Let your shins shine this season

After a month of donning their most conservative outfits, readers will be happy in the knowledge they can pull their shorts back out of hibernation.

Shorts are a wardrobe staple for many and style gurus say we should pay more attention to our thigh skimmers as, styled correctly, we can wear them from day to night. Here’s some advice on taking the short route to style success...

Casual capers

With year-round sunshine, we’re lucky in the UAE that shorts are always acceptable - just be careful where you wear them. Floaty silk shorts are hot for this season but you can’t beat classic denim for durability.

Steer clear of frays and rips and try this summer’s embroidered and printed styles for extra style points. If you’re not a fan of your legs, there are a variety of cropped trousers on the high street that fall below the knee. Those conscious of heavy thighs should stick to flattering darker colours like black or navy.

Glam tactics

Forget dresses - shorts are becoming a regular fixture on red carpets. This season’s so-called cocktail shorts have been given a glam-over with luxurious fabrics such as rich brocade or tailored silk in jewel tones or metallics. By day you can dress down with a T-shirt and flat sandals, but by night shorts can become elegant with a blouse, blazer and heels. Choose shoes that don’t cut off the ankle for instantly longer and slimmer legs.

For shorts that are undeniably evening wear, look for embellishment like beading, sequins or applique and tone down the bling detailing with a crisp white blouse.

Smart chic

At the office, shorts can be an edgy alternative

to skirts. Seek out city shorts close to the knee in length if you prefer a tailored look, or culottes-style flared shorts for a more relaxed ensemble. A print will give your shorts extra interest, but stick to a dark or neutral palette for a nine-to-five aesthetic. A smart blazer is your best friend for sprucing up shorts. Try matching up your shorts to your jacket for a streamlined look or go the whole hog and invest in a two-piece short suit.

Cross seasons

If you’re conscious about cellulite but keen to embrace short style on a night out, consider wearing them with tights. Investing in a pair of shorts that can be worn with tights will also help you take the look through to winter, although pale and bright shorts may need to go into hibernation. Play it safe with black opaques or experiment with bright and print tights to turn your legs into a real style statement.

Shorts that are heavier in texture, such as leather or suede numbers, are especially good transition pieces that work equally as well every season.