Black Shorts Are Nice, But a Pair in This Major Summer Color Is Much Cooler
Our take

The fashion landscape is in perpetual motion, and the subtle shifts in seasonal trends often reveal deeper currents within our collective style consciousness. The recent buzz surrounding the move away from classic black shorts towards bolder hues, championed by figures like Zoë Kravitz, isn't merely a fleeting fad; it’s a reflection of a growing desire for understated joy and a rejection of the pervasive, often suffocating, neutrality that has dominated recent years. We’ve seen this play out across several trends – the resurgence of vibrant color combinations like the Red-and-Purple Is Summer's Biggest—and Most VIP-Approved—Color Combination Runway Trend demonstrates a similar inclination towards expressive color palettes. It's a move away from the minimalist aesthetic, not entirely, but towards a more playful, individualistic expression of self. This echoes a wider cultural trend towards embracing personality and rejecting rigid adherence to prescriptive style rules.
The enduring appeal of black shorts lies in their versatility, their ability to seamlessly integrate into virtually any wardrobe. However, that very versatility can also render them somewhat invisible, a default choice rather than a statement. Choosing a brighter color, even a muted one, injects personality and signals a willingness to experiment. It’s about adding a touch of deliberate flair without sacrificing sophistication. This aligns with the quiet luxury ethos we champion – it’s not about shouting your wealth or status, but about making considered choices that reflect inherent taste and discernment. Even the seemingly simple act of selecting a different shade of shorts can become a subtle act of self-expression. The focus here is on feeling confident and comfortable in your choices, something beautifully reflected in the dedication to thoughtful self-care, as seen in the pursuit of quality tools, like those in My Brush Collection Desperately Needed a Refresh—And the Real Techniques X Kelli Anne Drop Let Me Do It on a Budget.
Beyond the purely aesthetic, the shift suggests a broader cultural mood. The past few years have been marked by uncertainty and constraint, and fashion often mirrors these collective emotions. A move towards brighter, more optimistic colors can be interpreted as a subconscious desire to inject positivity and lightness into everyday life. It’s a gentle rebellion against the weight of the world, expressed through a simple sartorial decision. We’ve observed this in the broader cultural narrative surrounding the royal family as well, as evidenced by observations of King Charles Looked Like a "Kid in a Sweet Shop” During Out-of-the-Norm Appearance, Says Body Language Expert – a loosening of formality and a willingness to embrace moments of joy and spontaneity.
Ultimately, the embrace of colorful shorts represents a subtle but significant evolution in contemporary style. It's a move towards a more personalized and expressive approach to fashion, one that prioritizes feeling good over adhering to rigid trends. It reinforces the idea that style isn’t about following rules but about cultivating an aesthetic that feels authentic and empowering. The question now becomes: will this trend extend beyond shorts, influencing other wardrobe staples and further fueling the desire for joyful self-expression in the coming seasons?
There's no escaping this summer's heat wave, and the only item that really matters this season is a pair of shorts. While black shorts are usually a go-to because they pair seamlessly with everything, It girls are swapping them for a much bolder, more fun hue. The most recent celebrity to endorse said brightly colored shorts is none other than Zoë Kravitz.
While walking alongside Harry Styles this week, Kravitz was photographed wearing a laid-back but eye-catching outfit: a delicate black Cou Cou Intimates tank top, black leather flats from The Row, and a pair of athletic shorts in not red, not purple, but vibrant blue. This bold shade of blue broke up her otherwise all-black outfit in the most effortless way. Kravitz often wears black outfits with a pop of color, and this might be one of the coolest iterations for summer 2026.
If you're not one to wear much color, try re-creating Kravitz's look as practice, and shop similar items below.
How Zoë Kravitz Styled It

On Zoë Kravitz: Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela Wraparound Sunglasses ($420); Cou Cou Intimates Bralette Tank ($54); The Row Round Flats ($890)
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