Shorts should, by all intents and purposes, be a no-brainer during the summer months. And yet, they're one of the trickiest things to wear in a way that feels suitably grown-up. A pair of track shorts might work well for a park meet-up, or some denim cut-offs for a muddy festival weekend. But what does one reach for when the temperatures soar and you're heading somewhere that requires a smart-casual dress code? Bermuda shorts are becoming the answer for multiple generations. The elongated short has been gaining popularity over the past few summers, mostly in denim or tailored form to add polish. Now, Bermudas are multiplying and showing up in different iterations that are more wearable than you think. This will be music to your ears if cotton boxers and denim cut-offs no longer feel like "you", but you're in the market for something more practical and casual than a dress or skirt for late summer.
With a knee-length silhouette and a relaxed cut on the leg, Bermuda shorts should generally be styled so you can see their waist, meaning a tucked-in shirt or tank top. A heel is another good idea, although a closed-toe mule or leather flip-flop can work if a flat is one of your non-negotiables.
With several variations to choose from in the world of Bermudas, we've broken down the shorts trend into three crucial categories: denim, tailored and holiday. And we've considered exactly what goes with each of them to allow you fuss-free styling and to delve into your wardrobe for existing options.
Denim Bermudas
Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks dedicated a whole carousel to what she called "long shorts". It's her take on how to wear the denim version—with a checked shirt, leather belt and mule sandals—that we're bookmarking for how to feel grown-up in Bermudas. (See also, a windbreaker jacket with heeled ballet pumps or a crew-neck cardigan with closed-toe slippers, either of which would dress up the denim—but not too much).
This striped shirt is a brilliant partner for Bermudas—and makes the perfect summer over layer.
AGOLDE's Bermudas have a pressed front pleat, giving them a naturally smart mood that means you can easily wear them to work.
A metal frame can add a feminine touch to tougher looks.
The Verafied Vera bag has two interchangeable straps—one to carry it as a shoulder bag and one as a hand-held evening bag. Perfect for switching from desk to dinner.
A timeless investment watch elevates even the most casual of outfits, and the Cartier Ballon Bleu is hard to beat.
These T-bar sandals will help to further elevate your Bermudas.
Tailored Bermudas
A Bermuda short lends itself naturally to a tailored cut (just think of them like a loose suit trouser that's cropped at the knee). And while you could style them with a shirt that's cotton-crisp rather than linen-crumpled, a relaxed T-shirt, one that's long enough to just tuck in, will register as slightly more effortless.
ÉTERNE's T-shirt is not too long, not too short and perfect for tailored Bermudas.
These COS tailored shorts can be teamed with the matching round-neck waistcoat, but might look cooler with either a tee or shirt.
Zara is great for statement jewellery that looks designer.
Vagabond might be known for its shoes, but the label's bags are just as worthy of a browse.
Switch up neutral tailoring with a delicate pair of bright mules.
Tortoiseshell is a forever classic.
Holiday Bermudas
Bermuda shorts with a stretch waist—and maybe a hint of fluidity to their fabric composition—will make the best (and certainly most comfortable) bottom half for seafood dinners or poolside cocktails. Follow Marianne Smyth's playbook by styling yours with the lightest of lighter-than-air camis.
This cami will fit in the fullest of suitcases and make holiday dressing that much easier.
Lescarf's satin shorts are available in red, white, black or tiger-print, which feels suitably "out-of-office".
These crocheted sandals can be worn long after you've switched off your out-of-office.
Dragon Diffusion's woven tote in tomato might be the best summer holiday bag of all time.
Carolina Bucci's Forte Rainbow Beads are the ideal accessory if you want to pack light and keep your ear lobes and neckline uncluttered.
Shield sunglasses continue to be our go-to for making every outfit feel a whole lot cooler.
