Key fashion trends of the season: Women's shorts

Crystal top, £,2170, shorts, £295, and shoes, £395
We loved Miuccia Prada's luxe short look. Duchess satin shorts and silver- and crystal-encrusted top: the perfect way to turn heads this summer
All from prada.com

Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Fashion editors: Jo Jones and Helen Seamons
Fashion assistant: Melanie Wilkinson
Hair and makeup: Juliana Sergot
Model: Erin Fee at Select
Photograph: Jason Hetherington

Shorts, £65
For those of you who like to make a statement with your wardrobe, give these candystripe shorts a whirl. We recommend wearing with a denim shirt, sleeves pushed up
From whistles.co.uk
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £49.50
If some shorts are too, erm, short for your tastes, try these boy-fit ones by Gap. They are worn looser on the hip and hang lower. Not so flattering on J-Lo derrieres though - you have been warned!
From gap.eu
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £24.99
A more feminine style, these fuller shorts create a playful girlie chic worn with a pretty blouse and wedges
From hm.com
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £19.50
Khaki could be the new black - it is the perfect foil for our favourites colours: red, black, white, taupe and shades thereof. Wear these to festivals with flat sandals
From Banana Republic 020 7758 3550
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £34
Pull on these shorts, slip into a cute vest top, add a little fake tan and you're instantly in summer mode. Accessorise with a leather bracelet and flat leather sandals
From frenchconnection.com
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £40
The perfect shorts for a relaxed day look, worn with thong sandals. Dress them up for evening with an oversized white shirt and sexy nude high heels
From frenchconnection.com
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £330
The Observer fashion team agrees that there is no need to buy denim shorts - simply recycle your old jeans by cutting them down. We make an exception for these cool studded shorts, though
By Elliot Denim from matchesfashion.com
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £158
Sparkle shouldn't just be reserved for the evening. Add a touch of glitz to the day by wearing with a simple singlet and high heels
By Day Birger Mikkelsen from matchesfashion.com
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £35
We love these - a dead-ringer for Chloé. They are super-comfortable and look great with a taupe or terracotta silk shirt - Zara does a nice line in those
From marksandspencer.com
Photograph: PR

Shorts, £65
We adore these harem shorts, but beware: they don't suit all shapes. We recommend them for a boyish shape, worn with wooden heels - tres chic!
From whistles.com
Photograph: PR