Summer’s calling, and our legs are ready to answer! As temperatures rise, so does our hemline, making shorts the undisputed heroes of warm-weather wardrobes. I’ve spent years in the fashion trenches, watching shorts evolve from casual basics to statement pieces that completely transform an outfit. Get ready to show some leg with these seventeen shorts trends that are absolutely dominating this season.
1. Bermuda Comeback
Whoever said Bermudas were just for dads on vacation clearly hasn’t seen this season’s sophisticated iterations! These knee-grazing wonders have shed their tourist reputation and stepped firmly into high-fashion territory.
I recently paired mine with a cropped blazer for a client meeting, and the compliments wouldn’t stop. Though initially skeptical, my legs have never felt so elegantly showcased while remaining office-appropriate.
2. Denim Cut-offs with a Twist
Gone are the days when cut-offs meant simply hacking off an old pair of jeans. Today’s versions feature unexpected elements like asymmetrical hems, embroidered details, or contrast stitching that elevate them from beach basic to fashion statement.
While styling a photoshoot last month, I watched jaws drop when our model paired embroidered cut-offs with a silk blouse. The juxtaposition was magical! Despite their casual roots, these shorts create conversation wherever they strut.
3. Biker Shorts Beyond the Gym
If you’d told me three years ago I’d be recommending skin-tight cycling shorts for everyday wear, I’d have laughed in your face. Yet here we are—biker shorts have pedaled their way from workout studios to runway status.
Hence my current obsession with pairing them with oversized blazers and chunky jewelry. The contrast between athletic and polished creates visual interest that makes legs look phenomenal. Where workout gear meets high fashion, magic happens!
4. Paper Bag Waists
Imagine wrapping your waist in the most flattering hug possible—that’s what paper bag shorts do! With their gathered high waist and typically accompanying belt, these shorts create an hourglass silhouette that’s absolutely irresistible.
During a recent styling session, my client with “no waist” (her words, not mine) nearly cried when she saw how these shorts created curves she never knew she had. Though seemingly simple, the architectural detail at the waistline draws the eye exactly where you want it.
5. Luxe Leather Shorts
Leather in summer? Absolutely! Modern leather shorts (often in butter-soft varieties or vegan alternatives) have become the unexpected heroes of warm-weather dressing, adding edge to any outfit.
Just last week, I convinced a hesitant client to try black leather shorts with a crisp white button-down. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous! While some might consider leather strictly fall territory, these shorts break all the seasonal rules in the most delicious way.
6. Pleated Tennis-Inspired
Wimbledon called, and it wants us all to look fabulous! Tennis-inspired pleated shorts have bounced from the court to casual streetwear, bringing preppy charm with them.
Honestly, nothing makes legs look more graceful than the soft movement of pleats as you walk. While shopping with a friend recently, we discovered these shorts paired unexpectedly well with graphic tees and chunky sneakers. The sporty-meets-structured vibe creates an effortless look that works for practically any casual occasion.
7. Bold Printed Shorts
Why whisper when your legs can shout? Vibrant patterns, from tropical foliage to geometric designs, have transformed shorts into wearable art pieces that demand attention.
During a recent vacation, my tropical-print shorts became the unexpected star of my Instagram feed. Though initially nervous about wearing something so eye-catching, I discovered printed shorts actually elongate legs by drawing the eye downward. However outrageous the pattern, these conversation-starters pair surprisingly well with solid tops for balance.
8. Ultra-High Waisted Styles
Forget high-waisted—we’re talking stratospheric! These shorts hit well above the navel, creating mile-long leg illusions that would make even a supermodel jealous.
If you’ve struggled with proportions like I once did, these shorts are your secret weapon. A client with a shorter torso recently tried them and exclaimed, “Where have these been all my life?” Though they might feel dramatic at first wear, the lengthening effect on legs is worth any initial awkwardness.
9. Linen Lovelies
Breathability never looked so chic! Linen shorts have transcended their reputation as merely practical hot-weather wear to become sophisticated wardrobe essentials that keep legs cool while looking hot.
