These granny-coded shorts are summer’s most versatile styling hack

If I’ve learned one thing in the last year, it’s the importance of linen to the well-rounded summer wardrobe. And once you figure out how to style linen shorts, you’ll realise the breezy bottoms are as crucial to warm-weather dressing as the classic white tee and jeans — and just as versatile too.

Of course, linen shorts are lightweight and breathable — perfect for swampy summer days — but that’s only half of the draw. The textured fabric makes for limitless styling opportunities. These shorts can feel polished and professional for work on Friday, then youthful and laid-back for a beach day on Saturday or a fancy brunch on Sunday. (Just ask Olivia Rodrigo.) They’re the summer staple that truly does it all. Need some evidence? Keep reading to find out how to style linen shorts for 2026.

For warm-weather dinners

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images