How to Wear Chic New On-Trend Designer Bermuda Shorts

One of the hottest trends for spring and summer in the world of fashion is Bermuda shorts. Even though many of us are in #WFH mode, surely at some point we’ll be free to roam again. At which time we’ll have to answer this pressing question: how I am supposed to style these? We’ve done some research, and we’re sharing what we learned about how to wear the chic new on-trend designer Bermuda shorts, whether for work or for off-duty.

Bermuda shorts are back! We are not excited.

Regular readers already know that here at Dandelion Chandelier, we really love Bermuda. But Bermuda shorts? Umm . . . not so much.

Don’t get us wrong. We think that these knee-length shorts look fantastic on dudes, especially in the sherbet colors that originally caused them to signify a certain kind of low-key glamour when they first made their appearance on the global stage. Dashing jet-set types wore Bermuda shorts. People with lots of money and leisure time. Insouciant types who have their own pools. Folks who play a lot of golf. You know what we mean.

In a certain milieu, Bermuda shorts signify ease and assurance. They’re both comfortable and crisp. What’s not to love?

The problem arises, dear reader, when you try to transport them to the city. And frankly, to a woman’s wardrobe. Somehow they can quickly lose their cool and become “mumsy.” We don’t know how to wear them without looking . . . dumpy. Sneakers or high heels? With or without a jacket? A sleeveless shirt? Tucked or untucked?

It’s a lot of work and thought for what feels like not much of a reward. Can’t we just put on a skirt or a pair of jeans and call it a day?

when the fashion gets tough, the tough get schooled

Of course we all have the option to sit this one out. Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean that we have to pay it any attention. And yes, we know that someday we’ll have to surrender our sweatpants and get back out in the real world. But maybe not in these.

But before you dismiss the idea out of hand, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on how smart, fresh and elegant the right pair of Bermuda shorts can look.

Wow.

Done properly, this can be an excellent and authoritative city-chic look.

Just follow a few simple rules and you, too, can stride through the streets once The Great Lockdown is over in totally on-trend style.

Rule one: these shorts should hit you at the knee or below. If you think of them like a pencil skirt or an A-line skirt, it will start to make sense.

Rule two: how to accessorize? If it’s chilly, you can rock Bermuda shorts with tights and tall boots. In transitional weather, you can top them with a tee and a leather jacket. Or a refined knit sweater.

If you own a pair with a high waist, pair them with a vibrant tucked-in blouse. And maybe a cool belt.

Rule three: you absolutely must have fun with this.

How to Wear Chic New On-Trend Designer Bermuda Shorts

Here are six specific ways that you can make this trend your own, mixing it in with beloved items that are already in your wardrobe.

1. The O.G.: Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee is the one who brought the idea of Bermuda shorts roaring back to life. And this is the pair that started the frenzy: they’re chocolate brown leather ($4,150). They also come in black ($3,850).

If you’re rolling like that, we say go all in! Pair them with the shoe ($1,100); the bag ($2,800); the earrings ($980) and the shirt ($1,650). Or maybe the oversized blazer ($2,700). You’ll look like a million bucks – and imagine the awe you’ll inspire as you stride by. Is she a fashion editor? Tech mogul? Financier? Card shark? No one will be sure what you do for a living . . . and you don’t have to tell.

2. All Business

Bermuda shorts are an alternative to at or below-the-knee-length skirts. Which means you can easily create an office-ready suit with a pair of tailored houndstooth Bermuda shorts and a matching blazer. 

Givenchy checked wool Bermuda shorts ($895) and matching tailored collarless blazer ($2,520). Marine Serre crescent-moon top ($265). Francesco Russo pumps ($720). Gucci bag ($3, 200). Saint Laurent earrings ($495). Hillier Bartley hair tie ($125).

3. Neon Bright

Loud happy colors are definitely an option here, and we like the idea of taking neon pink wool Bermuda shorts into the realm of the romantic with a frilly blouse and a butterfly barrette.

Valentino is all in on this trend, too, with a neon-bright rendition in virgin wool ($1,490). Dolce & Gabbana blouse ($995). The Row sandals ($790). Valentino Garavani tote ($3,000). Alison Lou earrings ($149). Gucci butterfly hair clip ($670).

4. Pastels 

You can get a fresh-from-the-garden vibe going even in the middle of Gotham with a pastel color palette centered on sky blue cotton Bermuda shorts.

La DoubleJ blouse ($465) Max Mara shorts ($545). Hunting Season bag ($330). Jil Sander bag ($1,180). Simone Rocha earrings ($530). Gianvito Rossi sandals ($742). Ulla Johnson sandals ($495).

5. Bohemian

Sadly, the summer 2020 music festivals are bascially all on hold. But you can channel a little of the fun of the festival circuit with a Bohemian-influenced pair of dark denim Bermuda shorts. 

See by Chloe denim shorts ($330). Gabriella Hearst sandals ($850). Acne Studios turtleneck ($410). Stella McCartney jacquard canvas belt ($265). Misho earrings ($195).  Prada backpack ($1,465). And a scarf ($230) to top it all off. 

6. Neutrals

Finally, there’s nothing wrong with a quiet neutral color palette, especially when you’re road-testing a new silhouette. 

Emilia Wickstead shorts ($660). The Row sweater ($990). Joseph shearling bomber jacket. A snake-effect print bag ($590). Bottega Veneta sandals ($1,220).

How to Wear Bermuda Shorts right now

So, are you in on this particular trend, dear reader? Even if you decide to pass, we should now all have respect and admiration for those who can successfully pull this off. That’s a boss move, without question.

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