Ah, summertime. The hotter temperatures will be here before you know it.
Scratch that, it is already 75 degrees and May.
So what will you be wearing to keep your stylish cool? My best guess is shorts. So let’s explore how we can wear these hot weather necessities.
For the longest time I stayed away from these beguiling items. It was primarily my fault, as I couldn’t find a fit or style that was flattering. That was, until I found the bermuda style. I know what you’re thinking: these garments are for people in their back yards, holding a garden hose and watering their lilacs (how did you know that’s me?). I ask you to think differently. I ask you to look at these shorts with fresh eyes. They are flattering; they have a longer leg to give you coverage and confidence. They come in many different constructions these days; denim, cotton blends and synthetics. The Bermuda length, if you’re unfamiliar, hits just above the knee. For women, traditionally they are a tighter leg whereas the men’s style has a baggy leg opening. So how can you style these essentials? With everything!
Take a plain tee shirt you have in your drawer. Put it on with your shorts and just tuck the front in. This edgier dressing is chic and cool. Add some accessories, such as oversized sunglasses and a sunhat, and you can hit the BBQ with comfort and style. If you’re not into tucking, find a tunic length shirt and grab a belt. Fasten the belt around your waist and pull the tunic’s material up, creating a blouson effect. This is very bohemian chic and can take you from coffee to festival. Add some beaded necklaces, gladiator shoes and you have the look nailed. But what if this isn’t you? What if you’re more proper and pristine? Take your white button down and tuck it all the way into the short. If you’re wearing denim bermudas, your white button down will look extra crisp if you tie a red scarf around your neck. How nautical? Add a boat shoe and you can convince anyone you sail part time. Depending on where you work, treating the Bermuda like a trouser may be acceptable during the summer months. Take the white button down or any collared shirt and add a blazer with the short to create a suit. This especially looks chic when the blazer and short are linen. For your shoe, I’d suggest a wedge or something that keeps it looking sophisticated.
What’s integral to styling the bermuda short is fabrication and color. You can take denim from morning to night as long as it is without rips and tears and preferably a dark wash. I don’t suggest wearing acid wash styles or anything with holes to the office or a gathering. Way too casual and messy. What I am a proponent of is color popping. I love to dress with one item of clothing as the main attraction, so to speak. When I selected my bermudas, I made sure I got a pair in bright fuchsia. Why? I plan on wearing this with tank tops of brown, black and navy. How bright and bold are those shorts going to be? Add a scarf of a more muted color pink and the look is cohesive.
Enjoy your shorts and treat them as you would a good pair of pants or jeans. Just because they are cut off at the knee doesn’t mean they deserve a casual approach to style. Dress them up or down, depending on your event and style. The summer is about having fun. Let these shorts move you in that direction.
Denise Bennett maintains a fashion blog on Perfect20.co, and is a regular contributor to Spotlight News on Living.
