Power shorts: The must-have tailoring trend for SS18

Want to look sharp and keep cool at the same time? Look no further than this office-friendly option

Friday 04 May 2018 09:01 EDT

A leather variant contrasts a floaty, feminine blouse at Saint Laurent (Getty)

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Stuffy tailoring is something young professionals have spent years trying to escape but nonetheless it just so happens to be one of the biggest trends right now – albeit with a high-fashion twist.

A look that has been adopted by the stylish elite as a wardrobe staple, 1980-inspired suits have finally shaken off their corporate reputation.

But as the season for sun approaches, their comeback feels a little untimely.

Enter the power short.

Once the preserve of faraway vacations and schoolboy uniforms, the humble short has been resurrected to become a fashion-forward option for summer tailoring.

But we’re not talking about the cycling variety a la Kim Kardashian or those seasonal short-shorts that leave little to the imagination. These ones are clean cut, chic enough to pull off at the office but still playful enough for a night out – and examples have been spotted all over the runway.

Checked Bermuda shorts with bow, £49.99, Zara

At Off-White, Virgil Abloh showcased a collection inspired by Princess Diana just four weeks after the 20th anniversary of her death. Here, pink power shorts in pink were worn with open collar shirts while Bermuda styles came finished with cropped off-shoulder evening tops and double-breasted blazers.

Elsewhere, Saint Laurent paired high-waisted versions with everything from billowy-sleeved silk blouses and tulle tops to bravura ostrich feathers.

Linen button paper bag shorts, £29, Topshop

Perfect for work or play, a great piece of tailoring is key to any wardrobe, and these summery, loose-fit shorts leave just the right amount of leg on show. Wear yours with coordinating jackets, silky camisoles and heels by night, or a casual T-shirt and flat mules by day.