How To Style Bermuda Shorts

I’m not sure there is anything harder to wear than Bermuda shorts. They are decidedly unsexy, uncool, and unflattering. They are….mom shorts. And yet for some of us, they are the only shorts we will wear. The reasons vary, but they are part of our wardrobes, so it’s important to wear them well. They don’t have to be frumpy or dumpy if you choose the right ones and style them well.

Fit is key. I can’t emphasize this enough. Just like with every outfit, you want to highlight the feminine parts of your figure and provide balance in the top and bottom halves.  Shorts should fit nicely in the waist and skim the hips and thighs, even if that means you get them tailored. It’s worth it. Don’t buy men’s shorts just because they are longer. They won’t fit your body right, even if you think you have a boyish figure, the key is ISH. You don’t have a man’s figure. In the Stunning Style Summer Wardrobe Guide I share links to Bermudas with up to a 13 inch inseam.

I love chino shorts. As much as I love a good cut off, chino shorts are easier to dress and not look like you are going to do yard work. They are structured and usually have a nice tailored fit. Tailored doesn’t mean skin tight. It’s ok if they fall straighter from the thigh to the top of the knee, like most of mine do, but steer clear of a flare cut at this length, and no basketball shorts.

Elevate your footwear, literally and figuratively. I love to pair even a short wedge with my Bermudas as it lengthens the leg and helps with the break in the leg line. It also takes the look of the outfit up a level without being difficult to walk in. I have 6 kids, and I have to wear shoes I can keep up with them in. Even a 1-inch wedge will help. Probably the hardest shoe to make work with a Bermuda is a sneaker. The high vamp (how high up the front of your foot it comes), low heel, and casual nature of the shoe do bad things to your leg line in combination with a Bermuda short. Does that mean I don’t wear them together? No. Sometimes the day calls for it, but be aware of what it does to your look and compensate accordingly.

Choose a flattering cut top. If your shorts are very fitted all the way down, balance that with a little looser fit (but not drowning you) in the top, and if your shorts are a little more straight like most of mine, choose a fitted (but not skin tight) top. It should skim your shape, not show what you had for lunch.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. A necklace and earrings make all the difference in any outfit. It makes the outfit look intentional and finished, and only takes a minute. The summer temps can make a statement necklace feel too heavy, so try layering a few delicate necklaces and pair that with either a statement earring or some shiny studs. A belt can make a statement without making you feel overheated.

Have fun with colors and prints. Because shorts have a lot less fabric, it’s easier to wear a punchy color or pattern on your bottom half without feeling overwhelmed. In the Stunning Style Summer Wardrobe Guide I share links to Bermudas that also come in gingham and some other great colors.

*In the Wardrobe Guides I share shorts in lengths from 3 inches to 13 inches, so there is something for everyone.

How do you take Bermuda shorts from frumpy to fabulous?

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