Short order: four types of shorts for every occasion

Shorts were a dominant feature during the SS18 catwalk showcases. From Prada to Louis Vuitton and Valentino to Nico Panda, schoolboy slacks and cargo styles to luxe athleisure and pocketed tailored shorts, they were everywhere.

Kenzo SS18 catwalk show: Jason Llyod Evans

Genetically speaking, Irish women have great legs: so great, in fact, some rival that of J-lo (who has her pins insured for close to a casual $20 million). The problem is, our green isle is positioned in just the right area for 8+ months of weather suited only for tights and jeans; not shorts. When the weather does prompt barer legs it can be a challenge choosing the right style after many, many months of leg hibernation. For example, as a rule of thumb shorts don’t always have to be ‘short’: if you’re a Kenzo fan you’ll want to snap up their pedal-pusher-esque stripped shorts that sit comfortably above the knee and are the perfect accompaniment to an over-sized cotton T-shirt and chunky-soled sandal (although the model’s legs below, which are far longer than any of ours, make them appear shorter).

With so many variations to choose from you just need to take one quick glance at from fashion week to find a pair that best suits you and your lifestyle. From beautiful golden sand beaches to chic off-the-beaten-track cafés, shorts are your of-the-minute wardrobe staple and here are four types to try.

The Bermuda style

The longer, grown-up cousin of the standard short, the Bermuda short is an elegant and practical choice for Irish wearers. They’re easy to wear, loose-fitting and the additional length provides extra comfort throughout busy days. These dark navy denim pair from Utuerque, below, are stylish and, paired with chic espadrilles, are summer ready. The shoe is really important with this look: choose a heel to elongate the leg.**Insider exclusive: Bermuda shorts also means you can get away without shaving above your kneecap.

Linen Bermuda shorts, €115 at uterque.com

The utility style

Just because you’re not going on a luxury safari in Kenya doesn’t mean you can’t have the wardrobe of someone doing just that. Utility shorts, similar to cargo shorts except more fitted, paired with a delicate lace and loose-fitting cream shirt is the perfect antidote for an evening stroll through an old Spanish town somewhere, basking in the evening summer sun (or on Safari if you’re lucky enough).

Utility shorts, €44 at topshop.com

The leather style

Whether it’s faux or real, leather is still having a moment because of its ability to transition from autumn to spring with ease. Short and sweet, these read leather Valentino shorts, below, are sweet but pack a punch. Try leather shorts paired with a short-sleeved denim shirt and ankle-tie sandals. Swap out the shirt for a high-neck T-shirt, statement earrings and heels for a savvy evening look.

Bow-detailed leather shorts by Valentino, €1,980 at net-a-porter.com

The stripped short

She sells seashells by the seashore. Nautical stripes are given a sophisticated and mature reboot for 2018. It was Chanel’s Cruise collection last month – where Lagerfeld’s team built an actual life-sized ship inside the Grande Palais that needs to be seen to be believed – that set striped on the fast-track to SS18 success with sharp tailoring and classic colour pairing. Choose vertical stripes for long, lean and feminine legs. Ahoy.

Printed stripped shorts, €29.95 at mango.com