I Live in the South and Wear Shorts All Summer Long—32 Pairs I Think Are Perfect

Truth be told, I'm not a big summer person. In fact, there aren't many things I love about summer aside from the fact that it's when my birthday falls—and I get to wear shorts. But since I live in the South (North Carolina, to be exact), I'm forced to contend with summer weather a good five months out of the year. If I didn't like shorts, I'd be in trouble.
It goes without saying that shorts can be a bit polarizing. But even if you're among those who hate them, they're sometimes necessary, no matter where you live. Since I'm someone who does appreciate a good pair of shorts, and since it's my job to find the best of everything fashion-related, I put together a list of my current favorite shorts. The shorts in this list hit all the categories that matter most: denim, sporty, dressy, and casual non-denim. Scroll on to shop my favorites before summer begins—I know I will be.
1. Best Denim Shorts
I've already purchased this polished pair and can't recommend them enough.
If you're seeking longer shorts, you can end your search here.
I'm a big fan of denim from & Other Stories. (I just advise sizing up.)
2. Best Sporty Shorts
These are the most comfortable bike shorts money can buy—trust me.
And just like that, I need these in every color.
These are the perfect shorts for walking the dog (or just walking).
I'd love to wear these with an oversize button-down shirt and Adidas Samba sneakers.
I bought these last summer and find they're easy to dress up too.
3. Best Dressy Shorts
Suddenly, I don't know why I don't own a pair of leather shorts.
4. Best Non-Denim Shorts
Nothing says summer like a pair of linen shorts.
I don't know about you, but I have so many neutral tops I can wear with these.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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