Long summer weekends call for unfussy staples.
Summer dressing is ripe with contrast. Outfits that get carefully planned (festival looks, wedding guest outfits, back-to-work wardrobes) butt against days where what you wear doesn’t matter one jot, whatever you wear will be discarded on the shoreline in a matter of minutes,
If you’re really lucky you haven’t returned to work yet, are dressing like this each morning and have no idea what day of the week it even is. Long may it last. Those who are back in the office have likely developed an extra appreciation for days that allow togs and shorts to be the beginning and end of getting dressed.
In the aid of extending that summer feeling for as long as possible, we’ve picked out 13 pairs of shorts you can wear every minute you’re clocked off.
The floaty quality that makes lightweight boxers ideal for hot summer nights means they’re a savvy choice during sweltering daylight hours too. Chuck them straight on after a swim and the organic cotton will dry out in no time. Pairing with a matching shirt purveys an intentionality that masks how free and easy this combination feels.
Speaking of undergarments that have made their way to the fore, the bygone-era charm of these cotton poplin bloomers runs their elongated length, from the wide elasticated waistband that tops a row of soft pleats all the way down to the scalloped edges of the vented cuffs.
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Advertise with NZME.Against a blue background, the floral stencilling on these twenty-seven names culottes signals an almost Grecian feel. Perfect for long and easy summer days – you’d be forgiven for confusing Mission Bay for Mykonos while wearing them.
Lines of rick-rack embroidery and eyelet cutouts alternate in these sweet shorts made from repurposed organic cotton broderie anglaise. Kowtow says this sweet pair were designed to “celebrate the feeling of summer through reimagined cloth”.
In a brilliantly brash cobalt shade that conjures a cloudless sky, or a David Hockney painting, these nylon shorts from Francesca Pecchenino’s eponymous fashion house project a bright, hopeful levity.
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Advertise with NZME.Does anything say summer more than a pair of supremely comfy, vintage-inspired jorts that are so relaxed they could have been swiped from your parent’s closet? These are wearable heirlooms in the making.
With a relaxed fit that sits at mid-waist, the wide wale corduroy on these knee-skimming shorts undulates in and out, like the tide.
Easy by name, easy by design. These relaxed shorts are made for slinking about in. The elastic waist with drawstrings and silver eyelets means you can customise the fit of the mid-rise waist.
Tailored from the wool suiting that’s core to Rebe’s ready-to-wear line, these double pleated shorts pair are a relaxed fit with refined details for a softly tailored result well suited for sundowners.
For a more leisurely black option, look to Moochi’s natural striped Cinder shorts. Soft woven cotton and small but considerate details such as the small side splits ensure a touch of specialness is stitched into their simplicity.
Lightly washed and extremely easy to wear, these laidback denim shorts have roomy legs cut from ultra-soft cotton and come finished with a casual drawstring waist that helps them sit comfortably at hip level.
Performance fabrics, such as the technical neoprene jersey these shorts are cut from, have been designed to ensure freedom of movement, comfort and long-term wearability even with frequent wear. Ergo, you should be able to wear them all day, every day.
Snap buttons running down the side of these retro-styled tricot shorts make this sporty pair adaptably breezy.
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The Ultimate Guide To The Best Summer Sandals For Every Budget And Style. The quest for the perfect pair of sandals ends here. From fisherman sandals to sturdy flatforms, there’s a sandal type to suit every personality. Choose wisely.
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These Statement Earrings Say Go Big Or Go Home For Summer 2024. Cheers big ears. Amp up your accessories with head-turning earrings.