We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
9 Summer Shorts And Flat Shoe Combinations To Try During The Hot Spell
Keep cool, look cool.
Shorts weather has very much arrived in the UK as the summer gets off to a roasting start. What styles are worth pulling up for right now? Well, where once it was denim cut-offs or nothing, a variety of styles are breaking through to vie for a space in our summer wardrobes.
Consider first the Adidas three-stripe styles that have fast become a favourite. The easy-to-wear option offers a laid-back approach that a summer wardrobe always benefits from, while the sporting angle offers contemporary credentials. Far from the only story this summer, there's also bloomer and boxer styles to consider for the same hot-weather, cool-approach mood. For each of these styles, wearing them with flat shoes that work in contrast is the fashion girl-approved way. Think sporty styles worn with ballet pumps and twee styles worn with beachy flip flops (even if you are heading to an inner-city pub garden).
Then there's the style for the bold and brave: the barely there hotpants. The cause and effect of Charli XCX's summertime influence, the itsy bitsy short is back and this time you're going to want to wear it with knee-high boots and floaty tops like Charli might.
The final word in shorts for this summer has to go to the enduring classic: the denim short. While the cut-off might have waned in popularity, blue jean styles still trend. This time they are sharper, smarter and best paired with breezy oversized shirts and stealthy ballet pumps.
Basically, there's a short style for every persuasion this summer. Below are nine trending short combinations to try for yourself during the heatwave.
A breakout style for summer 2025, these Adidas classics are best worn with ballet flats for a contrast that works perfectly well. Look for metallic flats or any sort of style with a shine.
Just because it's warm doesn't mean we can let life's obligations go. When it's time for that important meeting then a pair of shorts like these will serve you well. Rope sandals are big news summer and work well with smarter short styles.
Pleated shorts endure in the hands of Sean McGirr's McQueen. Lean into the tailoring mood with a pair of classic loafers. Then, consider a simple T-shirt or vest to complete the look.
Make like Charli XCX and choose shorts that are especially brief. Wear with knee-high boots and you're good to go. These are best worn in festival fields or certain pockets of East London, where they've become almost commonplace.
Boxer shorts are this summer's breakout short style and are no longer considered gentlemen's underwear only. Be sure to keep them roomy in oversized styles. A pair of sneakerina-style trainers make for a perfect pairing for whiling away the warm afternoons.
Take this current heatwave as your sign to invest in the bloomer short trend. The puffed-up option is best worn with a simple shoe combination that works in contrast. Toe-thong flip flops are case in point.
Denim shorts have had a glow up this summer with smarter, no-rip styles finding favour over tatty styles. Lean into this mood with sparkling flats that add to the refinement, whether they're Alaïa's cult style or otherwise.
Often, there's no point disrupting a classic pairing. Sign out of the week with this easy pairing of jersey shorts and classic trainers whether you've got sights on doing a 10k or not.
Inject a little ohh la la to your summer wardrobe with these lace trim shorts. The only way to wear these is with sporting pieces that make sure you don't look too boudoir. Puma's Speedcats are the ELLE UK office's new cult sneaker to sport.
6 Linen Trouser And Sandal Pairings
9 Pairs of Jorts And The Summer Shoes To Pair Them With, From Jelly Shoes to Sneakerinas
Summer Dress And Accessory Combinations
Wear Autumn Boots With Your Summer Mini Dress
