Hey look, it’s summer! And while the idea of white jeans and metallic sandals is so fantastic, when it’s 100 degrees (or 100 percent humidity) a girl really needs some great shorts. You know, so you don’t pass out in the grocery.

Shorts are casual wear; I don’t buy the whole “evening shorts” or “shorts suit” idea. But just because shorts aren’t appropriate for a cocktail party or a sales meeting doesn’t mean you can wear any old thing (or worse, your husband or boyfriend’s shorts, unless he happens to be the EXACT same size and shape as you — and even then, seriously, get your own shorts).

Look for a flattering fit and a fun color and an easy-care fabric; chino, or khaki, shorts are the simplest option for most women. They’re machine washable (turn them inside out to preserve the color and zip and button them to protect everything else in the wash from wear and tear) and don’t require ironing.

Beyond that, there are three things to look for in a great pair of shorts:

Rise: In general, a mid-rise is the most flattering; it will enable you to balance top and bottom. Unless you are very tall and very leggy, skip the low rise shorts, and remember that a very high waist will make your backside look gigantic, particularly in shorts. A mid-rise hits just below the belly button.

Old Navy Perfect Khaki shorts, $22.50 currently $15.00

Length: Look for a hemline that hits at the narrowest part of your thigh; for most of us, this is NOT a Bermuda short, which hits right at the knee, but something a wee bit shorter. The shorts pictured above have a 7 inch inseam, which is about right for most women.

Shape: Look for shorts that fall straight from the widest part of your hips. If you carry your weight through your hips and thighs, you might be tempted to opt for a short that tapers in at the knee, but don’t do it! You’ll look like an ice cream cone, I promise.

Old Navy Perfect Khaki Plaid Bermudas, $26.50 currently $15.00

Other things to keep in mind: As with any outfit, think about proportion, and about drawing the eye to your best assets. If you have great cleavage, pair your shorts with a V neck tee; if you have slim shoulders, wear a tank or shell. If you have a small waist, tuck your shirt in and belt your shorts. An espadrille with a wee heel (like an inch or so) will give your legs a little more length (but under NO circumstances do you pair heels with shorts, unless you have a pole to go with that outfit).