All that time lounging around in gym clothes has made some of us masters at making them look super chic. , who splits her time between New York and Barcelona, is one of them. Her strategy is to pair her gym shorts (now a veritable summer trend) with more elevated--and unexpected--pieces, such as a polished button-down or stylish stripes. Of course, the right gym shorts (and their distant relatives) are clutch. So I boiled it down to these guys from , , , , , and .

The snow-dusted mountains above Malibu this weekend(!) didn't stop me from daydreaming about wearing these sandals to warm sandy beaches.

The last time I wore leather shorts was many moons ago (2012, to be exact), when they were all the rage. Although I felt like they were a little bit out of my style league, I was able to pull them off, toned down with elegant flats and a simple t-shirt. Now, I'm happy to report that I'm doing it again, despite Covid's slouchy-dressing dictates! I found the perfect pair in Topshop's . They're more like culottes with a knee-length hem, which makes them sophisticated yet laid-back, plus they're amazingly versatile: WFH-friendly as well as venture-proof. I teamed them with another Topshop score: a $95 do-it-all black (that will go over any dress, blouse, sweater, or even nothing!). If it sounds like I went on a bender, well, yes, I did: I also scooped up the chic (to wear over everything!), the super cute , below, and the cozy (ideal for transitional weather). Bring it all on, because I'm ready!

Soft, slouchy and chic--almost too good to be true at this price!

Loving this summer's power suit--a polished yet relaxed combo of shorts and a matching top (either a blouse or blazer). The full less-is-more look is in step with fashion's current ethos--and my state of mind. Slam-dunk versions come from (and ) above, , , , , and (last pic).

Typically by now our favorite white jeans are hard at work. This year, however, is a little different--to say the least. This summer's shortcut to style rests easy in a pair of white shorts, suitably relaxed but still crisp and cool. They look ideal, I think, when paired with a blazer or button-down shirt. The effect: dressed, but not too dressed, if you know what I mean. I like these combos from , , , , , and .

A good friend of mine--a super busy, super successful brand-building entrepreneur--texted me the other day to talk shorts. She needed a pair for the summer, one that could potentially go to work or be at home in Malibu. Along with being versatile, the shorts also needed to be leg-lengthening yet not too short, and, of course, up-to-minute sophisticated. Got that? I actually do, because this season specializes in exactly this pair of dream shorts. They feature a high waist, are loose-fitting, can be worn with a belt (work) or without (Malibu), equally cool with an everyday t-shirt or a tailored blazer, plus are eminently flattering. My faves in no particular order come from Studio (above), , , , , and .

This summer is going long on shorts--specifically, knee-grazing Bermudas. Whether big and baggy or close-fitting, they look best teamed with more polished pieces, like minimalist tanks and strappy sandals. Personally, I prefer the more tailored-looking, trouser-spirited Bermudas, because they're versatile and come off more sophisticated. Prime examples include these by (on sale), (on sale), , , and .

You'd think that an invitation to a haute couture show in Paris would require some major dressing up, but the 80-degree heat is demanding otherwise! Attendees are sporting chic shorts to keep cool, and why not? Shorts are just so easy and yet they can be a completely legitimate style statement, as demonstrated here. Of course, sophisticated accessories--i.e., an Hermes bag, a pair of Celine heels, above--up the chic factor. I could breeze through summer in the city with these especially stylish shorts by , ,, , and .

I love how LA-based designer and blogger Julie Sarinana puts a sophisticated spin on a pedestrian summer uniform-- shorts and a t-shirt--with some elevated accessories. Her choice extras: a woven past-season Prada tote (I like this current , or this one and this ), a structured straw hat (like or ), sunglasses, and embellished slides. An easy everyday look to emulate!

Photo: Sincerely Jules