Short and sweet: the best shorts and playsuits on the high street

Shorts get a bad press. Despite a resurgence last year, lots of us still harbour deep-seated (or shallow-seated, depending on how high waisted you choose to go) fears about getting our pins out in a pair. Go too tight and you look like Daisy Duke, too long and you look like a lady explorer, too short and you’re veering into dangerous street-corner territory…

But done right, shorts will be a wardrobe winner this year. The spring/summer catwalks were a veritable leg parade, with everybody from Stella McCartney to Balmain showcasing shorts for all occasions. At Chloe they were high-waisted leather, at Marc by Marc Jacobs they were vintage-inspired satin hotpants, while Cynthia Rowley and Fendi both showed loose, tailored ‘tap pant’ styles reminiscent of a ’30s schoolboy on a boating holiday. There were city shorts, beachy shorts and countless knickerbocker styles to choose from.

On the high street, meanwhile, shorts are sneaking onto the radar by pretending to be skirts, in an array of cutsey prints and sorbet shades. For the most flattering approach, try teaming a high-waisted, mid-thigh pair with opaque tights, a simple vest, boyfriend blazer and chunky heels. We’re also gleefully welcoming back last summer’s staple, the playsuit. Opt for muted colours and fitted shapes for a look that’s more pin-up, less Playdays presenter.

Here’s a round-up of our favourites for your delectation. Go shorty…