Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
While a summer dress code embraces lightweight fabrics, brighter colors, and a general sense of ease, there's bound to be an important meeting, special occasion, or mandatory event that calls for dressier fare. Luckily, shorts that comply with dressier standards are no longer few and far between. Long tailored options can thrive in the workplace, while trims, embellishments, and stylish hemlines help shorts count as elevated party-wear. Skeptics will warm up to a slew of new, versatile short options that can be worn in a set, à la Chanel, or balanced out with summery separates. When you have to get dressed during a heat wave, at the very least, let your legs catch a breeze. Ahead we've got 10 dress short options to choose from.
For the boardroom or client lunches, pair this long short with a silky button-down top and a long string of pearls.
A pleated front gives these shorts a tailored silhouette, while the high-waist is a perfect complement to a summery bralette top. If you're not keen on completely baring your midriff, finish off the look with an oversized blazer.
Get the party started in these pastel pink, feather-embellished shorts. They'd make a cheeky wedding after-party ensemble alongside a pretty top.
A white short gets an upgrade with the inclusion of shiny gold buttons and a stylish slit hem. Darts on the backside contribute to the great fit.
The feminine rose embroidery on these shorts offsets a more boyish pinstripe pattern. For date nights, wear these with a lightweight cropped cardigan and a pair of slingback kitten heels.
See and be seen in this vibrant orange short with ruffle hem details. Pair them with a simple T-shirt or a striped bodysuit, and accessorize with a trendy chain-adorned sandal.
A silk taffeta fabric will take your shorts to elevated heights. The interior lining has an elastic cuff hem so there's little chance of these riding up.
These bold floral shorts are the summery wardrobe solution for outdoor soirées. Pair them with a crisp white button-down to look utterly polished.
A faux leather short will look expensive without breaking the bank. Throw on a summery linen blazer and a pair of hoop earrings to keep it appropriate for an office setting.
These nautical-inspired shorts are a go-to for summertime celebrations or a seaside rendezvous. Pair them with a short-sleeve Breton stripe shirt for full-out preppy sailor vibes.
-
I Researched Over 2,000 Beauty Gift Sets to Find 57 Options Worth Your MoneyHoliday shopping made easy.
-
Meet Mia Rodgers, the Witty Brit Making Waves on 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' Season 3Taylor is one of several new students on the Essex College campus this season.
-
King Charles Might Take Back Some of the "Treasures" From Brother Prince Andrew's Home in Ongoing Battle Over Royal LodgeOne author says there's a possibility the Royal Collection Trust could "start taking the paintings and some of the furniture away."
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal StyleFrom the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
-
Strathberry's Black Friday Sale Features Bags Beloved by Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, and Kate MiddletonStrathberry's best styles are 30 percent off.
-
How Do You Find Your Personal Style?From Gen Alpha to an almost-centenarian, we asked six stylish people to share how they discovered their formula for getting dressed.
-
The Loewe Bags Everyone's Manifesting Right NowFrom modern styles to heritage classics, these are the most coveted styles of the moment.
-
7 Late Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for NovemberHere are all the fashion and beauty must-haves to covet for the kickstart of the holiday season.
-
This Winter’s Shoe Trends Embrace Individual StyleFrom edgy moto boots to classic loafers, there’s a shoe to suit every taste.
-
Fashion Girls Are Using Sheer Knee-High Socks to Level Up Their LooksThe perfect balance between not too bare and not too boring.
-
’80s-Era Leather Bombers Are the Season’s It Coat TrendThe style took off during Fashion Month but has legs to last through winter and spring.
