Shorts and summer go hand in hand—you have your classic denim jorts that require nothing more than a little black bikini top and flip-flops, and polished Bermudas that double as a sleek workwear staple for the office and its balmy commutes. While both have a place in my warm-weather wardrobe, it’s the ultra-mini short that’s calling me.
Vogue’s Favorite Mini Shorts:
My obsession with teeny-tiny shorts started last year, when I came across a pair of white stripe cotton ones that once belonged to my mom in the ’80s. I imagined her wearing them with a worn-in white tee and her battered Converse sneakers. After making them my own (a habit that happens more often than I’d like to admit), I started putting my own spin on them: styling them with a vibrant red knit and ballet flats by day, or a button-down and heeled thong sandals for night. Strands of pearls and woven basket bag, because why not?
I’m not the only one embracing the leggy look. If you’ve scrolled Instagram at all over the last 12 months, chances are you’ve spotted Dôen’s silky, lace-trimmed mini shorts on just about everyone. With waitlists that seemingly double with each restock, pairs in delicate ivory and chartreuse bring a romantic touch to everyday staples when styled with soft knits and lightweight jackets.
Even celebrities are on board with the look—last summer, Zoë Kravitz stepped out in a silky gym short with a graphic tee tucked into the waistband, and some heeled pumps. Chic!
Beyond the slick city streets, mini shorts are also beach cover-up of choice. Simkhai’s seersucker bubble pair from this year are a playful take on the trend, pairing perfectly with Eres’s little black bikini and a striped shirt from Maria McManus. Cotton, boxer-inspired styles from Comme Si work just as well in this scenario, though you can easily elevate them with a thong heeled sandal and beaded purse for evening plans.
Whether you take retro-gym-short route (Staud’s cherry-red pair is particularly good) or opt for high-impact sequins, I’m officially declaring it another mini-short summer. Here’s how I’ll be styling out my favorite pairs.
The Baby Blues
Crafted from a luxe linen-and-satin blend, these powder-blue Cult Gaia mini shorts will have you saying goodbye to your trusty denim jorts for good. Style them for a polished weekend look with Almina Concept’s soft gray cardigan, Flore Flore’s butter-yellow deep-V tank, and woven Le Monde Béryl loafers for a touch of texture. Free People’s floppy raffia hat offers stylish coverage, while Anni Lu’s beaded necklace adds the perfect dose of fashion flair.
The Sporty Fit
Staud’s cherry-red gym shorts channel the ’80s in a contemporary way. For an in-between-weather look that’s equal parts sporty and sweet, style them with Khaite’s white denim barn jacket, Cos’s striped baby tee, and sleek thong sandals (also from Khaite). Madewell’s woven handbag and Jacquemus’s shield shades complete the ensemble with ease.
The Lace-Trimmed Mini
Dainty, versatile, and endlessly chic, Dôen’s silky, lace-trimmed mini shorts are coveted for a reason. I’d style them with Still Here’s sage-green knit polo, Zara’s navy blouson, and a pair of strappy heeled sandals from & Other Stories for a polished day-to-night look. Add The Row’s small India tote and Tory Burch’s shell pendant necklace for those considered, editor-approved touches.
The Classic Black
Sometimes, you just can’t beat the effortlessness of a classic black staple—and these mini shorts from Cos are no exception. Whether you’re headed to Pilates or running weekend errands, this look feels especially right now, composed of Leset’s V-neck white tee, Nili Lotan’s roomy red barn jacket, and a pair of Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers. All that’s left to do is accessorize with The Row’s sporty shades and Alex Mill’s raffia handbag.
The Broderie Essential
Want to dress with ease, but not lose your sense of play—or personality? Look no further than Loretta Caponi’s broderie-poplin mini shorts. For those lingering spring chills, style yours with Tory Burch’s flower-adorned tank, Another Tomorrow’s classic khaki trench coat, and Lié Studio’s woven handbag in rich chocolate brown. Add a pop of color with Completedworks’s sage-green beaded necklace and timeless sunnies from Oliver Peoples.
The Bubble Short
Beach-bound? Make Simkhai’s seersucker bubble shorts your cover-up of choice, styled with Eres’s little black bikini and Maria McManus’s striped button-up shirt. Ancient Greek Sandals’s colorful flip-flops are a sandy treat, while Cos’s raffia sun hat and Madewell’s beaded cord necklace make for other playful—and splash-friendly—accents.
The Stripe Boxer
Borrow from the boys this summer with Destree’s pink-and-blue striped boxer shorts. Keep the colorful momentum going by pairing yours with Ossou’s butter-yellow tee and Jil Sander’s sage green shell jacket. A.Emery’s suede sandals add a touch of texture, while Dragon Diffusion’s woven tote and Chan Luu’s shell necklace channel the spirit of summer perfectly.
The Festive Satin
Make these satin mini shorts from Sara Cristina your going-out go-to this summer. I love the idea of them styled with Calvin Klein’s sleek collarless jacket, a white tank from Flore Flore, and, for a hint of polish, a pair of low-heel pumps from Aeyde. Don’t Let Disco’s beaded necklace and The Row’s canvas tote are versatile staples that work just as well by day as they do by night—here, they feel especially suited for dinner with friends.
The Terry Cloth
Terry cloth makes sense complete sense for a day by the pool—but you can just as naturally extend its mileage with the right styling. To do just that, turn to Suzie Kondi’s signature striped shorts, Éterne’s vibrant yellow sweater, and a pair of metallic flats from Alex Mill for a city-ready jaunt. Keep the personality-packed look going with a colorful beaded bracelet stack from Jia Jia, Chan Luu’s sequin tote, and Miu Miu’s knitted striped sun hat, knotted ever so casually at the nape of the neck.
The Sequined Short
Whether you’re headed to a pool party in Mykonos or sticking to the city streets, La Veste’s shimmering mini shorts make a strong case for everyday sequins this summer. Styling-wise, lean on classic staples to ground the look: Auralee’s cherry-red button-up, Khaite’s heeled thong sandals, and Calvin Klein’s python-effect tote. Tohum’s shell necklace and a pair of goggle-like shades from Saint Laurent bring the summer spirit forward.
