What used to be casual, off-duty wear, the shorts of today have become an indispensable and highly versatile wardrobe workhorse. Modern designers are increasingly experimenting with novel cuts, fabrics, patterns, and stitching. More often than not, contemporary designs have seen shorts and shorts-inspired bottoms in autumn-winter season collections, making shorts an investment worthy, year round garment.

Well-designed shorts can be matched with nearly any top. Whether it’s a t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket, or camisole, it’s hard to imagine what would not go well with shorts. Go for a classic or vintage fit this sunny season and try a tailored silhouette or a high-waisted, mom jeans inspired retro shape. For the more adventurous, find a pair with unusual accouterments or decorated with novelty prints.

When it comes to dresses, there’s the universally popular LBD. In the world of shorts, there’s nothing more classic than the “LWS” (a.k.a. little white shorts). Whether you’re looking for something to complement a chambray shirt or an all-white summer look, a pair of well-designed shorts in white will accompany you anywhere with a summer fresh, classically clean look.

Wherever you go this summer, there will likely be communities of sun worshippers in variations of shorts and skorts (the ever popular hybrid between a skirt and shorts for those days you just cant decide which to wear) flocking watering holes about town. Don your perfect iteration and join the party – time to unleash your inner sun child and bask in the golden rays of summer.