Okay, so a bright red pair of shorts doesn't sound like the easiest thing to infiltrate into your wardrobe, but trust us – and the onslaught of fashion fans championing this viral summer trend – red shorts are basically, well, a new basic.
Fresh shorts trends have been getting everyone talking over the last few summers, from the return of the jorts (there's a bad Star Wars joke in there somewhere) to wide-leg bermuda styles becoming a preppy favourite in our day-to-day wardrobes. But with all this heat and sunshine of late, people are turning their heads to a new red-hot style... literally. Whether it's the casual athleisure type – like the three side-stripe retro sport shorts you'll have seen fashion girlies pair with white broderie blouses – or floaty holiday-approved linen pairs, as long as they come in that highly vibrant and fiery shade, we're all in for a pair of cute red shorts.
Harry Styles might've been one of the catalysts for the gym shorts trend. Having already been papped multiple times in his signature off-duty look – pops of colour combined with teeny short shorts – including at Glastonbury last year, where he flaunted a pop of red, it's his latest music video for Dance No More, that sees Styles strutting in a pair of postbox red shorts once again, this time a custom Marc Jacobs pair. The athleisure style looks especially cute dressed up for summer evenings with a pair of kitten heels à la SATC's Carrie Bradshaw, or, more recently, Zoe Kravitz.
Despite the bold colour, red is surprisingly easy to pair with. Consider it an honorary neutral, just like animal print. Sure, the ‘unexpected red theory’ started as an interior design trend – in which adding a small pop of red to a room, even if it totally clashes with the colour scheme, automatically makes the space look more pulled together – but it works just the same for outfits.
A grey marl sweatshirt? A boho broderie anglaise blouse? A pinstripe dress shirt? They all look super chic when worn with a pair of bright red shorts. Whether it's the sportier styles, a tailored look or beachy linen vibes, the bright hue creates an instant point of interest in an outfit without requiring all that much effort.
That's why the style is such a hard-working item in our holiday packing edit, too. If you're looking for a pair that'll see you through the summer and fit nicely into your carry-on (for the lucky lot with a quick getaway booked), Zara's relaxed elasticated-waist shorts are the ones.
Not to mention, Zara's matching oversized, short-sleeve shirt for those looking to create an effortless little co-ord moment. Both are incredibly easy to throw on while giving maximum style points. We love!
To shop Zara's easy-to-wear pair and other ruby red styles that have caught our eye, take a look at our round-up below. Cool in both vibe and temperature, it's officially a red-hot summer.
Zara Relaxed shorts with elastic waist
M&S Cotton rich side stripe shorts
With Nothing Underneath The Boxer
Mango Straight mid-rise bermuda shorts
Topshop Linen mini short with drawcord in red
Staud Anchor piped cotton-blend shorts
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
