Until a couple of years ago I was always more likely to wear a skirt than shorts come summer. I’m not sure exactly what happened but these days my summer wardrobe is all about shorts and I only have one summer skirt. It’s a good job you can wear shorts pretty much anywhere these days. Reader Emma requested a post on shorts-that-are-not-denim. So here you go Emma, eight pairs of shorts to cover everything you’ll do this summer and, as per your request it’s a denim-free zone.

{Work} Jacquard High Waist Shorts, £25.99, Zara

Whether or not you can or will wear shorts to the office will depend on your work’s dress code and your personal preference but, worn with a simple white top and long sleeveless jacket, these black and white check shorts with side pockets are about as smart as shorts come.
You can buy them here

{Date} Longline Culotte, £42, ASOS

Are they a long short? Or a short trouser? For the purpose of this post I’m going long short. These just-below-knee-length smart culottes are totally going out appropriate when you add a denim shirt, biker jacket and high-as-you-dare heels.
You can buy them here

{Holiday} Somedays Lovin Floral Shorts, £35, ASOS

These pretty, flippy floral print shorts are the perfect holiday multi-taskers. Wear them with a plain bikini on the beach, with a simple vest or tee for sightseeing, or with a white blouse, as shown, at the bar.
You can buy them here

{Run} Running Shorts, £12.99, H&M

I’ve bought a couple of pieces from H&M’s sportswear line recently and, several classes and washes in, they’re doing good. These running shorts are made from fast-drying, breathable fabric, which is just what you need in summer and the short tights layer means there’s no chance of you accidentally showing the world your knickers.
You can buy them here

{Wedding} Printed Culottes, £29.99, Zara

Again, whether or not you could/would wear these to a wedding very much depends on the wedding and your personal style. Worn with a pretty white top, white blazer and sandals at the very least you could wear them to most smart summer parties.
You can buy them here

{Sleep} Shorts Set, £22, Next

This delicate floral print sleep set is so pretty I can totally see myself staying in it all day, not that I would of course, ahem, cough…
You can buy it here here

{Weekend} Linen Shorts, £28, Warehouse

Whether your weekend involves shopping, playing with the kids, a picnic in the park, a spot of gardening, catching rays in a pub garden or all of the aforementioned, these shorts, worn with a stripy tee, would be totally welcome.
You can buy them here

{Yoga} Short Yoga Tights, £7.99, H&M

Long enough not to ride up during a flowing vinyasa class, short enough for a hot yoga class, these will be the hardest working shorts in your yoga-bunny workout kit.
You can buy them here

Where do you stand on the shorts v skirts debate? Spotted or bought any great shorts recently? Do share below!