on the footwear agenda for summer.
Shop the look
I love the broderie anglaise detailing at the hem of these shorts. If you find that cut off look a bit too untidy, these are for you. They've got a little bit of stretch to them, which customers seem to love, and one even wrote: "I already had a pair of these shorts from a few years ago so as soon as I saw them online again I knew I would be buying them!"
Julia's shorts are a particularly good length - they're not too short, nor are they anywhere near Bermuda length. They look a lot like these AGOLDE shorts, which are a bit of an investment, but just consider the cost per wear. From beach on holiday to running errands back home, they'll quickly become a go-to.
I really rate Free People's flowy, boho dresses, but their denim shorts are actually some of the best you'll find. These are non-stretch, and personally, I like to size up when buying shorts for an effortless look and a comfortable feel.
In my opinion, the Stan Smith is the comfiest adidas trainer you can buy. I've got a couple of pairs of Sambas, and I do love them, but I always come back to these. They never date, and they only get better the more you wear them. Julia's look like they might be a slightly off-white version, but they're almost certainly Stan Smiths.
A crisp linen shirt will go a long way in your summer capsule wardrobe, but you don't have to spend a lot to get the look. One customer gave this shirt five stars, writing: "I have several of these shirts in different colours as they are so useful during spring/summer. I find they get even better with age (repeated washing) as they soften up and get that lived in look."
Julia's two tone bag adds a subtle pop of colour to her look, and this little leather option will do the same for you. When you think of Orla Kiely, colourful florals spring to mind, but this minimalist design is so sophisticated.
The adidas Samba might have been dominating the trainer trends recently, but the Stan Smith style is a favourite of Amal Clooney's, too. A sleek tennis shoe, they'll work with every colour and trend in your wardrobe, and I think they feel a bit smarter thanks to the leather finish and slightly chunkier sole.
Not only do raw hem shorts feel a bit more relaxed, but they are also a practical choice, too, if you tend to find that more structured hems can dig into your legs. Of course, if you're feeling particularly brave, you can always take a pair of scissors to a favourite old pair of jeans...
