SS20 key trend: Shorts stories

The runways are usually awash with mini lengths but in a season where midi and maxi seems set to rule, where does that leave those who love to show some leg? Obsessed with shorts, that’s where with them turning into one of the season’s biggest trend stories.

As an alternative to those thin-on-the-ground minis, shorts tick so many boxes for the coming season and designers are experimenting with every length and width as a result.

The newest option is the micro short. One best kept for the very young (or the very exhibitionist), it’s a beach, festival and party staple and as such comes in just about any material. Think sequins, anything with stretch, shimmering satins, soft cottons, crochet and leather (the real thing or the vegan variety).

Styling is understandably minimal as there’s very little fabric to do anything with, although many labels make an effort with scalloped edges, fraying, knickerbocker effects or power prints.

Dress up, dress down: Chloé, Chiara Ferragni,. Dries Van Noten, Dior, Chloé, Alberta Ferretti, Saint Laurent

For those unable to deal with the micro length, there’s plenty more to choose from, ranging from the ultra-smart to the very casual. At the smart end, shorts are making an impact on tailoring, offering an on-trend edge to otherwise formal styles in linens and lightweight nubbly wools.

And for unexpected evenings, they come in printed silks with hi-lo hem looks that could never be called dressed down.

Meanwhile, casual shorts come as chopped-off jumpsuits (they’re too rugged to be called playsuits), cut-down jeans, tap shorts, or safari shorts.