[STANDFIRST] Parade your pins for high summer. Lisa Haynes reveals the thigh's the limit with the short styles of the season

Once the barometer rises, so too do hemlines. But forget skirts and dresses that come with the risk of a Marilyn Monroe-style flash - shorts are 'the' practical solution for summer leg exposure.

From thigh-grazers through to knee-hiding styles, the long and the short of it is there's a pair to suit everyone on the high street.

Go tomboy with board shorts or uber-feminine with skirted culottes. Pick your length and let your legs loose before the sun disappears.

SKY HIGH

Denim shorts may not be catwalk hot but they're a staple for any summer wardrobe. Avoid going Daisy Duke by keeping shorter styles on the loose side. Try going up a size for a slouchy boyfriend fit and add a belt.

To tap into the sports luxe trend, gym style shorts are worth making a sprint for. The fabric will make the clear distinction between kit bag and dressing up. Opt for real or faux leather, or shiny metallics that can be dressed down for day, or luxed up at night with a silky cami and heels.

If you refuse to be separated from a skirt, try the 'skort' - fashion's skirt and short fusion. Think shorts from the back and skirt from the front. The major advantage? They're wind-proof if the weather catches you out.

MIDI MODE

Mid-length styles are the most accessible of shorts, keeping you cool without revealing too much skin. Opt for classic, understated styles in neutral tones, that you can easily mix and match with other summer staples.

For an office-appropriate style, you'll still look super-smart in a pair of crisp city shorts. Freshen up your ensemble with white, or look the business in black or navy teamed with a buttoned-up shirt.

If you want a more relaxed vibe, be inspired by chic safari styling. Think woven or linen shorts in camel or stone tones, paired with a white tee. Accessorise with a wide-brimmed floppy hat and oversized sunglasses for a glam edge.

LONG ROUTE

The hottest shape in shorts right now is the below-knee culotte. When Victoria Beckham teamed a flared pair with towering stilettos and white shirt to take a bow at her Fashion Week show, a new workwear staple was born.

Keep your culottes in mono tones of crisp white or sharp black. If you're worried about adding bulk to your bottom or thighs, stick to black. They're versatile enough to wear with flat sandals by day or leg-elongating pointed courts for evening.

The trick to pulling off these culottes is all in the calf placement - avoid cutting off your leg at its widest part. Stick to a tailored, minimalist cut short, that falls just below the knee for a flattering alternative. Embrace a summery vibe with sorbet pastels, like mint green or ice blue.