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The Polished Warm-Weather Staple Fashion Insiders Swear By
And it’ll take you straight from the office to the beach house.
In a world where a good chunk of the population operates under a hybrid work model, fashion has shifted to meet the new business casual landscape. Enter the tailored shorts: formal slacks cut off somewhere between the knee and upper thigh, creating a polished look for hot-weather dressing. The best tailored shorts come with a streamlined silhouette, simple design details, and a loose fit around the legs. Not to be mistaken for Bermuda shorts—which, to be fair, have many similar qualities—tailored shorts don’t necessarily adhere to any length restrictions.
The Top Tailored Shorts
- Best Overall: Favorite Daughter The Dream Favorite Bermuda, $178
- Best Summer Whites: J.Crew Lucia Short, $88
- Best for Travel: Aritzia The Effortless Short™ Long, $98
- Best High-Waisted Style: The Drop Stretch Limo Walking Shorts, $60
- Best Flared Design: Helsa The Tweed Short, $249
With brands like The Row, Toteme, and Khaite defining what modern minimalism looks like, it’s no surprise that tailored shorts have gained such traction. The look transcends any fleeting trend and instead embodies a type of dressing that resonates with many women: elevated and laid-back with minimal effort. Of course, it helps that they’re also easy to style. A pair of flip-flops and a sophisticated blazer might be your go-to, but I recommend tying a silk scarf around the waist with a loose-fitting tank on top. Or perhaps it’s time to style the now-trending halter top with your go-to kitten heels. The options are endless, really, but it all starts with finding the perfect tailored shorts, many of which we list below.
Tailored to perfection, these Bermuda shorts are sleek from the belt loops to the hem. As someone already familiar with the high-quality designs from Favorite Daughter, ELLE’s senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong naturally gravitated toward the smart shorts. “I love the light hue of these, which makes them perfect for summer office attire. Style them with a simple tank and a classic belt, and you’ll be set to go,” she says.
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: French Oak
Materials: Rayon, polyester
These J.Crew shorts are neither too short nor too long—the kind of length that feels appropriate no matter the audience. With a subtle preppy touch, the white shorts can easily be styled with a button-down or a crewneck sweater. Keep in mind that while the linen fabric feels comfortably breezy, it’s better kept out of the dryer.
Sizes: 00-24
Colors: White, Black, Flax Ivory, Ballet Slipper
Materials: Rayon, polyester
Customer review: “Love these shorts. I purchased for a work trip where I’d be outside in the heat of summer. Professional, comfortable, long enough to be professional without being too long.”
ELLE’s digital director Claire Stern Milch swears by Aritzia’s Effortless Pants and says “the shorts are just as good.” Standout features include their “incredible comfort, thanks to the wrinkle-resistant Japanese crepe fabric,” which, she adds, is ideal for travel. “Finding an adult-appropriate length can be tough, but this high-rise pleated pair gets it right.”
Sizes: 00-16
Colors: Light Birch, Marcona Beige, Dark Olive, Dark Night Navy, Black
Materials: Polyester
On the hunt for the perfect vacation outfit, associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue came across these shorts, which ultimately became her “new office uniform for warm weather. You can’t beat that price!” And it’s certainly hard to believe that the well-tailored shorts are under $60. The elegant pleats and faux back pockets easily make them look like they belong in a corporate setting. The only note: They seem to run small, so sizing up is recommended.
Sizes: XXS-5XL
Colors: Black
Materials: Polyester, spandex
Customer review: “Love the fit of the shorts and the length. So cute with tights and my cropped tuxedo jacket from the drop.”
Flared at the hem and fitted at the waist, these shorts take a different approach to the meaning of “tailored.” It takes an expert to craft shorts with such a unique fit, making them look elegant and flattering. Not to mention, your legs will appear extra long.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Taupe Melange
Materials: Wool, polyester, polyamide, viscose, other fibers, elastane
The minute shorts reach your knees, they run the risk of looking more baggy than put-together. That said, this Frankie Shop pair perfectly toes the line between laid-back and buttoned up. It caught assistant accessories editor Madison Rexroat’s eye for just that reason. She calls these pleated linen shorts the “perfect option to try out the long shorts trend while staying elevated and sophisticated.”
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Black
Materials: Tencel, linen
“I can always count on Madewell for its comfy essentials, and these twill shorts are no exception,” exclaims commerce writer Laura Tarafa. Despite its simple appearance, this pair actually has a lot going for it, like “a comfortable stretch, a double-button closure, and a thick waistband,” says Laura. “They’re perfect for styling with your favorite chunky belt, some sandals, and a boatneck top for a laid-back weekend look.”
Sizes: 00-16
Colors: Jet Black, Dark Navy, Pressed Sage, Heritage Khaki, White
Materials: Tencel lyocell, cotton, linen
Customer review: “Classy and versatile! I got these on sale, but I’d gladly pay full price. Shorts these days are often too short for my taste, but these strike the perfect balance—stylish without being too conservative.”
You could have a very Olsen-esque summer with these chic shorts. A 10-inch inseam, a roomy fit, and deep pockets give these tailored shorts a very relaxed appeal. Still, there’s a tasteful elegance to them that works well with kitten heels and a blazer. I particularly love the way the mid-rise fit hangs off the hips.
Sizes: 00-16
Colors: Black, Natural Chambray, Cedarwood, Lichen Green
Materials: Flax linen, viscose, elastane
Customer review: “These are my favorite shorts. The fabric is almost like a silky linen. They are so comfortable to wear. I purchased a second pair!”
Known for its high-quality, minimalist designs, the Swedish brand Toteme has perfected tailored shorts for women. Carson Stannard, fashion editor at ELLE, immediately found himself captivated by the well-structured bottoms. “I can be pretty particular when it comes to shorts, but when I came across this pair from Toteme, I immediately saw them as a summer staple. My favorite aspect is the linen-cotton blend material. It makes a pair of shorts feel even more lightweight and breathable, especially during some of these humid summer days,” he says.
Sizes: 2-12
Colors: Off-white
Materials: Cotton, linen
These shorts are just as ready for the office as they are foa vacation or brunch. Streamlined seams and minimal design details—like the lack of belt loops—give them an elevated touch. For a uniform look, the matching blazer is also a great addition to your wardrobe.
Sizes: 00-14
Colors: Dark Carob
Materials: Viscose, cotton, elastane
Helmut Lang’s tailored shorts come in an antique white hue that’s just right for summer. It’s a shade between butter yellow and creamy white, which makes it easy to style for any occasion. And let’s not forget the ideal length. Despite being on the shorter side, the high waist makes them feel a little more conservative.
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: Antique White
Materials: Viscose
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