Every Time I Wear This "Frumpy" Shorts Trend, I Get Compliments
I think it's safe to say that my days of wearing super short cutoff shorts are done. If that's your favorite style, I support you, but I feel much more comfortable in something with a little more coverage. Last summer, I started dipping a toe into the pleated shorts trend. I used to equate this trend with '90s moms, but I later realized that there are so many cool ways to wear them, no matter what aesthetic you're going for.
There are plenty of fashion items out there that are obvious compliment bait, like bags and sunglasses, but I guess I hadn't expected to receive many compliments on my collection of "frumpy" pleated shorts. But whenever I wear a pair, someone tells me that they like my shorts, which makes me want to keep buying them, of course. As luck would have it, there's lots of pleated shorts styling inspiration on Instagram, some of which I'm sharing with you below. And if you're as inspired to wear the trend as I am, I found 19 chic pairs to choose from for your own summer wardrobe needs.
Styling Tip: Sneakers and socks, of course.
Styling Tip: Make it a matching set.
Styling Tip: Add a blazer to make it a suit.
Don't forget the matching blazer.
Styling Tip: Transition your shorts into fall via an oversize blazer and turtleneck.
Styling Tip: Opt for neutrals.
Styling Tip: Pair them with your prettiest white blouse.
Anine Bing coming through with a great pair of pleated shorts, naturally.
Styling Tip: Channel your inner Annie Hall.
Styling Tip: Belt them to define your waist.
Styling Tip: Embrace the relaxed look with a slouchy sweater.
Styling Tip: Pair with heels to dress them up.
Styling Tip: Color, because summer.
Styling Tip: Contrast the bagginess with something fitted.
Next up, eight summer trends fashion girls are wearing with shorts right now.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Nearly Everyone I Know Owns This One Timeless Summer Essential—These Are My Favorites
They'll sell out by May 1.
By Ana Escalante
-
8 Specific Pairs of Shorts You'll Regret Not Ordering Before They Sell Out
It's heating up out there.
By Allyson Payer
-
Sydney Sweeney Just Gave a Preview of How Everyone Will Style Shorts This Year
Get ready.
By Allyson Payer
-
Don't Blame Me, Blame Tory Burch—Capri Pants Are Nearing a Serious Comeback
Not mad about it.
By Eliza Huber
-
Olivia Wilde Just Made Hot Pants Look Shockingly Wearable
It really is possible.
By Eliza Huber
-
The $50 Shorts I'm Buying to Mimic Hailey Bieber's Most-Worn Outfit of 2023
I won't sleep until I've copied it perfectly.
By Eliza Huber
-
In 2023, the Shorts Are *Short*— See All the Ways to Style Hot Pants Like a Pro
Risqué but worth it.
By Eliza Huber
-
Dua Lipa Wore the Controversial Shorts-and-Shoe Combo That's Becoming a Thing
Would you wear it?
By Allyson Payer