Why A Short Suit Could Be Just The New-season Update Your Wardrobe Is Waiting For

January has finally drawn to a close, the days are getting ever so slightly longer and, at last, it feels as if spring might be on the horizon, which means we can start thinking about how to prep our wardrobes for the new season. If you are hoping to inject a hint of something fresh into your look, but are not willing to embrace eccentric hats, tangerine hues or polka dots, there is one versatile catwalk trend that we think you should consider for the season ahead: the short suit.

A more relaxed take on tailoring, the short suit has seen a resurgence on the catwalk for the past few seasons, popping up at numerous shows for spring/summer 2019 and emerging even more evidently for SS20. Now an undeniable trend for the upcoming season (prepare to see these all over Instagram), there are plenty of ways to make the co-ord work for you, whether it is for the office, off-duty or even dressed up for the evening.

From sharply tailored to more relaxed, linen to leather, here’s how the trend played out on the catwalk, and how to embrace it yourself.

Photos: Getty

This article originally appeared on Harper's Bazaar UK. 

Related articles:

Shop The Balenciaga SS20 Collection Featuring Hello Kitty Now

Our Favourite Shoe Moments From The SS20 Catwalks

100 Of The Best Bags From The SS20 Catwalks

The leather love-in

A number of designers favoured the short suit in leather, but each took a different approach. Saint Laurent gave it the evening treatment, styling the shorts with tights and sequins, while at Salvatore Ferragamo, it was touches of brown leather for a daytime-appropriate look and Longchamp juxtaposed tough leather with feminine ruched sleeves.

1 of 5

Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp

The traditional take

At Brandon Maxwell, Max Mara and Sportmax, the short suit was presented with more of a traditional tailoring feel, fitted to the waist and paired with sharp shirts.

2 of 5

Brandon Maxwell, Max Mara, Sportsmax

The baggy Bermuda

Last season’s penchant for long Bermuda shorts continued at Givenchy, Tibi and Altuzarra, where the style was teamed with softly tailored blazers, which were worn bare underneath and styled with sandals or boots.

3 of 5

Givenchy, Tibi, Altuzarra

Take it off duty

Although the short suit has potential be an excellent workwear addition and can instantly be dressed up for more formal occasions, a few brands proved that it wins for casual moments too. Rejina Pyo’s linen look was all about effortless summer glamour, while Jacquemus embraced a sexy take and Alberta Ferretti gave the suit a ‘70s spin.

4 of 5

Rejina Pyo, Jacquemus, Alberta Ferretti

The seasonless short suit

Chanel, Ralph & Russo and Dior presented short and playful suits in printed iterations, which could instantly be taken through the seasons. Team with tights, boots and a knit during the winter or go barelegged with sandals and a T-shirt come spring.

5 of 5

Chanel, Ralph & Russo, Dior