Summer is back, as the sunlight that forces itself into my east-facing room every morning has reminded me. I love a jeans-and-a-nice-top combination, which, of course, should turn into shorts-and-a-nice-top in the hot weather. Yet, I have avoided shorts for years, thanks to my thighs which rival the colour of uncooked chicken and a distant memory of a horrific shorts-and-tights combination in my childhood (which seems to be making a comeback?). Instead, in recent years I have opted for a bohemian long skirt or flowy linen trousers – both of which still trap the heat in and often leave me sweating. Thus, it is time for me to face my fears and get my legs out again –aand this guide to my options may help you select a pair for the summer too.

The jort

Perhaps the most prominent trend of recent years in shorts is the jort. Now, don’t be misled by the combination of jeans and shorts in ugly name for this garment; we are not talking about any old denim shorts. The jort is a concept. They have to be long enough and baggy enough to give that effortlessly androgynous look, but also tight enough around the hips to sit nicely just below your underwear waistband to ensure you’re still hinting at sexuality, despite their masculine shape. They can come with cargo pockets, or a washed denim look, or a funky belt and carabiner combination, to really lean into the streetwear style, as if you’re a skater boy in a 90s music video.

“Steer clear of super high-waists, or you’ll wind up with a look that belongs on 2014 Tumblr”

The mini-short

Still technically a jort by definition, the mini-short defined my teenage years. I had a pair of Levis denim shorts that fit me in all the right places, with a button-up fly that kept everything in place, and pockets that poked out below the end of the short, giving it the illusion of being even shorter. The mini-short in denim is effortlessly cool, especially with a frayed hemline or even embroidery on the back pockets. Pair it with a skinny belt and you achieve that y2k, Britney Spears look. However, steer clear of super high-waists, or you’ll wind up with a look that belongs on 2014 Tumblr paired with a fedora, owl necklace and slouchy cardigan.

The gingham short

Gingham is back and looks great – if styled correctly. It cannot be overwhelmed with other patterns, but rather should be paired with neutrals and garments that are more chic to counterbalance the childishness of the short itself. Gingham shorts, particularly the style that are now popular that are more puffed-out like a bubble skirt, have to fit immaculately, or you’ll end up looking like you went out in your underwear. Yet, with frills and with a sleek neutral sandal or cowboy boot, gingham shorts can be very flattering.

The 40s short

The only time where high-waisted shorts are currently acceptable is if you opt for a classy 40s silhouette, meaning the shorts are looser in the leg and tighter up top, perhaps with buttons down each side or with a fly on the side rather than in the middle. Paired with a sunhat and a bandeau top or sweetheart-neck blouse, this can be a lovely feminine yet fairly modest look that has that vintage and classy feel.

“The risk with these is looking like you’re about to lead a scouts trip”

The mom short

Another variation of the jort, the mom-short (forgive the Americanism) are somewhere between cargo jorts and mini jorts. They are loose, mid-waisted and mid-thigh – truly the neutral choice. The risk with these is looking like you’re about to lead a scouts trip, as they are intensely practical and don’t push the boat out at all as an item. Paired with birkenstocks or strappy Jesus sandals would be the nail in the coffin; you’d look like you garden for fun. Thus, if opting for the mom short, I encourage you to be experimental elsewhere in your outfit. The mom short can look great with a bikini top or bralette, and must only be worn on informal occasions. No mom shorts to any restaurants or clubs this summer.

Sport shorts

The final candidate on my list is sport shorts. Specifically the type with drawstrings and white lining must be confined to only three occasions: sleep, gym, and library. They can look great, elongate the leg, and keep you cool and casual, but don’t overdo their outings, unless you’re dressing as Sporty Spice or Challengers for a party. However, I won’t bash them too much – the very first piece of stash I bought was Downing College printed booty shorts in this style – and I do love them.

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