It is one of those glorious days in London- the sun is out and we can at last embrace summer. With all the running around after the children and the puppy, I find shorts more practical than skirts.

At the same time I don’t want to look like a deranged tourist, so I am super careful about the shorts I choose and how I style them.

Obviously anything goes (within reason) when you are at the beach.

I saw these shorts on Elle Ferguson and had to have them.  I love the length and the lightweight fabric.

I tracked them down to Bassike; They now sold out but I found a version at Outnet which are very similar . Or else  Topshop and Asos have loads of well priced ones.

I have worn them so many times (here dressed down) but I also pair them with a blazer for a more dressed up feel.

The undulating sides adds inches to your legs- they are a kind of shorts hybrid.

One of my favourite ways to wear them is with an oversized sweater. This one I picked up on holiday is is Ralph Lauren and they are easy to pickup now at sales time, just go up two sizes.

Underneath is a simple cotton vest in a delicate olive green- a steal, also from Topshop.

I love the all white look and it is super flattering; with Wimbledon on at the moment  I feel like I would fit right in SW19!

Once you invest in an oversized sweater (I went up three sizes) you will realize how they go with everything and are a great cover up. Be it over a dress, skirt or jumpsuit.

It balances out shorts and shorter skirts!

I love these two options; the first is in the sale from Tibi. I love the nautical feel- imagine this with navy shorts. The  sweater from & Daughter is also really reduced and would be divine over a chiffon skirt or navy shorts. I am sorely tempted by this great simple cotton one from Zara and at fifteen pounds it is a real bargain.

I love the contrast of the masculinity of these sweaters with the more girly shorts and I think it makes for a much more grown up look.