09 May How to Wear Bermuda Shorts Without Looking Frumpy!

How do you wear Bermuda shorts and not look frumpy? I have a few tips to ensure you’ll look stylish!

Paige Bermuda Shorts

What makes them Bermuda Shorts?

“The invention of Bermuda shorts is attributed to native Bermudian and tea shop owner Nathaniel Coxon, who in 1914 hemmed the uniform pants of his employees allowing for more comfort in the heat. The British Army, stationed in Bermuda during World War I, adopted the shorts for wear in tropical and desert climates. “

Bermuda shorts are considered an ageless style and can be styled a bit more formally if desired. They certainly don’t have to be dowdy or frumpy! Showing on various retail sites, I thought I would discuss how to dress or style the pair.

I received these Paige denim shorts as a part of a gifted thrifting experience in Charlotte. I have worn Paige denim before and was excited to find these as I wanted a pair to dress up. I prefer wearing these shorts with espadrilles, wedges or sandals as to keep the leg line long.  I will style these shorts with blazers and wear them as a dressier style, whereas my shorter denim shorts ( 4″) are worn in a more casual style.

I’ve styled shorter denim shorts IN THIS POST.  THIS POST shows the shorter denim length ( 4″) in a more casual style. It really is about your comfort level. I wear both lengths depending on my mood and how I want to style them.

What shoes to wear with Bermuda shorts?

You want to keep the leg line long, so here are a few suggestions, since they are about 1″ above the knee:

• Wear a neutral or nude shoe so that the leg line does not get cut off and shorten the look of your leg. I am wearing a white strappy sandal from Zara. The strappy sandals shows more of the foot, and continues the leg line.
• Wedges
• Pointed flats, as they continue the leg line as well.

When styling Bermuda shorts, there are several types. One, is the Bermuda short with a looser fit in the thigh, the other more of a skinny jean counterpart, so fitted more through the legs. Proportion and fit is key here, so if the shorts are a bit more relaxed, style a fitted top with them. Conversely, if they are more fitted in the thigh, a blousy tank, such as the one I am wearing makes a nice balance

I have styled these denim shorts with a halter from J Crew ( thrifted $5 find!) and the proportions balance out. The sleeveless blouse adds a feminine touch by the colors here as well as the halter style. The large pink flowered earrings also add to the feminine touch.

White eyelet blouses and other detailed white blouses would be lovely to wear with denim Bermuda shorts. A crisp white top with denim is always a good look.

There are also Bermuda shorts that are more tailored. If you aren’t a fan of denim, but prefer a linen or lighter fabric for the Summer, have a look at this gingham pair and these, in a cotton and lyocell, Tencel and spandex blend . ( which would make them breathable and soft)

These paperbag waist Bermuda’s from Mango, are a fun style and come in blue denim and ecru.

Height

I am 5 foot 9, so you will want to take into consideration your height with Bermuda shorts. Remember the 2/3  -1/3 rule, and decide whether you want to try them.  There certainly are other options if you find these are too long for you, but the shoe trick is most helpful!

If you like or love your legs, but still want coverage, these shorts are a great way to show the lower legs as well as staying cool in the heat!

Do you or have you tried Bermuda shorts, or do you prefer a shorter length? Maybe you don’t wear shorts at all. Let me know in the comments, I love to hear from you!

Outfit

Paige denim Bermuda shorts c/o Green Consignment ( similar)

J Crew halter c/o Green Consignment

Zara white strappy sandals  ( love these!)

Zara white bag  ( similar)

Earrings