To file under Trends I Unexpectedly Love: cut-off denim bermuda shorts. Late one recent evening, I fell down a bermuda short rabbit hole on Pinterest. I know I’m late to the party; they really blew up last spring and summer. But since most of us spent that block of 2020 in a fog drinking Dalgona coffee and wearing our favorite sweat pants, let’s give ourselves a pass on the trends we missed and start fresh.
Bermuda shorts appeal to both my early-aughts fashion nostalgia and my deep appreciation for practical comfort. They were super popular when I worked at Express in 2005, and I had a pair from the brand for every occasion: weekend denim, ‘dressy’, ‘going out,’ etc. My MVPs were the knee grazing iterations of the wear-to-work Editor pant, and if you remember that very specific reference, I salute you. (Man, I really want a pair or two of those now!)
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On the aforementioned Bermuda binge, I discovered and became enamored with the Frame Le Vintage Bermuda*. Specifically, the way Net-a-Porter* styled them to perfection: with an oversized classic white button-down, a minimal black clutch, and kitten heel thong sandals*. While I don’t need a pair of $200 denim shorts, I do need this outfit in my life. Like, I could happily live through the next several months in this exact combination. I started thinking about which jeans in my closet I could cut and sacrifice to the cause. (The Everlane 90’s Cheeky jeans* I bought on Poshmark last year were first to get the scissors.)
This sent me on a hunt for more bermuda styling ideas. And the Internet did not let me down. I filled my camera roll with screen shots and shared some of my favorites up top.
I think the trick to upgrading plain ol’ jorts to a modern chic wardrobe staple is in the proportion of your pieces. The best looks I found paired slim-fit denim bermuda shorts with oversized shirts, knits, or blazers. You can take it in a super structured direction, or keep it soft and flowy. Finishing it off with a delicate sandal helps elongate the legs.
(A tip for my fellow petite/curvy people: a higher rise balances out the torso-to-leg ratio; a low/midrise with the longer inseam may cut your bottom half in a less flattering way.)
For now, my DIY version will do, but I set a Shopstyle sale alert on the Frame Le Vintage Bermuda* with hopes I can snag a discounted pair in white or black by summertime.
I’m Wearing :: Le Specs ‘The Last Lolita’ sunglasses*, Zara top and sandals, DIY Everlane 90s Cheeky jean bermudas (now available in shorts), and vintage bag.
Gallery image sources: Net-a-Porter, Reformation, Bergdorf Goodman, Sandro, and Aritzia.
The Comments
What I Wore Last Week · Keira Lennox
[…] week. I grabbed this J.Crew linen top from my favorite summer lounge set and threw it on with some DIY denim bermuda shorts and comfy […]
Mary
Hi Keirra,
Been following your blog for at least 10 years.
Love the white shorts with the white bag…trying to see the bag….ouch just found it…..BOTTEGA VENETA
Cassette intrecciato leather shoulder bag
$2,100
Happy Spring to you!
Mary
Hi Keirra,
Been following your blog for at least 10 years.
Love the white shorts with the white bag…trying to see the bag….but can’t find it.
Happy Spring to you!
Carolina
Pray that you and family are doing great ! We are doing good ,so happy to be back and let us hear how you all are ! Love and Prayers
John and Carolina Jenkins