Credit: AGOLDE, Arket and Levi longline denim shorts story
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2 min read
Nothing says summer like a pair of denim shorts, and it’s time for longer-line styles to have their moment in the sun. Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, rounds up three of the best.
If any piece is crucial for the success of your summer wardrobe, then denim shorts are it. They are the epitome of relaxed sunshine dressing, and owning a good pair is going to make getting dressed throughout July and August a whole lot easier. The best thing about a longline pair is their versatility; sure, they look great over a swimsuit when you’re headed to the beach, but they can also be easily styled for summer in the city.
I knew this shorts style was a hit when the Cos pair I was casually browsing suddenly sold out in every size. The brand styled them with a matching denim shirt and strappy kitten heel for a chic look, and clearly I wasn’t the only one who wanted in.
I think it’s the unstudied relaxed ease that we are all looking for when getting dressed that makes the longline short so popular. Premium denim brand Agolde is in no doubt about the style’s popularity. “The Risha short is our bestseller season after season,” says Karen Phelps, the brand’s creative director. “Longline shorts are huge this season and the Risha is a perfect way to tap into the trend. Inspired by vintage denim, it sits slightly low-slung on the waist and the emphasised longer inseam makes it an easy style to dress up or down during the summer months.”
On the catwalks, Valentino and Dries Van Noten included full denim looks in their spring/summer 2024 shows, with the must-have longline shorts paired with boxy denim blazers. And while this style is synonymous with summer, Dries Van Noten incorporated a pair into its autumn/winter 2024 show, too. Styling them with a cropped jacket and longline leather boots, this was a perfect example of making key wardrobe basics work hard all year round.
I’ve rounded up my favourite pairs below and highlighted some different ways to style them. Now I’m off to add a pair to my basket before my favourites sell out again.
Levi baggy dad jorts
I love this washed-out style – classic Levi’s jeans, but in short form.
Wear these with a slimline off-the-shoulder jersey body, huge gold earrings and minimal leather kitten heels for an elegant evening look with a twist.
Agolde Risha short
While these fabulous shorts are an investment, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth out of them.
I’d wear mine with an oversized striped shirt, a skinny ribbed white vest and chunky flat leather sandals.
Arket loose denim shorts
The washed-out grey hue of this pair makes them feel like a good option for the city.
Wear with a longline linen waistcoat - like Aligne’s Leo version – and of the moment fisherman sandals for a different take on workday dressing.
Images: courtesy of brands
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