In May, I took a trip to Bermuda, and before crashing my moped into a wall and being forced to stay inside with only the people on TV for company, I noticed that the locals around town all looked really, really fly in their Bermuda shorts (Yes! Bermudans actually wear Bermuda shorts!). There’s something really anti-fashion about the baggy, longer-length shorts, but after seeing so many of them worn so well with tucked-in shirts, I can say with confidence that they can be fashion-forward, too. And it’s not just Bermuda shorts; all shorts with longer silhouettes are having their moment in the sun for the same reason.
Personally, I can’t stand short-shorts. I feel exposed and constrained all at the same time. Go a size too small, and suddenly you’re rocking three muffins — one per leg and one on top. Not to mention they aren’t comfortable enough to make it worth potentially exposing my butt to strangers if I happen to have an untied shoelace. I’ve made it through entire summers entirely avoiding the damn things (which, to be honest has been really easy, because...skirts), but I’m finally changing my tune for two reasons: Long shorts are back, and I don’t give a fuck if my shorts don’t do the same thing to my legs as a minidress does.
Long shorts are without a doubt comfortable, they look effortless and cool, and they’re way easier to pull off than you might think. Try to find a pair with a bit more of an A-line to make them look more fashion-forward. You throw on your favorite graphic tee and ta-da — solid look. Do yourself a favor and take the risk. If it doesn’t work out? Blame it on me. You have my permission to show anyone giving you a hard time the following sentence: “I, Rachel Besser, fashion market editor of Refinery29, told your friend to wear those potentially unflattering shorts. I am not sorry because your friend is comfortable and looks really cool.” Want some yet? Then keep reading.
The structured Bermuda silhouette is great for graphic prints (look at all that surface area!). Tuck in your favorite black tee, and ding ding ding we have a winner.
Acne Studios Knee Length Short, $385.03 $250.27, available at Farfetch.
A fancier pair you can dress up and dress down.
Sopfie D'Hoore Bermuda Shorts, $550, available at Farfetch.
A sporty take on a longline short is A+. Sub in for your loungewear at home, or wear for a night out with a sheer top.
Hyper Utopia Scallywag Shorts, $98, available at W Concept.
I personally own these, and they are amazing. The super high waist is flattering, and there is a badass carpenter loop on the back.
V Files Black Satin Shorts, $135 $40, available at V Files.
Zimmermann makes a feminine, but not too girly, take on the Bermuda.
Zimmermann Master Adorn Military Short, $875, available at Zimmermann.
Don't let this super baggy pair intimidate you! Luckily, since they're denim, both fitted tops and loose blouses work well, but I prefer ones that show off a little extra skin to play against the volume of these bottoms.
Zara Denim Bermuda Shorts, $35.90, available at Zara.
The retro vibes on this low-slung pair are just too good!
Ader Swim Half Pants, $68.49, available at Ader.
Ball out in these fun, sequined basketball shorts.
Ashish Sequin Embellished Basketball Shorts, $951.46 $475.73, available at Farfetch.
Where Bermuda meets culotte is an especially flattering place.
House of Cards Mid Shorts, $111.44, available at House of Cards.
These are pricey, but with the patchwork detailing, they'll be the hardest white shorts to ruin.
Nicopanda Paint Patchwork Deconstructed Shorts, $860, available at Lane Crawford.
When you hear "boy shorts" it's time to start thinking of these.
ASOS Chino Boy Shorts With Belt, $41, available at ASOS.
Check these out.
Front Row Shop Black and White Check Shorts, $71, available at Front Row Shop.
The shortest of the bunch, great if you're looking to ease your way into this trend.
Prae Carpo Peel Mesh-Silk Shorts, $190 $75, available at Prae.
These unisex shorts are not for the faint of heart. If you're a long-shorts connoisseur, these are for you.
Billabong Scheme Shorts, $54.95, available at Billabong.
May I present to you the most classic, most Bermuda-y short on the market (that's also cool).
Madewell McDowell Bermuda Shorts, $88, available at Madewell.
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