You may have noticed that shorts are everywhere at the moment, not just because it is summer(ish) but because they are in fashion. We’re talking high waisted, down to the knee kind of vibes. For many of us, a much more flattering style than a little cut-off number. The sort of shorts that mum and I have been willing the brands to produce for so many summers and at last they are here!

I was asked recently whether I would share a few styling tips on how to wear them…so here goes. For a more flattering shape on the leg, you want to be looking out for ones that are A-line, rather than straight up and down. Ideally you want a nipped in waist graduating into a roomy leg hole. This triangular shape will always be more flattering on the legs than a rectangular one.

Unless you are one of the lucky few, shorts are not always the most flattering garment to wear but what they are, above so many other items, is practical - and sometimes ladies, practicality is key! Try not to fixate on how your legs are looking. It’s all about the overall outfit, and if the outfit is looking good, then no-one will be looking at your legs.

Having said that, I should really mention that my legs are whiter than white with tons of blemishes etc etc! If you have white legs like mine (that could do with a little smooooothing out) then I would recommend this wash off tanning lotion. Once it’s dry you really have to scrub to get it off. Particularly brilliant for one-off occasions like parties and weddings. I mention it because I am wearing it here.

But back to the outfit. There is nothing more chic than a cotton shirt with shorts. Loosely tucked in with rolled up sleeves, it’s a good look in my opinion. Un-tucked also looks good but you want to make sure that the shirt is slightly A-line so that it sits comfortably over the shorts.

In terms of shoes, if you’re looking for the most flattering style then you probably want to avoid an ankle strap. A thong sandal is usually a good option, as is a ballet flat. For a more practical alternative I would choose a light weight trainer - more of a plimsoll - so as not to be too chunky. The brand Superga often have some good options as do Vans.

There is one last thing that I would like to mention. Look at the difference that the orange makes to both mine and mum’s outfits. That splash of colour on an otherwise monochromic look is huge and it’s such an easy thing to achieve. You don’t need to stick to knitwear around your shoulders - a pair of glasses or sunglasses would work, a neckscarf or a necklace would also look fab, as would a jacket. It’s about choosing a complimentary, contrasting colour. The ultimate win is then subtly tying both colours in with another accessory, like we have done here with the woven bag.

I bought this bag while on holiday in France. I found it on a beautiful Provencal market and felt very happy - and a little bit smug. Very smug until I got home and found that the exact same bag was being sold in a shop on my local highstreet. Ha! That’ll teach me…

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA MOONEY

SUE WEARS…

Dress, £155, Toast

Neckscarf, sold out but this would look great

Cardigan (around shoulders), £95, Toast

Sandals, £80, Boden

Earrings, £80, Ballinger at Gather & See

Bag, old but find similar on Etsy

HANNAH WEARS…

Stripy shirt, £50, Hush

Shorts, £40, COS

Denim jacket, £55, COS

Cardigan (around shoulders) as above

Sunglasses, £150, Cubitts (colour, dark turtle)

Sandals, £99, Hush

-STYLE EDIT-

-things that have caught my eye in the sales-