Just when you thought you could go all summer without breaking out your warm-weather wardrobe, along comes the heat wave.
And this raises a fashion dilemma: what to wear to look elegant without getting hot?
The answer this summer is shorts.
Don’t be alarmed: I realize that for many women over 50, wearing their legs in cutoffs causes immediate concern.
But the shorts I’m suggesting aren’t the tiny, sexy shorts that twenty-somethings are wearing this season. No, I’m suggesting you turn to what style experts (brilliantly) call “long shorts.”
The answer to this summer’s heatwave? Long shorts. Top, £199, lkbennett.com; shorts, £55, cos.com; shoes, £109, lkbennett.com
Top, £150, wyselondon.com; cardigan, £68.60, boden.co.uk; shorts, £35, marksandspencer.com; shoes, £74, penelope chilvers.com
They’re almost a culotte style, rather than a hideous slim-fit sausage. That means they’re looser around the hips and thighs, but they’re designed for a sleeker look that’s office-appropriate and genuinely (yes, really) flattering.
Unlike a knee-length skirt, which can look retro and dated, long shorts are more elegant and much more modern.
To be truly on-trend, they should end from a few inches above the knee to the knee itself.
Look for A-line silhouettes, either in a relaxed fit at the hip or in a flowy wide-leg style like Cos’ white ribbed shorts, £55.
Top, £29.99, mango.com; shorts, £69.95, massimo dutti.com
Top, £45 and shorts, £45, johnlewis.com; shoes, £249, lkbennett.com; necklace, £125, hotdiamonds.co.uk
Top, £165, wyselondon.com; shorts, £35.99, mango.com; shoes, £145, russellandbromley.co.uk
Top, £39, sosandar.com; shorts, £29.50, marksandspencer.com
Neutral tones are a must. If you want to make a statement, a pinstripe is a safe choice, like this John Lewis outfit (right), but reserve bright colours for the upper body unless you want to look like a teenage surfer.
For a more formal look, head to Massimo Dutti, home of the High Street’s most sophisticated tailoring. Their styles are thankfully cut higher above the waist, like these in charcoal grey.
Pair them with a simple tee, a smart striped shirt or a linen vest for a chic and effortless look. Still not convinced? With the Olympics underway, take a cue from the chic Parisians who love this look, along with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, a master of preppy luxury.
If you’re worried about looking a little boxy, add a belt to define your silhouette.
Just make sure to tuck your top in or choose one that ends above the hip to balance out the effect.