the best long shorts for summer and how to style them.

long shorts. top. sandals. bag. necklace. sunglasses.

I’ve shared this before and you guys all know that I’m not much of a shorts wearer.  They don’t do a lot for you when you’re 4’11” and my legs are not my favorite are to highlight, so most of the summer I stick to boyfriend jeans, jumpsuits and dresses, and even skinny jeans with breezy tops.  But on those days when the air is just thick and hot and you feel like you’re melting from the outside in, it’s nice to have at least the option of wearing something cooler.  Which is why, although I’m not much of a shorts collector, I do like to keep a few pairs of long shorts in my closet arsenal for times like that.

But good long shorts, I’ve found are tricky to find and can be even trickier to style, so I rounded up a few of the best ones I’ve found lately, as well as some tried and true tips for styling them.

I’ve tried on quite a few pairs of long shorts this season, and I have to say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by some of the options.  There are great options in a variety of price ranges and styles.  Here are my favorites.

The distressed denim shorts from American Eagle that I’m wearing here are so good, and the price is really reasonable.  I bought them in this wash and this wash.  They also frequently have sales on their denim so I was able to score both pair for 50% off.

I’ve also tried out this awesome blankNYC pair and they are really flattering, and just a bit higher in price at $88.

I tried on this pair at Nordstrom a few weeks ago and they are amazing.  They are quite pricey, and because I don’t like wearing shorts it didn’t make sense for me to invest in a pair at this price, but if you love shorts and want a really high quality pair, this is a great option.

This pair from Kut is a little more fitted than I usually go on denim shorts, but so, so flattering and the quality is awesome.  They’re also very reasonably priced.

I just tried this awesome pair of long chinos on at J.Crew Factory.  The fit is great and they’re so comfortable. They would be great if you need a little dressier pair of shorts. (they’re on sale for only $16.50 right now!)

A few tips for styling long shorts:

* If you are worried about them making your legs look shorter, try a pair of nude shaded shoes and avoid styles that create a stop on your leg.

* A more fitted top can help counteract the shorts if you opt for a baggier fit and keep the outfit from looking sloppy.

*I like to mix styles like I did here, by pairing the distressed denim with a delicate eyelet top. I think the juxtaposition is fun.

*Don’t be afraid to pair your long shorts with a great pair of wedges.  It will lengthen your leg (always a good thing)!