WHEN the concept of city shorts first hit the high streets three or four years ago, there was a lot of laughing and more than a few raised eyebrows. "Who would wear such silly items?" smartly-dressed ladies pondered at their office desks. "Surely they're a one-trend wonder. They'll be in the bargain bins faster than you can say 'catwalk catastrophe'."

Fast forward to today and any doubts about the longevity of the trend are all but forgotten. Tailored cut-offs in every style, shade and shape imaginable have been embraced by designers and fashionistas alike, making city shorts one of the must-have garments for this year's summer season.

But as all good fashion fans know, popularity does not necessarily make a garment flattering (or even wearable, but we'll let that drop for now). So, while teeny-tiny shorts might be a tremendously fashionable purchase for the fortunate few who have bottoms like Kylie and legs like a gazelle, they also have the power to strike fear into the hearts of most ordinary, non-goddess-looking girlies.

The main problem is: what type of mini-breeks to buy to suit your figure and your wardrobe? City shorts, as you will probably be aware, come in an array of lengths and colours - although styles (on the high street, at least) are often limited to smart-looking short trousers.

Designer labels such as Chanel, Prada and even Versace (which, by the way, is making something of a comeback at the moment) favour these sharp-tailored shorts - and, to put it bluntly, so should you if you want to wear this trend with any grace whatsoever.

Chic highstreet retailer Reiss is right on the money with this summer's short silhouette. It has a charming little pair of navy-blue shorts, with sailorbutton detail on the front pockets for GBP69, which will look perfect with one of this season's basic white shirts and a pair of f lat pumps. Add a large metallic bag and a pair of jazzy shades and you'll be a one-women trend-setter.

For those who are worried about baring their thighs to a possibly ungrateful nation, Reiss also stocks a slightly longer design, for the same price, which comes in khaki, olive and black and ties at the waist. Wear the olive pair for day with a white T-shirt and work that casual girl-abouttown-look. The black and khaki pairs will look great in the evening with a slinky top and a pair of high heels.

Mango also has a selection of flat-front, knee-length shorts in green, cream, black, white and navy. At GBP16 a pop they would be an ideal way for nervous city short virgins to try out this trend, without spending a fortune.

One of the main rules for wearing city shorts is the shorter the leg length, the lower the heel on your shoe should be. Pairing mini shorts with stilettos will only make you look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (before she got her designer makeover). That said, French Connection has an oh-so-trendy pair of short shorts in this season's biggest colour, white, for GBP45. And although high heels are a nono, tanned legs are essential for wearing these racy little numbers. For ladies who are scared of encasing their bottom in white fabric, French Connection stocks the same shorts in black.

Those truly serious about taking part in the city-shorts trend should look no further than Hussein Chalayan's peagreen above-the-knee shorts (GBP118 at Urban Outfitters) . Chic, stylish, on-trend and in a colourful summer hue, they go with almost everything, from strappy sandals to serious work shirts.