Though wrinkles are inevitable (embrace them!), the natural texture adds character to every outfit. While vacationing in Greece last summer, my white linen shorts became my daily uniform. Whenever temperatures climb, nothing feels more luxurious against bare legs than this ancient fabric that somehow remains eternally modern.
10. Crochet and Macramé Moments
Grandma’s hobby has become fashion’s obsession! Crochet and macramé shorts bring artisanal texture to summer wardrobes, creating visual interest that plain fabrics simply can’t match.
After recommending these to a skeptical client, she called me later squealing about the compliments she received. Where traditional shorts can feel ordinary, these handcrafted-looking pieces add bohemian flair that elevates even the simplest outfit. Despite their intricate appearance, they’re surprisingly versatile for beach days or festival weekends.
11. Tailored Suiting Shorts
Boardroom meets beach in this sophisticated trend that proves shorts can indeed be formal. Cut from the same cloth as power suits, these structured shorts bring polish to summer dressing.
Just yesterday, I styled a client for a summer wedding in navy tailored shorts with a matching blazer. The bride later confessed it was her favorite guest outfit! Though traditionally confined to casual contexts, these shorts break boundaries between dress codes, making legs the sophisticated focal point of any ensemble.
12. Split-Hem Details
Side slits are having more than a moment! These strategic openings create movement and visual interest while offering a subtle peek of extra leg without shortening the hemline.
While helping a modest client update her summer wardrobe, these became our compromise solution. The slits add flirtation without sacrificing coverage. Though seemingly a small detail, that extra flash of skin as you walk creates an unexpected dynamism that transforms ordinary shorts into something special.
13. Utility Shorts with Pockets Galore
Function meets fashion in these cargo-inspired pieces that let you leave your purse at home! With multiple pockets strategically placed, these shorts combine practicality with style in ways that make legs look amazing.
My personal obsession started when I discovered I could fit my phone, keys, AND lipstick in different pockets during a music festival. While previously associated with outdoorsy activities, today’s versions come in silhouettes flattering enough for city streets. Despite their practical roots, they’ve become statement pieces that celebrate both style and substance.
14. Scalloped Edge Sweetness
Feminine details make a strong statement with these whimsically-edged shorts that frame legs in the most flattering way possible. The curved hemline softens the overall look while drawing attention to the mid-thigh area.
After recommending scalloped shorts to a client with athletic legs, she was amazed at how the curved edges softened her muscular thighs. Though subtle, these architectural details transform the entire silhouette. However straightforward your style typically is, these shorts add unexpected charm that elevates summer basics to something special.
15. Silk and Satin Luxe
Opulence comes to casual wear with these liquid-like fabrics that catch the light and celebrate legs in the most luxurious way possible. The subtle sheen elevates any summer outfit from basic to breathtaking.
During a recent styling session, my client literally gasped when she saw how champagne-colored silk shorts transformed her usual weekend look. Though initially concerned about practicality, she discovered these shorts transition seamlessly from day to evening. Where cotton feels expected, these sumptuous fabrics create a sophisticated statement that turns heads.
16. Asymmetrical Wrap Designs
Architectural inspiration meets leg-flattering design in these shorts that feature diagonal lines and wrap details. The asymmetry creates visual interest that standard straight-hemmed shorts simply can’t achieve.
While styling a photoshoot last month, these shorts made even our shortest model’s legs look endlessly long. The diagonal lines draw the eye downward, creating an elongating effect that’s nothing short of magical. Though they might seem complicated to style, they actually work beautifully with simple tops that let the unique construction take center stage.
17. Sequined and Embellished Showstoppers
Party-ready legs are just one zip away with these attention-demanding shorts that bring evening wear energy to daytime. Covered in sequins, beading, or embroidery, these shorts refuse to be ignored.
Though typically reserved for after-dark adventures, I’ve been encouraging clients to wear them for brunch with oversized sweaters. The juxtaposition of casual and glamorous creates an irresistible style tension. Despite their flashy appearance, these shorts can be surprisingly versatile when paired with understated pieces that let your legs do all the talking.