Not Denim—The Shorts Trend Every Fashion Person With Cool Taste Is Wearing This Summer
Chic and comfortable? Yes, please.
I was getting ready to grab dinner with friends, styling a vintage ivory Miu Miu bag with a simple tee and gold-buckle sandals. I didn’t want to be chilly come evening, so I opted for a pair of straight-leg jeans. Well, one step outside, and I knew I had made a big mistake.
The season for sturdy, cotton denim is officially over, with temperatures reaching upwards of 90 degrees. And while jean shorts offer a bit more relief, they’re still hot and thick. Chaffing is yet another issue, with the non-breathable fabric trapping moisture and increasing friction—no thanks! But just when I was about to label it a strictly maxi-dress summer, I spotted the breezy trend every cool girl is wearing: boudoir bermuda shorts.
Reminiscent of traditional bedroom sleepwear, the lingerie-inspired bottoms include fluid fabrics, lustrous sheens, delicate lace detailing, and sometimes airy cotton finishes. What sets the style apart from actual pajama shorts is the length. Unlike a micro, hip-grazing cut, the nightwear-coded style falls right above the knee, striking the balance between intimate attire and daytime-ready fashion.
The lace-adorned bermuda shorts trend also leans into the off-duty energy fashion people can’t get enough of. An often elastic waistband mimics the ease of sweatpants, while a billowy silhouette keeps you feeling fresh. It’s perhaps one of the simplest ways to beat the heat, delivering a significantly more elevated look than classic cutoffs.
Even when paired with a simple oversized tee, romantic-lace shorts offer a luxe touch. The style shows intentionality, even though it takes five minutes tops to wiggle them on. Anchor the outfit with a pair of barley-there wedge sandals and a baseball cap.
Keep reading to find your new summer closet hero, whether you’re on the hunt for a luxe 100-percent silk iteration or light-as-air poplin variation.
Shop the Lace Trim Bermuda Shorts Trend
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Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.