The short that hits below the knee has been fighting a reputation battle for a while now and we think it finally has the upper hand. Done badly, the length reads as uncertain, not quite shorts, not quite anything. Done well, it is one of the more considered things you can wear when the weather goes up and the dress code stays vague. We have been looking specifically at cuts that fall at a flattering point on the leg, fabrics with enough structure to avoid the beach towel problem, and proportions that work with a linen shirt as well as a fitted tee. Tailored shorts in linen and cotton blends. Utility styles that have been reined in enough to look intentional rather than surplus. The colour stories here go well beyond navy and khaki. These are not shorts that need an apology or a holiday to justify them. They hold their own wherever you wear them.