I love man-repelling Bermuda shorts trend – they’re chic, cool and don’t ride up your bum
Forget Daisy Dukes, longer length denims are the must have summer look that has the fashion world divided.
Here, Tracey Lea Sayer and Antonia Kraskowski argue the long and short of it.
YES – says Fabulous Fashion Director Tracey, 52
THEY should be so wrong, so why are they so right?
Yes, I’m talking about this season’s hottest man-repelling item, Bermuda shorts.
On paper, they don’t sound flattering.
They are cut just around the knee and either baggy or A-line in shape, so you’d be forgiven for thinking they’ll make you look a frump.
But when you put them on, it’s a totally different story. Smart, comfortable and chic, Bermuda shorts get top marks from me in the fashion stakes.
As someone who doesn’t wear dresses often and boils in a suit when the weather picks up, this smart short gives my tailored look a little edge while keeping me cool.
In fact, they are my unexpected wardrobe hero of the summer.
I have been wearing them with oversized shirts, matching blazers and a mid heel with a big oversized bag for the office.
But if you don’t work in the City and want to give the trend a go in a more casual way, try Bermuda jorts — otherwise known as jean shorts. They look great with a slogan tee, Havaianas and a big stripy shopper.
I must admit, my Bermudas horrify my 20-year-old daughter Frankie. Her shorts are so tiny they are barely there, whereas mine hit the back of my knees.
But as I have got older I don’t want my shorts to ride up my bum.
I want comfort as well as style — and tailored Bermudas tick both those boxes.
But don’t assume they are just for the over-50s. I have seen all the young cool kids on social media wearing them.
To me, there is something ironically cool about a 20-something wearing a “Scout leader” style short.
Choose your vibe
And stars including Gigi Hadid, 29, Emily Ratajkowski, 33, and Ayo Edebiri, 28, have all been rocking them.
Some women may be scared to try the Bermuda style because the proportions seem tricky to navigate, but I am convinced there is a pair for everyone.
They can look sharp and chic or casual and cool. You choose your vibe.
If you are petite and want to look taller, then a shorter style will lengthen your silhouette.
Taller ladies could try a longer line, which even covers the knee, giving a more Seventies vibe, which I love — especially as my knees are getting crinklier each year.
Whichever length you go for, just wear them with confidence and you will definitely pull it off.
NO – says freelance fashion editor Antonia, 40
MAYBE it’s because I’m 5ft 3in or because I am haunted by my Nineties childhood wardrobe, but Bermuda shorts are not for me.
They are the one summer trend I refuse to get on board with.
I’ll be sticking to my favourite short shorts instead, and I suggest you do the same.
Growing up, it was drummed into me that you shouldn’t wear short shorts or mini skirts past the age of 30.
But those rules are long gone — and if they’re not, I’m happy to break them.
At 40 I feel fabulous in higher hems and confident whenever I wear them.
Admittedly, these days I’ve swapped hot pants for a slightly longer in-seam, but my shorts are definitely still on the skimpier side.
And that’s where they’ll be staying as they make my legs look longer and leaner. Bermudas only serve to highlight my slightly heavier legs and make me feel dowdy.
There is, however, one thing that my favourite true blue pairs have in common with Bermudas — and that’s their shape.
Rather than looking for the low-slung, skin-tight styles of my youth, these days I prefer to opt for a pair that sit high on the waist. I like ones with a looser fit on the thigh, ending at the slimmest point on my upper leg to create the illusion of longer legs and slender thighs.
There’s probably a pair of Bermudas out there for me, but I prefer a pair of shorts that mean I can work on my tan at the same time.
Come the first signs of warmer weather, you’ll find me swapping jeans for jorts.
And it’s not just denim on my legs. I have short shorts for almost every occasion.
Crisp cotton pairs that look cool with a simple tee and blazer thrown over the top for a day in town.
Linen ones for sweltering temperatures.
And fin-ally a black leather pair that get compliments whenever I wear them for an evening out with an oversized shirt to balance their minimal proportions.
Rather than heels, I look for fun flat shoes, such as chunky sandals, colourful trainers or on-trend ballet flats, to keep my look cool and casual.
So unless you’re auditioning for a role as a time-travelling fashion victim, just leave the Bermuda shorts where they belong — lost in the Bermuda Triangle.