If you had told me that I’d be wearing Bermuda shorts again in my 30s, I would’ve laughed at you. No way in hell did I think this trend would come back. Or that I’d be eager to style them!
But here I am. It’s 2023 and I am choosing Bermuda shorts over the short shorts of my Millennial past. I was shocked that I loved these as much as I did. And I can’t wait to wear them in new ways. So let’s chat how to style Bermuda shorts for a fresh update on our favorite jean shorts.
How To Style Bermuda Shorts
Whether you call them Bermuda shorts, or jorts, these are a great piece to have in your closet for spring and summer. And even for transitional dressing from season to season. Let’s start with the Bermuda shorts themselves. What to look for in a cute Bermuda short.
Choose The Right Fit
Gone are the days of the very fitted Bermuda short. I was guilty of wearing this back in the day with a loose top that was untucked creating the wrong proportions (on the left). Instead, we want a slightly relaxed looser-fit Bermuda short for 2023.
This could be a jean short or even a tailored trouser short in a linen or cotton fabric. I look for a slightly looser fit. And if you struggle to fit your thighs and hips (that’s me!), try sizing up in your denim Bermuda shorts and then just taking the waist in. This is usually a $15 alteration and will allow you to fit your thighs for a looser fit.
I went with the Pistola Denim skater short. I needed to size up to my larger size to accommodate my thighs. And then am having the waist taken in just a smidge. I love the slight distressing of these. PS check out my Pistola Denim sizing guide here if you’ve never shopped the brand before.
Wear Heels To Elongate Your Legs
My biggest fear about wearing a Bermuda length short, was that it would make my already short legs feel even shorter. So personally, I want to elongate my shortish legs and will always opt for a heel, especially a nude one if I can. Even just a low kitten heel sandal like these lilac ones work great.
Other Shoes To Try
For Summer
While I will probably be sticking to heels, there are still plenty of spring and summer shoe options to pair with your Bermuda jean shorts. You can try a cool chunky sandal like the Dr Marten’s Clarissa sandal for an edgier vibe. Would be super cute with a graphic tee or a ribbed tank.
Try a summer sandal like a slide or a thong sandal, or even just a strappy flat sandal would be great. Another cute shoe option would be a trendy sneaker like the Adidas Sambas, or even a cool New Balance style Dad sneaker.
For Fall
And for fall, if you’re wearing a tailored trouser style short, you can actually get away with a knee high boot. Yes, you heard that right.
When the short is long enough, it’s almost like a pencil skirt situation and you can pair the same kind of boots you’d wear with a knee length skirt. Anything suede or leather that hits at the knee is perfect!
A Third Piece
To keep your jorts from looking like you just threw on shorts and a tee, try adding a third piece. I love an oversized linen summer blazer. But you can always try a sweater over your shoulders, a cool unique belt or a lightweight cardigan.
I think the longer length of a blazer works best for this combination with the longer inseam of the shorts. If you’re going to do anything shorter, I’d have it hit right at the waist where your jorts meet your top. Think cropped blazer or cardigan for that.
Tuck Your Shirt In
This is just the name of the game these days. Gone are the days of a long tunic style top, or just keeping your tee untucked when pairing with a looser silhouette on the bottom. I would follow the same rules as we do for wearing the baggy 90s jeans look too.
You don’t have to wear a fitted shirt on top if you don’t want to. But no mater what you choose, tucking it in is usually going to be your safe bet.
