I bought a pair of black, knee length tailored shorts last summer - they fitted perfectly, were surprisingly flattering, and would have looked good both day and night. But I took them back. I thought shorts were a fad set to wane by autumn and was sure my new purchase would sit gathering dust in the back of the wardrobe. Boy, was I wrong. Despite you lot voting them high in the rankings for the ‘Frock Horror’ Shiny Style Award, 'city shorts' are now more popular than ever, and when I went out last night they seemed to be worn by practically every girl in the bar, probably as a result of shorts gracing the legs of many a celeb.
Admittedly short shorts like those worn by Charlize Theron are hard to pull off without perfectly toned, cellulite free pins (which unfortunately I don’t own). Knee length ones though, as seen on Charlotte Church, Sophie Anderton and Jessica Alba, actually look pretty damn good - even on non-celebrity thighs - and I’m kicking myself for not holding onto my perfect pair when I found them. Topshop’s City Shorts (£25) are top of my replacement list, followed by Dotty P’s Indigo Herringbone Long Shorts, also £25. They’re great if you’re conscious of your knees, as they’re cut to cover them up.
If you’re feeling brave, go for a print like Mango’s £30 checked pair or an interesting detail, like the crossover buttoned hems on Forever 21’s $24.80 pinstripe pair. Top the look with this season’s must-have shoe, the platform court. These finds from our pals at Shoewawa will do nicely. [Charlotte Howells]
