Look, when I first saw the return of the cut-off, skin tight denim Bermuda short, I wanted to hide my head in the sand too. However, hiding ones head in the sand when you are a fashion writer and blogger is simply not an option, and besides, like the saying goes, it’s easier to say yes than it is to say no.
My initial reaction to the return of the Bermuda short notwithstanding, I decided to set personal feelings aside and do a bit of searching of the internet to see if I could find some examples that didn’t make me want to run screaming from my laptop. You know what? I found some – several, in fact. And as it turns out, there are some pretty convincing arguments out there for adding a pair or two into your wardrobe. So yet again, the theory that sometimes you just have to give something a chance has been proven.
Convincing Argument No. 1: You might be able to actually wear Bermuda shorts to work
Granted, not everyone will be able to wear a pair of shorts to work, I appreciate that, but if you’re lucky enough to work in a creative environment (or better yet, from home), a pair of tailored Bermuda shorts is a great option that you can still style to look casually professional while staying cool and comfortable while you’re working. If you are planning on wearing them to the office, pick a pair with a bit of ease to them (no skin-tight denim versions please) and pair them with either a tailored blouse (like an oxford or silk shirt) or a lightweight shell and a jacket.
Convincing Argument No. 2: You can actually get some use out of that old pair of jeans that you keep hanging on to in your closet
Any of us who have a soft spot for fashion understand that sometimes, it can be hard to let go of things. Pieces that you have had a long time, jeans that fit really well but may be out of date…sometimes (and particularly with jeans) we find ourselves holding on to that which no longer serves us because we’ve formed an emotional attachment.
Luckily, you no longer have to choose between your favourite out of style jeans and the recycling or donation bin. If you’ve got a pair that may not have weathered the test of time from a style standpoint but still fits and feels like a dream, make them into a pair of Bermuda shorts. No particular set of skills is necessary for this, but be warned, it’s best to have someone with you and try them on before you cut. Once you’ve gotten it wrong and taken too much off (especially if its only noon side), there’s no going back.
Convincing Argument No. 3: If you choose a monochromatic look, you can almost make Bermuda shorts look “dressed-up”
While I’ll admit that a shorts look is never going to be appropriate for many situations like black tie events, or even travelling in certain parts of the world, There is a certain polished appearance to what can be a difficult silhouette if you choose a monochromatic colour palette. longer shorts can be awkward, and sometimes finding that perfect top to balance the look is a tricky endeavour indeed. By choosing pieces in a same or similar shade, you are able to make a cohesive look with little to no effort. Add a statement shoe, and you’re off and running.
Convincing Argument No. 4: Bermuda shorts look far less ridiculous with heels than short shorts
Shorts with heels are an element of summer dressing that come up year after year. While you can certainly rock shorter shorts with heels, there is an undeniable patina of “try hard” that tends to emanate from such an effort. With Bermuda shorts however, adding a heel actually enhances the look by elongating the leg. Because a longer short will by nature shorten the look of your legs a bit, a heel provides that bit of balance, elongating the look of the leg.
Convincing Argument No. 5: Bermuda shorts can look delightfully retro
A pair of acid-wash denim Bermuda shorts were a must-have in the late 80s and early 90s. Unless you’ve been living under a fashion rock for the last few fashion seasons, you will already know that the 90s have come storming back into vogue with a vengeance. What better time to trot-out those denim Bermudas for another victory lap? this time around, you might want to leave the acid wash alone, choose a close fit with a flat front and just a bit of ease, and pair them with classic pieces like a nautical stripe tee and a pair of loafers (like in the photo above).
