Kate Middleton's sage green chino shorts are an elevated alternative to denim that I'm copying in this heatwave
The Princess wore these timeless shorts in The Bahamas and they're a comfy style to inspire your summer outfits
We're set for another heatwave and whilst this is good news for our social lives with lots of potential for BBQs and sunny meet-ups, it can make styling a bit trickier. Shorts are great to wear in the heat but denim options can be a bit too casual or too mini.
They're not the only option, though, and the Princess of Wales's sage green pair are a smarter alternative. As she's the future Queen we're not likely to ever see Kate reaching for denim shorts and during a visit to The Bahamas in 2022 she went to a regatta in these timeless chino shorts.
She accentuated the high-waisted design by adding a chocolate brown woven belt and they had practical pockets at the sides and neat stitched hems. The muted green colour wasn't strictly a neutral, but it wasn't far off.
Shop Shorts Like Kate's
These affordable shorts are made from cotton-rich material for a breathable feel and have a flattering high-waisted cut. The added stretch in the fabric makes them even comfier and they have side pockets and a zip and button closure.
Also available in a dusty rose pink, these shorts are a classic choice for summer. They've got practical belt loops, side and back pockets and a neat turn-up hem that gives them a tailored edge. Pair with a simple T-shirt and trainers and you're good to go.
Made from 100% cotton, these Barbour shorts come in several shades and are a warm weather staple. They're a brilliant smart-casual piece, with a relaxed silhouette featuring subtle pleats. The side pockets and jet pockets are handy too.
Shop More Of Kate's Summer Favourites
Like her Superga trainers, these Princess of Wales has worn her Carina 80 Suede Wedge Espadrilles to so many different events. She usually styles them with floaty dresses but you could also pair these wedges with jeans, trousers or shorts.
The Princess of Wales's Holland Cooper shorts are back for 2026 and they come in several different shades, including the oyster tone she owns. They're made from a breathable linen blend material and have gold buttons which bring extra glamour.
The Princess of Wales has worn her Superga Cotu Classics so many times, including with her green shorts in The Bahamas. They've got a streamlined plimsoll-esque shape and are made with canvas uppers and rubber soles.
Soft khaki and olive work so well with white, black and tan, as well as with brighter colours like red or pastels like blush pink if you love ice cream shades. This makes a pair of sage green shorts like Kate's far more versatile for a summer capsule wardrobe than you might imagine.
They also make a nice change from white shorts or blue denim. For the regatta the Princess of Wales took a sportier styling approach than usual, opting for a white polo shirt and her favourite white trainers from Superga.
The coordinating top and shoes tied everything together and added a lovely amount of contrast. Chino shorts typically have a tailored feel to them so you can go quite casual with the rest of your look and still create a smart-casual outfit.
T-shirts and sandals would work well with them and you can dress chino shorts up with a shirt and ballet flats or wedges too. Belting your shorts like she did can also make a big difference, as it emphasises the waist and also makes everything feel very intentional and polished.
On cooler days, blazers and shorts are a trendy combination and chino styles tie in with the formal aesthetic in a way that denim designs don't always. Kate's shorts looked breathable and lightweight which was perfect for the rainy, hot weather in The Bahamas.
She was also clearly very comfortable in them otherwise she would definitely have gone for something else for the sailing. The Princess wore a pair of twisted gold Spells of Love hoops and her wedding rings but otherwise went jewellery-free.
Later, when it started to rain, she added a white waterproof jacket and a cap to shield her from the worst of it and swept her long hair up into a sleek ponytail. As the temperatures rise in the UK I know I'll be reaching for shorts and who knows if Kate will wear this pair at home too.
