3 Ways to Style Bermuda Shorts
And a quick swimsuit round-up thrown in
Cardigan: American Vintage
Vest: Toast (gifted)
Shoes: John Lewis
I’ve been on the fence with bermuda shorts for a while, I like the androgyny of them and surprisingly, a lot of responses on IG were that they prefer these to other shorts, but I still kind of feel like a boy scout whenever I put them on. These Aligne ones are a nice cut, they’re wide leg so feel like a culotte and are super comfy. I sized up (the size 12 felt a bit too tight and not ironic) and have enjoyed the slouch of them - but, I’ll be honest, they’re difficult to style.
Like my leopard jeans (which I styled a few newsletters ago), I think it’s the shoe pairing which is the main dilemma. I’ve tried a few options to demonstrate:
These are the Sezane ‘Lenny’ mules, Marks & Spencer have similar ones here, as do Zara. I like the juxtaposition of the suiting with the casual unexpected bottoms.
Now for some colour:
This is the denim shell top from Aligne with the shorts, it’s a bit too much on its own but with the cardigan? I like. I’m sorry the cardigan is expensive and almost sold out (it’s American Vintage), I adore how it lifts everything in my wardrobe (kind of like the Sezane ‘Emile’ in red).
I’m not disliking the flats, let’s change the top:
I am reeeeally fussy about vest tops, they have to be slouchy and not show too much arm crevice (is that the right term?!). Anyway, this Toast one is gorgeous and is currently the only white vest in my wardrobe (and possibly, ever). I’ve tried different shoes, too, the ballet pumps add another layer of unexpected too (these are my old Mango favourites - so comfortable).
Here’s one I discounted for being way too boy scout…and I also discovered that the right hand pocket of these shorts is only this deep (the lefthand one is a regular depth). Why?
Socks didn’t make it better (although I have since seen a video on what the staff at Ganni wear and it was almost this outfit, and it’s making me reconsider!)
And lastly, I liked the camel with the denim so stayed with it and landed on this, my favourite:
This shirt was an unusual purchase for me but offers instant style in hot weather (I took it to Japan last summer - anything that passes the chic in 40 degree heat test is a summer winner). I’ve been working on content around workwear for summer (my latest reel here) and this shirt would totally be what I would wear with well cut trousers or a midi skirt for a corporate office job.
Obviously on holiday I will be wearing it with a bikini and oversized shirt, too. Which leads me to a quick swimsuit round-up….
You Swim (sustainable swimwear with inclusive sizing - they only have 2 sizes but go up to UK size 28) sent me this to try and yes, I was also thinking there is no way this will pull up my body. But it did, it is so comfy and I think olive is such a great neutral for summer. The downside is that it is hand wash rather than machine washable (but on holiday a quick cold water dunk for your swimsuit might be easier anyway). This set is the ‘Aplomb’ in Juniper (in Size 1 stretch).
My High Street Swimwear Edit
1. &Other Stories £55, Size 32 - 44.
2. &Other Stories top and &Other stories briefs £27 each, Size 34 - 44.
3. M&S £27.50, Size 8-24.
4.M&S £29.50, Size 8-24.
5. COS £30, Size 32 - 44.
6. M&S £19.50, Size 8-24 regular/long.
7. Boden £80, Size 6-20.
8. H&M bottoms and H&M top £12.99 each, Size 4-22
9. J.Crew £143, Size 0-24.
10. Arket bottoms £22 and Arket top £27, Size 32-44.
(The button front And Other stories suit I have had for a few years and it’s a great shape).
PS I found another shorts pic! Same vest but with a trench, my trusty blue Arket bag (from last year) and some really old Innika Choo gingham sandals I don’t wear enough.
I love the last combo with the trench 🫶🏾
What size did you go for in the cardi? Trying to find the right fit!