Sorry Cutoffs, But All the Chic Women I Know Are Wearing These Far More Forward Shorts

Despite evidence to the contrary, I’m not a big denim shorts person. I own only one pair at this point, my trusty vintage Levi’s that I pull out on very rare occasions, having retired almost all the other denim cutoffs I ever added to my closet over the years. I know they’re deemed a summer staple, but there aren’t many things I love about them, especially not how uncomfortable and stiff they are to wear on hot days. In the warmer months, you can usually find me opting for airy poplin skirts, dresses, and trousers—basically anything to avoid wearing shorts.

This summer, though, I’m starting to see the rise in a number of trending shorts that finally feel like something I’d be more than happy to wear. Suddenly, all the chic women I know are wearing styles like tailored Bermuda shorts, pretty silk tap shorts, and beach-ready drawstring pairs that not only look way comfier than denim cutoffs, but are far chicer, too. My fashion friends in Paris, New York, and London are already all over these new styles, and I plan on following their lead and putting my denim cutoffs six feet under, for good.

Since it’s my job to find the best of everything fashion-related, I put together a list of my current favorite shorts within each new trend I’m spotting. The shorts in this list hit all the categories that matter most this summer: beachy, dressy, and casual non-denim. Scroll on to shop my favorites before summer begins—I know I will be.

Best Shorts at a Glance:

• The Viral Lace-Trim Pair: Doên Iona Shorts ($238)
• The Luxury Investment: The Row Flash Wool and Silk-Blend Shorts ($1290)
• The Daring Micro Inseam: Babaton Structure Shorts ($98)
• The Conversation Starter: Zara ZW Collection Balloon Skort ($50)
• The Easy Drawstring Option: J.Crew Airy Gauze Beach Shorts ($30)
• The Pretty Matching Set: Gap Lace-Trim PJ Cami Set ($41)

Silk Tap Shorts

As pretty as they are comfortable, it’s no wonder why fashion people everywhere are wearing silk tap shorts this season. Many of the popular pairs come with a trendy lace-trimmed edge like Doen’s viral Iona Shorts that I’ve already put myself on the waitlist for. But whether they’re lace-trimmed or not, a touch of silk if just what your summer wardrobe is probably craving. Style one casually with an oversize tee for the weekend or dress it up with a silk tank.

Drawstring Shorts

Whoever said drawstring shorts weren’t chic obviously never saw the styles popping for summer ’25. Coming in airy linen and crisp cotton-poplin, these are the shorts you’ll throw on over your swimsuit but still look pulled together without trying. Think of them as the grown-up version of the boxer shorts that were trending hard only a few summers ago.

Tailored Bermuda Shorts

Look, I don’t make the rules, but it’s going to be a Bermuda shorts summer (again). The fashion crowd is keen on bringing back their tailored knee-length styles for warmer weather and I, for one, couldn’t be more excited to style mine with everything from kitten heels to flip flops.

Bubble Shorts

There’s always at least one wildcard trend that emerges for the summer months, and this year, that’s none other than bubble shorts. First seen on the Chloé spring/summer 2025 runway, these voluminous shorts are finally making their way into the real world and they’re nothing if not a conversation starter.

Micro Shorts

On the one hand, you have longer Bermuda and culotte lengths and on the other, one-inch inseams. No doubt a controversial piece, celebs and trendsetter are already trying their hands at the barely-there micro shorts and per this Elsa Hosk look, dare I say making them look so chic.

Eyelet Shorts

Last, but certainly not least, is a trend I’m only just starting to notice the roots of, but am already anticipating a viral moment for further into the season. Shorts with eyelet and broderie anglaise embroidery are the compliment magnets that will make all your summer outfits feel so special.

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