These are very flattering shorts. They are a little more dressy than my linen shorts but I am liking that look, even for everyday. The taupe pretty much goes with most of my tops and I am liking the cuffs. The buttons are a little hard to do up but I am sure the hole will loosen up.
As usual from HJ, these are beautifully sewn with quality fabric, and the cut is both flattering and practical. For my 33 inch inseam, another inch on the length would be welcome, but that wouldn't be a concern for most customers :) With regards to colour, the photos of the website give me the impression of a brown that is more 'cool'-toned, leaning towards taupe which I consider a universal neutral. But I would say, based on the pair I received, that there are more subtle 'warm' tones in the brown than I could see in the photos. The hint of warm tones isn't strictly flattering for my neutral-to-cool toned, (as yet) untanned legs, but if you have more warm-toned skin, or have started a tan, then this might be a perfect brown. I generally find flat-lay, bright light photos or photos against other colours besides white helpful for colour discernment when shopping online.