Simple styling is what we need when it's boiling hot and it doesn't come much more no-fuss than a pair of timeless white shorts. The neutral colour and breezy shape make them a useful basic and Zara Tindall has shown that they're an elevated alternative to blue denim.
She wore a pair of PAIGE shorts on a boat trip in Australia last year and styled them with a basic white vest top. The outfit was minimal, monochrome - and incredibly chic. If you haven't found a pair of flattering shorts for summer yet, there's still time, and wide-leg designs are worth considering.
They don't cling and are often slightly longer, which is great if short-shorts just aren't for you. Having a bit of extra coverage can make people feel more confident wearing shorts and Zara's were high-rise too.
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Recreate Zara's Outfit
Investing in your basics can really pay off and this vest top from ME+EM is as timeless as it gets. It's designed to be streamlined, so works for bulk-free layering, and has a crew neckline. The straps are specifically positioned to cover bra straps which is such a functional and clever detail.
These refined shorts have a flattering high-rise waist and are made from breathable denim for comfort. There are two practical pockets at the side and two more at the back, as well as a neat button and zip to finish. You can add a slim belt like Zara for an extra polished feel.
The leather on this belt has been treated to give an intentionally washed and beautifully aged look. Gold-toned hardware gives it a glamorous edge and you can use it to belt your jeans and shorts, or cinch in the waist of your dresses.
This ribbed jersey top has a flattering scoop neckline and is crafted from soft, sustainable cotton. It's a wardrobe basic you can't go wrong with and it comes in black too. Tuck into jeans, shorts and skirts and layer under knits when autumn arrives.
Vintage-inspired and high-waisted, these shorts are designed with a relaxed, baggy fit and an above-the-knee length. They come in a range of different shades including this versatile white tone that will complement everything. The cotton material makes these so breathable for summer too.
New-in at M&S, this belt has a croc-effect finish and a slim design. The shiny metal buckle is sleek and oval which feels quite contemporary. It's an affordable piece that can totally transform the look of your jeans and shorts with very little fuss.
This cut accentuates the waist beautifully and balances out looser leg shapes. The King's niece tends to stick to light washes in the summer and her PAIGE shorts were a creamy white shade which would go with literally any top colour.
White denim also tends to feel smarter than blue, as it doesn't have the same mottled finish. Alternatively, go for linen or tailored shorts which are even more sophisticated and easy to dress up. This is the approach Rivkie Baum, woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor, advises.
She reveals that going for a longer length and "more tailored finish" is her "top tip" if you're "stepping into shorts for the first time". Rivkie also notes how Zara Tindall balanced proportions by "opting for a higher neckline with a shorter hem length".
"In addition to this, sticking to a block colour palette for her top and shorts helps to elongate her frame and makes the outfit more seamless, highlighting the waist with a coordinating belt," she explains.
Keeping to the pared-back theme, Zara Tindall tucked in a plain white vest top and accessorised with a slim, brown belt. Most people's summer capsule wardrobe will have a white tank in it and this one was crew-neck and ribbed.
Bright colours really pop against neutrals and you could easily swap a white top for something more vibrant, but this just proves how versatile the shorts themselves are.
Adding a belt switches up the aesthetic of white shorts without compromising their wearability. Belts also make an outfit feel "finished" and fully styled without a lot of effort. Since Zara and her husband Mike were on a boat trip neither of them wore shoes, but white or tan comfortable sandals would be my pick with her outfit.
Both colours would tie in with the look and you could make it smarter by going for heeled sandals or wedges instead. I personally love leaning into the casualness of shorts like Zara Tindall did and this kind of look would work for sunny summer days at home or for holidays abroad.
