We’ve covered casual boyfriend jeans, skirt and dress outfit formulas for Mums and gals on the go. Next up is shorts, which is probably the most popular formula of them all. Shorts are practical, comfortable, easy to launder, and very breezy. So it’s no surprise that this is the most popular casual outfit formula among my clients on hot Summer days. 

Here are four outfit combinations, each with a different length and style of shorts to illustrate the depth of the formula. With the shorts alone, you have many options, so there is a version for everyone.

Here are the components: 

• Shorts: For Team Long Shorts, there are clamdiggers, Bermudas and longer length boyfriend shorts that are on or just over the knee. For Team Shorter Shorts there are mid-thigh boyfriends and cotton twill shorts, as well as short shorts and any form of denim cut-off. Gap’s roll up shorts, and KUT’s boyfriend shorts have been a hit with my clients this Summer. 
• Tops: Wear an untucked drapey tee over long shorts. Wear a roomy striped tee with high-low hemline over short shorts to de-bombshell the effect. Wear a banded blouse over boyfriend shorts, or semi tuck a top with the addition of a belt. Or stick to tailored tops like wraps over clamdiggers. Sport a tunic over clamdiggers. 
• Shoes: Think wedged sandals, espadrilles, ankle strap sandals, Converse sneakers, boat shoes, ballet flats, D’Orsay flats, slipper flats and gladiators. 
• Bag: A semi-structured tote or crossbody gets my top vote. 
• Accessories: Add a belt if you’re tucking and semi-tucking the top. As optional extras, throw in a sunhat, eyewear, watch and jewellery as desired. 

Choose any colour palette. Keep it neutral or wear colours. I’ve stuck to solid bottoms but by all means throw in patterned shorts. I like to wear denim cut-offs with high-tops, a roomy top, and belt. I also wear clamdiggers with untucked blouses and slipper fats. What’s your favourite casual shorts outfit formula?