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Elle
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Elle
The Polished Warm-Weather Staple Fashion Insiders Swear By
In a world where a good chunk of the population operates under a hybrid work model, fashion has shifted to meet the new business casual landscape. Enter the tailored shorts: formal slacks cut off somewhere between the knee and upper thigh, creating a polished look for hot-weather dressing. The best tailored shorts come with a streamlined silhouette, simple design details, and a loose fit around the legs. Not to be mistaken for Bermuda shorts—which, to be fair, have many similar qualities—tailored shorts don't necessarily adhere to any length restrictions. Best Overall: Favorite Daughter The Dream Favorite Bermuda, $178 Best White: Lucia Short, $88 Best for Travel: Aritzia The Effortless Short™ Long, $98 Best High-Waisted: The Drop Stretch Limo Walking Shorts, $60 Best Flared: Helsa The Tweed Short, $249 With brands like The Row, Toteme, and Khaite defining what modern minimalism looks like, it's no surprise that tailored shorts have gained such traction. The look transcends any fleeting trend and instead embodies a type of dressing that resonates with many women: elevated and laid-back with minimal effort. Of course, it helps that they're also easy to style. A pair of flip-flops and a sophisticated blazer might be your go-to, but I recommend tying a silk scarf around the waist with a loose-fitting tank on top. Or perhaps it's time to style the now-trending halter top with your go-to kitten heels. The options are endless, really, but it all starts with finding the perfect tailored shorts, many of which we list below. Tailored to perfection, these Bermuda shorts are sleek from the belt loops to the hem. As someone already familiar with the high-quality designs from Favorite Daughter, ELLE's senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong naturally gravitated toward the smart shorts. 'I love the light hue of these, which makes them perfect for summer office attire. Style them with a simple tank and a classic belt, and you'll be set to go,' she says. Sizes: 0-12 Colors: French Oak Materials: Rayon, polyester These shorts are neither too short nor too long—the kind of length that feels appropriate no matter the audience. With a subtle preppy touch, the white shorts can easily be styled with a button-down or a crewneck sweater. Keep in mind that while the linen fabric feels comfortably breezy, it's better kept out of the dryer. Sizes: 00-24 Colors: White, Black, Flax Ivory, Ballet Slipper Customer review: 'Love these shorts. I purchased for a work trip where I'd be outside in the heat of summer. Professional, comfortable, long enough to be professional without being too long.' ELLE's digital director Claire Stern Milch swears by Aritzia's Effortless Pants and says 'the shorts are just as good.' Standout features include their 'incredible comfort, thanks to the wrinkle-resistant Japanese crepe fabric,' which, she adds, is ideal for travel. 'Finding an adult-appropriate length can be tough, but this high-rise pleated pair gets it right.' Sizes: 00-16 Colors: Light Birch, Marcona Beige, Dark Olive, Dark Night Navy, Black Materials: Polyester On the hunt for the perfect vacation outfit, associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue came across these shorts, which ultimately became her 'new office uniform for warm weather. You can't beat that price!' And it's certainly hard to believe that the well-tailored shorts are under $60. The elegant pleats and faux back pockets easily make them look like they belong in a corporate setting. The only note: They seem to run small, so sizing up is recommended. Sizes: XXS-5XL Colors: Black Materials: Polyester, spandex Customer review: 'Love the fit of the shorts and the length. So cute with tights and my cropped tuxedo jacket from the drop.' Flared at the hem and fitted at the waist, these shorts take a different approach to the meaning of 'tailored.' It takes an expert to craft shorts with such a unique fit, making them look elegant and flattering. Not to mention, your legs will appear extra long. Sizes: XXS-XL Colors: Taupe Melange Materials: Wool, polyester, polyamide, viscose, other fibers, elastane The minute shorts reach your knees, they run the risk of looking more baggy than put-together. That said, this Frankie Shop pair perfectly toes the line between laid-back and buttoned up. It caught assistant accessories editor Madison Rexroat's eye for just that reason. She calls these pleated linen shorts the 'perfect option to try out the long shorts trend while staying elevated and sophisticated.' Sizes: XS-L Materials: Tencel, linen 'I can always count on Madewell for its comfy essentials, and these twill shorts are no exception,' exclaims commerce writer Laura Tarafa. Despite its simple appearance, this pair actually has a lot going for it, like 'a comfortable stretch, a double-button closure, and a thick waistband,' says Laura. 'They're perfect for styling with your favorite chunky belt, some sandals, and a boatneck top for a laid-back weekend look.' Colors: Jet Black, Dark Navy, Pressed Sage, Heritage Khaki, White Materials: Tencel lyocell, cotton, linen Customer review: 'Classy and versatile! I got these on sale, but I'd gladly pay full price. Shorts these days are often too short for my taste, but these strike the perfect balance—stylish without being too conservative.' You could have a very Olsen-esque summer with these chic shorts. A 10-inch inseam, a roomy fit, and deep pockets give these tailored shorts a very relaxed appeal. Still, there's a tasteful elegance to them that works well with kitten heels and a blazer. I particularly love the way the mid-rise fit hangs off the hips. Colors: Black, Natural Chambray, Cedarwood, Lichen Green Materials: Flax linen, viscose, elastane Customer review: 'These are my favorite shorts. The fabric is almost like a silky linen. They are so comfortable to wear. I purchased a second pair!' Known for its high-quality, minimalist designs, the Swedish brand Toteme has perfected tailored shorts for women. Carson Stannard, fashion editor at ELLE, immediately found himself captivated by the well-structured bottoms. 'I can be pretty particular when it comes to shorts, but when I came across this pair from Toteme, I immediately saw them as a summer staple. My favorite aspect is the linen-cotton blend material. It makes a pair of shorts feel even more lightweight and breathable, especially during some of these humid summer days,' he says. Sizes: 2-12 Colors: Off-white Materials: Cotton, linen These shorts are just as ready for the office as they are foa vacation or brunch. Streamlined seams and minimal design details—like the lack of belt loops—give them an elevated touch. For a uniform look, the matching blazer is also a great addition to your wardrobe. Sizes: 00-14 Colors: Dark Carob Materials: Viscose, cotton, elastane Helmut Lang's tailored shorts come in an antique white hue that's just right for summer. It's a shade between butter yellow and creamy white, which makes it easy to style for any occasion. And let's not forget the ideal length. Despite being on the shorter side, the high waist makes them feel a little more conservative. Colors: Antique White Materials: Viscose Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Elle
