SPORTY SHORTS MIGHT BE YOUR BEST SUMMER BUY

Top image: PHOEBE PHILO Reversible train tank, bamboo sunglasses and track shorts (these COS Suede sporty-style shorts would look really good too)

The ‘Active’ section of the Wardrobe is one of our favorite shopping categories, and that says a lot coming from gals who aren’t exactly sporty. This newsletter isn’t about being or becoming ‘summer fit’; it’s all about feeling energized and free as a bird. If that sounds like something you’d read on a sun-bleached beach sign, good. That is exactly the direction we are headed.

Charon: When it comes to sportswear, there are some great options here in homebound South Africa. That said, I’ve been struggling to find one specific item: a good pair of women’s surf shorts. Not just for the beach, even though I’ll definitely wear them there too (80’s supermodel and surf girl Elle Macpherson and Carrie Bradshaw show us how it's done, ugh!) but more as an offbeat, wearable piece for everyday. The problem seems to be that men’s boardshorts aren’t exactly flattering when you’ve got hips. And women’s designs are, sadly, disappointing, with the exception of these Miu Miu’s.

ALAÏA Cropped cotton terry hoodie, MADE SOME Long short in navy and white (love the short shorts as well), CHRISTOPHER ESBER Transparant Bill t-bar sandals and Chloe Plage printed cotton-canvas bag (for a raffia beach bag try this one from COS)

But luckily Leandra Medine Cohen is there when you need her. She got my full attention with these Belle the Label Panelles shorts, and Made Some long and short shorts (or try these and these from Staud). Unmistakably tied to the beach, you can wear them with a simple cotton tank top or any kind of swimwear (our seasonal beachwear favorites are listed below). These quick-dry shorts transition to the city in a heartbeat. I’m imagining a surfshort moment paired with a breezy silk shirt or a halter top. ABRA has me considering these surfy Khaki flower shorts (here shown in brown and black). Prefer skirts over shorts? Try this Julie Kegels surf pencil skirt and ABRA Blue poster denim mini skirt.

ABRA Gray surf hoodie (also in black here), ABRA Khaki flower shorts (in brown here, black here or a similar option here), shoes here, but we prefer these from Khaite on sale.

Last year Charon highlighted the Raey (RIP) Giant pocket-side combat shorts and Lara wore these H&M Utility shorts (on sale) on repeat. This season, the Abra cargo mini shorts have entered the conversation as a worthy successor. For something shorter and sportier, we keep reaching for short sport leggings layered under jersey shorts, even when there’s nothing remotely active on the agenda. It might sound unexpected, but trust the vibe here and here. While we're at it, these long jersey shorts in light mole look tempting.

Lara: Sporty shorts are pretty much the cornerstone of my city summer looks. Truth be told, I find summer one of the trickiest seasons to dress for. I love the sun, but looking like myself while melting is a challenge. Pairing shorts with a simple tank or tee feels breathable and still put together. I could wear these Lululemon shorts on repeat, and I recently discovered the Danish brand Aiayu, which makes the perfect shorts for city strolls or slow summer days. COS just released the most chic sporty-style shorts made out of suede which are on top of my wishlist, though their classic cotton version in black and white still holds up too

EMILY DAWN LONG One of a kind vintage T-shirt, Miu Miu Technical knit swimsuit in grey blue (also in bikini version, a more affordable alternative is this Toteme swimsuit on sale), COS Suede sporty-style shorts and CHRISTEN Beige 75mm stretch mules

I’ve been drawn to the perfectly worn-in T-shirt that feels like it has already lived through a hundred workouts. Soft, lived-in, yet utterly chic. The Emily Dawn Long version in a washed teal shade is everything right now. Another sporty staple on my radar is the Swim tank by Marie Adam-Leenaerdt. I’m also coveting the new cami from Flore Flore (more great basics here), while Reyèm’s stretch-jersey halter, especially in white, sits high on my list.

Sporty pieces pair effortlessly with something a little more refined, à la Zoë Kravitz. Think the black Boheme MJ ballet flats from The Row (or here), or minimalist flip-flops that can actually handle a full day of walking. Teva sandals are perfect for this. Everyone is talking about their infinity sandals and they really are as comfortable as they look. Just like The Ceiling favorites: Christopher Esber and Ancient Greek Sandals flip-flops. A recent find was a pair of The Row’s old-season velvet Swan flip-flops on Vestiaire which will look perfect with sporty shorts and a crisp white tee. I love the denim blue-like pair from A.Emery (on sale) or their snakeskin-print wrap sandals for a bit more edge as well. Another great and comfortable buy are the Relaxe flip-flops from Carmen Amsterdam (be sure not to get them too wet).

Core swimwear

We are obsessed with this PHOEBE Philo Tabacco scoop bikini and fold over knicker that transforms in a one-piece.

No active summer wardrobe is complete without good swimwear. Swimsuits double as bodysuits, and triangle bikinis work perfectly under an oversized shirt paired with surf shorts on a hot day. We like to invest in timeless styles we can wear summer after summer. We have to admit, our research confirmed it is not the most exciting swimwear season, but we have gathered our classic favorites along with yours. Thank you so much for your input via Instagram.

Swimsuits (or bodysuits):

• Arket Black square-neck swimsuit (similar in brown)

• Lido Tre geometrical one piece swimsuit

• Toteme Khaki swimsuit

• Matteau Petite white square recycled-seersucker swimsuit (or in black)

• Lido x LIÉ Jodie one-piece

• Lido Trentasei one-piece

• Miu Miu Red cut-out swimsuit

• Arket Contrast binding swimsuit

• Toteme black contrasting swimsuit (on sale in beige, also in strapless black)

• Toteme Windowpane checked swimsuit

• Eres Green Les Essentiels Aquarelle swimsuit

• Chloé Ruffled onepiece

• Toteme highneck black swimsuit (Arket makes one in black and red as well)

Bikini’s:

• Arket Brown bikini top and mid-waist bikini briefs

• Toteme Triangle top and briefs in black

• Lido Triangle bikini in black or red (both on sale)

• Lido Undici bikini

• Matteau Black petite square bikini (on sale)

• Matteau Black Nineties Bikini

• Annagreta Isabel bikini top and bottoms

• Nu Swim Polkadot triangle bikini (or here)

• Eres Les Essentiels Mouna triangle bikini top and briefs

ARKET Swim top, ERES Les Essentiels Mouna triangle bikini briefs, PHOEBE PHILO HI towel in vanilla cotton and COS Straw bucket hat

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