Skip the jeans—I believe that flip-flops and ballet flats appear most stylish when matched with this summer trend.
You may have come across images of Margot Robbie at the airport donning longline tailored shorts from the decidedly minimalist brand Beare Park and are curious about how to style a long-shorts look this summer. As demonstrated by the Australian actress in this viral, albeit debated travel outfit, long shorts have officially displaced micro hemlines as the current trendy silhouette. This illustrates the unpredictable rhythm of fashion trends. Following a phase dominated by ultra-short styles popularized by Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu in their spring/summer 2023 and autumn/winter 2023 collections, the fashion-forward crowd is now opting for styles that reach just below the knee—perfect for those who typically only groom the lower half of their legs.
Currently, the trend is shifting again, with styles that evoke boudoir-style bloomers, dad-inspired Bermuda shorts, and pantaloons reminiscent of "Pirates of the Caribbean" taking center stage. On the spring/summer 2026 runways, long shorts could be seen in collections from Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s debut for Loewe in Paris to Matthieu Blazy’s first cruise show for Chanel in Biarritz.
In various cities from Marseille to Manhattan, long shorts are becoming ubiquitous. Offering a light and airy option for summer wear, long shorts not only provide ample coverage suitable for the office but also help create a relaxed and effortlessly cool off-duty appearance. Celebrities like Zendaya, Ayo Edebiri, and Ella Hunt have demonstrated that pairing them with heeled shoes and softly tailored basics, such as a fitted tee or an oversized blazer, instantly elevates your look to one that is both chic and laid-back. The secret to styling long shorts effectively is to choose the right pair: tailored styles lend a more polished, preppy vibe, whereas sporty, longer basketball shorts work better with a more traditionally feminine top to balance the masculine fit. Denim shorts are the simplest to style, as their structured fabric and worn-in color add an appealing contrast to your outfit.
Ahead, Who What Wear UK has put together a comprehensive guide to help you style your long shorts for the season. From elevated wardrobe essentials to fresh combinations you may not have considered, continue reading for inspiration.
### 7 Chic Long Short Outfit Ideas for Summer 2026
1. **Long Shorts + Long-Sleeved Shirt + Flip-Flops**
**Style Notes:** If you don't have direct access to Danielle Goldberg, the renowned celebrity stylist who works with the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Greta Lee, and Jessie Buckley, take a cue from London-based influencer and Who What Wear Editor in Residence Monikh Dale. By incorporating key elements of Ayo Edebiri's outfit, she has made it more wearable and approachable by swapping the heels for flip-flops—albeit trendy ones from The Row—and adding a pendant necklace. Monikh consistently emphasizes that basics can be anything but dull when paired with contemporary pieces like shield sunglasses and pendant necklaces.
**Shop the Trend:**
- Reformation: Asher Oversized Long Sleeve Tee
- The Frankie Shop: Marfa Pleated Twill Bermuda Shorts
- LE MONDE BERYL: Suede Flip Flops
2. **Long Shorts + Embroidered Camisole + Raffia Bag**
**Style Notes:** Long denim shorts, often called “jorts,” have emerged as a key style this summer. Initially popular only among East London and Brooklyn creatives, this style has garnered mainstream attention. When opting for longer shorts, balance the additional fabric with lighter pieces on top, like a tank top or strappy camisole. For a look reminiscent of Le Marais, choose a delicate embroidered top paired with a bandana and a raffia bag.
**Shop the Trend:**
- DÔEN: Aphra Crochet-Trimmed Ramie Top
- ZARA: Relaxed Fit Mid-Waist Denim Bermuda Shorts
- A.EMERY: Kinto Leather Flip Flops
3. **Long Shorts + One-Shoulder Top + Heeled Flip-Flops**
**Style Notes:** When thinking of "long shorts," you might picture linen or cotton shorts typically worn on vacation. However, this trend has evolved to include styles like camouflage shorts, merging the practicality of cargo pants with trendy camo prints—a Y2K style now embraced by influencers like Alexa Chung and Iris Law. To enhance this fashion-forward style, pair them with racer sunglasses and kitten-heel flip-flops.
**Shop the Trend:**
- MANGO: Asymmetric Neckline Cotton Top
- Jaded London: Cadet Camo Shorts
- Gucci: Women's Vittoria Thong
4. **Long Shorts + Lace-Trim Top + Ballet Pumps**
**Style Notes:** From Bordeaux to Marseille, long shorts have become a common summer
Other articles
Skip the jeans—I believe that flip-flops and ballet flats appear most stylish when matched with this summer trend.
A quick route.