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
ELLE Editor Picks: The Best Memorial Day Deals of 2025
With what feels like every site launching some kind of promotion, Memorial Day sales can be pretty overwhelming to navigate. Where do you even start when seemingly everything is marked down, and how do you determine what's truly worth it? Well, you can take a deep breath; we've handled the hunt and already curated the best finds. With a discerning taste and a knack for deal-hunting, ELLE editors purveyed all your favorite sites to unearth the real gems. Because while there's no shortage of markdowns out there, finding the really great ones (the kind you'll be smug about for months) is an art form. Let's be honest—few things rival the rush of watching the item you've been obsessing over finally hit major markdowns. Whether it's the holy grail sunscreen you now evangelize to all your friends or those breezy twill pants that magically make your whole wardrobe look cooler, this is the time to pounce before the best picks disappear. Below, the deals ELLE editors are actually shopping, including our tried-and-true favorites now offered at major discounts. Scroll on to discover summer-ready fashion finds, timeless staples you'll wear for years, beauty must-haves that deserve a spot on your top shelf, and more. 'I've been keeping an eye out for the perfect twill pants in a neutral shade—something light enough to complement every chic summer top in my rotation. This pair has an effortless drape, but the tailored pleating makes them suitable for the office, too. Plus, they're over 50 percent off!'—Laura Tarafa, commerce writer 'I'm on a mission to fill the gaps in my shoe collection, and I think these sweet mules with a block heel will be both versatile and comfortable.'—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor 'Maybe it's the Met Gala's influence, but Theory's blazer dress feels like the epitome of effortless style—perfectly tailored, yet relaxed enough to look put-together without seeming like you're trying too hard.'—Claire Stern Milch, digital director 'Ever since my colleague Madison Rexroat mentioned this as a must-have designer bag, I can't stop thinking about it. And now, it's on sale. I think that's a sign.'—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor 'I love a fun ballet flat, and this standout pair is already in my cart, set to add just the right amount of edge to all my warm-weather looks.'—Laura Tarafa, commerce writer 'Consider these the Mary Janes to end all Mary Janes. Rothy's take on the classic is the perfect blend of form and function: a soft, flexible knit fabric, a slim strap that stays put without pinching your foot, and machine-washable insoles for easy upkeep. They're comfortable enough to wear as house slippers—but so good you'll want to wear them everywhere.'—Claire Stern Milch, digital director 'Check out this chic find—a super soft cardigan with charming crochet floral details. I think this would make the perfect layering piece for chilly summer evenings, and would look so elegant styled with a midi skirt.'—Laura Tarafa, commerce writer 'I'm a sucker for anything that includes beautiful draping, especially this Brandon Maxwell top that's straight off the runway.'—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead 'I, just like every other woman, love me some Supergoop! A facialist recently advised that I stick to mineral formulas, so I'll be giving this one a try.'—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor 'Mermaidcore is nothing new for the summer, but I love the iteration it's taking in 2025, which feels a little more subtle than in seasons past. Case in point: This Chan Luu charm necklace, which features a chic starfish pendant, an abalone shell charm, and pearls.'—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor $111.00 with code EMP40 'Finding a staple shoe is a small feat. You might ask yourself, 'Do I want Mary Janes or driving shoes? A loafer or ballet flats?' Why not a perfect combination of both? These G.H. Bass Weejuns are a necessary addition to any wardrobe, no matter the occasion or season. They're built to last and effortlessly polished, perfect for the office or a day in the park.'—Alexandra Hildreth, fashion news editor Our team swears by Tumi's high-quality luggage, so when this sleek duffel popped up, we had to add it to the mix. It's the perfect size for weekend getaways or overflow travel needs. When you're not using it, it folds completely flat for easy storage. Made from durable nylon that's easy to wipe clean, it's ideal for stashing souvenirs and gifts or bringing along those extra outfit changes. 'Not to toot my own horn, but I was using Camp Snap before it went viral. It functions like a disposable camera, except it isn't disposable and you don't have to fuss with getting film developed; you can upload your photos directly to your laptop. Whether you're hoping to document the best summer ever or looking for a great gift, I highly recommend.'—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor Flattered, the Scandinavian brand we spotlighted in our recent ballet flats roundup for its timeless silhouettes and commitment to sustainability, currently has its buttery-soft leather flats marked down 20 percent. They're a versatile staple, perfect for pairing with your favorite denim or a flowing summer skirt, and polished enough to become your new go-to comfort shoe for the office. 'Summer whites are a staple in my seasonal wardrobe. So, of course, I couldn't turn down these tailored trousers by Max Mara.'—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
