Styling shorts isn't easy, but Minnie Driver just provided the ultimate blueprint for wearing this summer staple
Her combination of striking accessories and cool and casual pairings is a winner
Shorts are one of the biggest trends of the summer, and Minnie Driver just gave them the coolest event-ready spin I've seen so far. And despite Wimbledon being over, I can't stop thinking about how easy this look is to recreate this season, and just how many occasions this chic ensemble could be applied to.
For many of us, embracing a shorter hemline is a big deal, and understanding how to style shorts is the key to feeling confident in this summer trend, and I think Minnie's understated pairing offers a standout example.
Wearing a full MaxMara outfit, Minnie paired a formal, striped shirt in maroon and white with a pair of white, tailored Bermuda shorts, decorated in floral embroidery. Highlighting her waist and adding a feminine finish to the almost-androgynous silhouette, she highlighted her waist with a leather belt and added a sculptural heel from the brand to elongate her legs further.
There's something that is both sexy and empowering about a pinstripe shirt, and in this instance, it acts as the perfect contrast to the softer floral design detail of Minnie Driver's shorts. Try pairing your stripey design as part of a white jeans outfit too, to highlight the white hue and create a polished but casual look.
These exceptionally lovely shorts are decorated with intricate embroidery and summer-event-ready florals for a designer-led finish. The slightly longer hem and the Bermuda-style fit makes these really wearable, even for shorts novices. And, teaming it with a lower heel and a longer sleeve helps to balance out the fact that more leg is on show.
From the front, Minnie looks like she is wearing a lovely, but simple black heeled sandal, however, a closer look shoes off this absolutely stunning pair of statement, sculptural heels that will look as good on your feet as they would do on a shelf, because fashion can be art too. The lower heel design and heel strap add to their stability.
Printed rather than embroidered, this tailored pair features plenty of colours in the design, meaning you can pick any of the hues to accent the rest of your look or your accessories. The breezier, wider silhouette at the leg makes these more flattering and comfortable across the thighs, too.
Looser and longer, if your on your first foray into shorts, this style steal from Debenhams might be your perfect match as the much more relaxed fit and longer leg makes them a lot easier to wear, especially whilst you're getting used to the shape and style.
When it comes to bold colour and print, few brands can rival Farm Rio, and I'm a big fan of its creative colour use. These tailored shorts feature striking floral prints, and great primary colours that can be then pulled into your top half or your accessories. The paper bag waist adds to the flattering shape.
If you're looking for an alternative to the best summer dresses, or are still on the hunt for what to wear in the heat - especially if you're looking for smart-casual outfits for holiday dinners, then a statement pair of shorts and a tailored shirt is a light, breathable and very stylish choice.
While Minnie's outfit looks cool and put-together, all of the items could easily be restyled for other occasions, making them great additions to a summer capsule wardrobe. And even her darker black leather and wooden heels could be carried on through into the autumn, and would look fantastic with tailored trousers or a work shirt dress.
The woman&home digital team have lots of great shorts recommendations, and if you're looking to beat the hot weather this summer with a trending finish and a shorter hemline, shorts are a great option, as they're still easy to move in, and longer Bermuda styles give just the right amount of coverage.
To keep your shorts outfit polished and feminine, look for longer Bermuda styles in pretty prints or colours, as this will stop your outfit from feeling too sporty or androgynous, complete with pretty or embellished sandals, it's a summer winner.
