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Forget Daisy Dukes, longer denims are the must-have summer look and the fashion world is divided.
Tracey Lea Sayer and Antonia Kraskowski discuss the heart of the story here.
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YES – says Fabulous Fashion Director Tracey, 52
THEY must be so wrong, but then why are they so right?
Yes, I’m talking about this season’s most popular man-repelling item: the Bermuda short.
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On paper, they don’t exactly sound flattering.
They fall just at the knee and are either baggy or A-line, so you might think you look sloppy.
But when you put them on, it’s a whole different story. Bermuda shorts are smart, comfortable and chic and get top marks for fashion from me.
I don’t wear dresses often and prefer to wear a suit when the weather gets warmer. These smart shorts give my tailored look that little bit extra while keeping me cool.
In fact, they are unexpectedly my wardrobe heroes of the summer.
I’ve worn them with oversized shirts, matching blazers and a mid-heel with a large oversized bag for the office.
But if you don’t work in the City and want to try the trend in a more casual way, try Bermuda jorts — also known as jean shorts. They look great with a slogan tee, Havaianas, and a large striped shopper.
I have to admit that my 20 year old daughter Frankie despises my Bermuda shorts. Her shorts are so small they are barely visible, while mine come down to the back of my knees.
But now that I’m getting older, I don’t want my shorts to ride up to my butt anymore.
I want both comfort and style, and custom-made Bermuda shorts meet both requirements.
But don’t think they’re just for the over 50s, I’ve seen all the young cool kids on social media wearing them.
I find it ironically cool that a twenty-something would wear Scout Leader style shorts.
Choose your vibe
And stars like Gigi Hadid (29), Emily Ratajkowski (33) and Ayo Edebiri (28) have all put their best foot forward.
Some women may be afraid to try the Bermuda style because the proportions are difficult to determine. However, I am convinced that there is a suitable style for everyone.
They can look sharp and chic or casual and cool, you choose your vibe.
If you are petite and want to appear taller, a shorter model will make your silhouette appear longer.
Taller ladies can try a longer line that even covers the knee. It gives a more 70s feel, which I love, especially since my knees are getting more wrinkled every year.
Whatever length you choose, wear them with confidence and they will definitely suit you.
NO – says freelance fashion editor Antonia, 40
MAYBE it’s because I’m 5’3″ or because I’m still thinking about my 90s childhood wardrobe, but Bermuda shorts aren’t for me.
It’s the only summer trend I’m not participating in.
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I’m sticking with my favorite shorts, and I recommend you do the same.
Growing up, I was taught that you don’t wear shorts or small skirts after the age of 30.
But those rules have been broken for a long time. And if they aren’t, I’ll happily break them.
At 40, I feel great in higher hems and feel confident wearing them.
Granted, I’ve been wearing hot pants these days instead of hot pants with a slightly longer seam, but my shorts are still a lot tighter.
And they stay there, because they make my legs look longer and slimmer. Bermudas only accentuate my slightly heavier legs and make me feel sloppy.
There is one thing, however, that my favorite true blue specimens have in common with Bermudas: their shape.
Instead of reaching for the low-rise, tight styles of my youth, I now prefer a pair that sits high on the waist. I like them to be looser through the thigh, ending at the narrowest point of my thigh to create the illusion of longer legs and lean thighs.
I’m sure there are Bermuda shorts available for me, but I prefer to wear shorts that allow me to tan right away.
As soon as the first signs of warmer weather appear, I swap my jeans for sweatpants.
And it’s not just denim on my legs. I have short shorts for almost every occasion.
Crisp cotton clothing that looks cool with a simple tee and a blazer over it for a day in the city.
Linen copies for sultry temperatures.
And finally, a black leather pair that I always get compliments on when I wear them on a night out with an oversized shirt, to balance out the minimalist proportions.
Instead of heels I choose nice flat shoes, like chunky sandals, colorful sneakers or trendy ballerinas. That way I stay cool and casual.
Unless you’re auditioning for a role as a time-traveling fashion victim, you might want to leave the Bermuda shorts where they belong: lost in the Bermuda Triangle.
