How to Style Bermuda Shorts

A few years ago I asked my seamstress to chop up my mom’s retro 80’s suit into a pair of Bermuda shorts. Sadly, I recently parted with them because they were so tight around my waist, but they were so killer. I’m finding that there are a few trends circulating that I have always loved, which makes me think they are less of a trend and more of a classic piece. Bermuda shorts fall into that category for me.

I picked up an amazing pair of white linen Bermuda shorts at one of my favorite boutiques in Cape May, New Jersey called Galvanic. If you’re ever visiting you have to pop in. I’ve been in search of a pair for awhile and besides having to size up to a large (I’m a size 4), these were perfect. To be fair, Rolla’s is an Australian brand and most Aussie brands run small.

Body type

Bermuda shorts are good for my body type for a couple of reasons. First, I have longer legs, so longer inseams work for me. This particular pair is pleated, which helps the shorts appear more a-line. I like the way a-line balances my shoulders. One would argue that Bermuda shorts don’t work if you have short legs. I would argue that they typically come with an extremely high rise, which can make up for a longer inseam. You just have to try things to see what works. Body type do’s and dont’s are good to know, but I encourage clients to keep the “rules” in mind only when they are attempting to understand what feels off.

The bermuda short looks

All of the looks I styled can be considered casual or elevated because of the combinations of accessories I selected. As I always say, the shoe determines the vibe, let’s refer to the outfits by shoe.

the sleek but chunky sandal

Something that confuses all of us is that chunky is out, but the minimalist sleek chunky sandal remains. Who knows, right? All I know is that I love my tan AGL sandals. Whenever I’m wearing a chunky shoe I like to wear something fitted to balance it out. Going tighter via pants, dress or skirt makes me feel a little Jane from the popular 90’s show, Daria, so I will usually opt for a tighter top to balance.

I do feel like the wide leg vibe of the Bermuda shorts and the chunky sandal are two very grounding and masculine elements so I reached for a tight and sexy top. BTW, sexy for me doesn’t mean I show lots of skin it just means more fitted with a beautiful neckline. This top is from amazon and it feels great. The mismatched neutrals are all very soothing and then a good pop of tomato red sunnies (different but just as cool) for good measure because they are cool!

The crab traps (my red mesh shoes that my husband makes fun of)

This is my favorite look of the three. We are seeing flats come through more than every right now and the mesh flat trend makes any look so much more creative. It’s like, if you go so far as to buy a mesh flat you might as well go for a fun color.

Another styling technique that the Gen-Z crowd has brought to the table (such contrarians) is the untucking technique. I have to admit, it’s quite freeing. I reached for my cashmere Jenni Kayne oversized sweater (untucked) and a structured ivory Staud bag (not the same but cooler). A trick to feel “sexy” is to roll up your sleeves. This is a styling technique I use frequently for an array of reasons. It really helps when you’re petite and feel like most things are drowning you!

The black slides

My black slides (dupes from Target) are proving to be a great go-to, so next summer I will likely level up and go high-end so they last me a solid 10-15 years. I always tell clients that black accessories dress everything up. I think if these slides were a caramel brown they would make the outfit more casual.

I’m wearing my favorite t-shirt of the moment by Cuts. It’s cropped, but because my torso is so short the shirt meets the waistline of most pants. I get a little freaked out when my almost 40 year old self has a little mid-section showing. I’m such an old lady. Again, because the t-shirt is black it dresses up the shorts. I threw in a subdued sage green color crossbody (but this would have been way better) and threw on a hat because that’s what I do at the beach. Had I been home I would’ve worn the same outfit to dinner without the hat.