Why Everybody’s Wearing Shorts
From Bermuda and denim to tailored and micro-lengths – chic shorts are on the rise. Here, we reveal the long and short of this summer’s hottest styles
If you’re looking to add an instant cool-girl effect to your summer style, it might be time to go long on shorts. Once the preserve of the beach and sporting pursuits, shorts in a variety of lengths, luxe fabrics and shapes were seen all over the SS25 runways – from Chloé to Dolce&Gabbana and Gucci – lending them more versatility this season. So, whether your style is sleek and tailored or relaxed and slouchy, a great pair of shorts is the sure-fire way to sharpen your warm-weather outfits. Read on for the key styles to know…
Bermuda
If knee-length shorts aren’t ordinarily your sartorial go-to, Hailey Bieber’s immaculate top-to-toe white ensemble should convince you otherwise – because Bermuda shorts are the breakout star of the summer. Follow Bieber’s lead by styling with a pair of fisherman sandals and white socks on casual days, or dress them up for evening with a lace-trimmed camisole and mesh ballet flats.
For boardroom-ready Bermudas, go for styles that are long and tailored, then sharpen the look with a belt and loafers. Australian label Matteau’s white organic-cotton-blend twill shorts (featured in our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted pieces) look great styled with an oversized linen blazer and flowing shirt. Elsewhere, Toteme and Brunello Cucinelli’s styles are timeless choices and perfect for office dressing when the mercury rises. Pair them with a tailored vest for meetings, then swap in a crisp white tank top and chunky sandals for an elevated weekend look. Thierry Colson’s striped shorts are pleated at the waist and, when paired with the matching blouse and sandals, will take you comfortably from yacht to lunch.
Denim
Jean shorts – or ‘jorts’, as they have come to be known – are having a moment, with longer lengths the cut du jour. Citizens of Humanity’s relaxed wide-leg ‘Brynn’ version is a one-way ticket to model-off-duty chic, while Frame’s faded blue ‘The Timeless’ pair oozes Cali-beach cool. Plus, they’re both highlights from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Alternatively, Agolde’s neat ‘Dame’ style makes a strong case for cream denim and looks chic paired with a floaty blouse and gold jewelry. If you’re tall or just prefer longer lengths, try Mother’s ‘The Half Pipe’ denim shorts – the frayed cuffs lend a laid-back beachy feel that works perfectly with swimwear.
Cotton
The ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ aesthetic has already influenced our denim silhouettes and shirting, and its latest claim is shorts – striped cotton styles that resemble boxers or pajamas have been adopted by the fashion set as the ultimate cool-girl summer staple. For balmy days at home or on vacation, try a colorful pair by Suzie Kondi or Alémais to liven up beach-ready outfits. Didn’t think you’d be wearing men’s underwear to dinner? Think again. Ganni’s crystal-embellished shorts look chic dressed up for a night out with a silky camisole, strappy heels and a blazer, while The Row’s mint-green ‘Zinnia’ shorts can be office-appropriate when styled with the matching shirt and loafers.
Silk
For something that feels as comfortable as it looks, silky shorts are a summer savior. If you love this season’s boho trend, look to Anine Bing’s ‘Kam’ shorts, which are illustrated with seashells and perfect for pulling on over a swimsuit or Nili Lotan’s ‘Frances’ shorts, printed with a bandana-style pattern — they’ll go perfectly with the matching halterneck top for poolside lunches. For those leaning on a minimalist wardrobe, try Róhe’s cream silk pair or Toteme’s burnt-orange style – the print, created from a blown-up version of its monogram, has become something of a cult classic among fashion insiders.
Tailored
If you’re looking to perfect your personal uniform, tailoring is always a great place to start. And for SS25, you can’t go wrong with a pair of pleated tailored shorts. Our edit of standout styles includes must-haves by Citizens of Humanity, Le Kasha and Anine Bing. Citizens of Humanity may be better known for its denim, but these twill shorts from its collaboration with fellow LA-based brand Argent are proof that it can do tailoring just as well. Wear them to dinner with a fitted tank, a gold chain necklace and peep-toe mules. Le Kasha’s utilitarian ‘Aqiva’ shorts – yet another NET SUSTAIN highlight – are perfectly office-appropriate, especially when styled with the matching shirt; while Anine Bing’s impeccably cut houndstooth pair lends a preppy feel to every look.
Micro
Brace yourselves: SS25 marks the return of seriously short shorts. At Ferragamo, Maximilian Davis presented thigh-skimming styles in frayed black and white denim; Donatella Versace opted for ’90s-inspired hot pants, which she offset with long-sleeve shirts and blazers; and Isabel Marant went full boho with tiny lace-up suede iterations. The golden rule to nailing a trend like this is to balance proportions, opting for billowy, oversized tops and jackets rather than anything fitted to keep things chic. With summer just around the corner, Loewe’s floral-print denim shorts from its collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza are ideal for warm-weather getaways, and are easy to throw on with swimwear, blouses and logo tees.
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