Alexa Chung Found the Chicest Shoes to Wear With Bermuda Shorts
Our take
The resurgence of Bermuda shorts as a cornerstone of summer style is hardly a surprise, but the recent elevation of their chicness, as highlighted by celebrities like Zendaya and Jennifer Lawrence, signals a subtle yet significant shift in the prevailing fashion landscape. It’s a move away from the overtly trendy, micro-shorts of recent seasons, towards a more considered and timeless silhouette. This isn't just about embracing a longer length; it’s about a broader understanding of summer dressing, one that prioritizes effortless elegance and enduring appeal. The trend aligns perfectly with the growing desire for pieces that feel both current and classic, reflecting a move away from fleeting fads and towards a more curated, personal style. We’ve seen this sentiment echoed elsewhere, like in the recent exploration of summer dresses from a high-street brand, proving that the chicest looks often come from unexpected places The Chicest Women I Know All Get Their Summer Dresses From This High-Street Brand—15 Styles Selling Fast. The emphasis on quality over quantity, and a return to foundational pieces, speaks to a broader cultural shift.
The article’s focus on footwear – specifically, the “chicest shoes” to pair with Bermuda shorts – is key to understanding this evolution. It’s not enough to simply adopt the shorts themselves; the styling is what elevates them from a casual staple to a polished ensemble. This speaks to the power of considered accessorizing, and the understanding that even the simplest pieces can be transformed with the right details. The pairing of Bermuda shorts with elevated footwear – think loafers, ballet flats, or even sleek sandals – creates a harmonious balance between relaxed and refined. This echoes the subtle luxury we champion; it's about understated elegance, not ostentatious displays. Similarly, the recent focus on building impactful outfits from just a few key pieces – as explored in the article about flat-shoe trends You're Only 3 Items Away From Wearing the Coolest Flat-Shoe Outfit Trend of Late Summer 2026 – reinforces this philosophy of intentional styling. It's about creating a cohesive look with a mindful selection of items, rather than relying on a chaotic accumulation of trends.
What’s particularly interesting is the context of this trend within the broader retail landscape. The article's mention of Nordstrom’s sale, and the advice gleaned from observing Californian style I Took Mental Notes in L.A.—Now I'm Shopping Nordstrom's Sale Accordingly, suggests a growing alignment between consumer behavior and the offerings of established retailers. Shoppers are seeking out elevated basics and timeless pieces, and retailers are responding by curating collections that reflect this demand. This signals a potential decline in the dominance of fast fashion and a renewed appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style. It's a move towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to consumption, one that values longevity over fleeting novelty.
Ultimately, the Bermuda shorts trend isn't just about a particular garment; it’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards a more refined and intentional approach to style. It embodies the quiet luxury aesthetic we admire – understated elegance, thoughtful details, and a focus on timeless appeal. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend evolves beyond its initial celebrity endorsements, and whether it truly represents a lasting departure from the more fleeting trends that have dominated recent summers. Will the emphasis on elevated styling and mindful consumption continue to shape the future of summer fashion, or will it be superseded by the next viral sensation?
This month, a Bermuda shorts trend tornado whipped through my closet, clearing out all the five-inch or higher hemlines. Just when I thought I had enough knee-length options, Zendaya, Jennifer Lawrence, Teyana Taylor, and Alexa Chung widened the trend's horizons. On July 22, Chung made it clear that my collection isn't complete without army green Bermuda shorts—and a peep-toe shoe trend to elevate their safari-ready feel.
Bermudas were made for summer days in the city. While in New York, the model proved this by tucking an olive green button-down into wide-leg shorts with ever-so-slightly distressed hems. To make the monochrome set pop, Chung chose all-black accessories including shield-like sunglasses, a single-strap shoulder bag, a studded belt, and the heels on every It girl's summer shoe rack.
With Bermuda shorts this utilitarian, you might've expected to see combat boots, chunky sneakers, or at least flats a few feet south of the hems. Instead, Chung found the chicest way to style the casual summer staple by pairing it with a hybrid of summer's leading shoe trends: heeled flip-flops and peep-toe pumps.
With a bow and curved heel, the black leather Sandy Liang Thong Mules combine the elegance of peep-toe pumps with the support of Hailey Bieber's beloved flip-flops. (While not immediately visible, there are leather bands that descend from the vamps and separate the toes.)
This isn't the first time Chung pulled off an opposites-attract summer outfit starring Bermudas. In late May, double-strap sandals dressed up her cool-girl camisole-and-big-shorts combination.
Perhaps Chung took note of Spring 2026 fashion shows for color trend inspiration before shopping for Bermuda shorts: Saint Laurent, Valentino, Alaïa, and more debuted similar shades of freaky green.
Earlier this year, celebrities like Margot Robbie primarily styled Bermuda shorts with ballet flat trends. Now, Zendaya, Lindsay Lohan, Demi Moore, Minka Kelly, and more are making the case for dressing up the silhouette with heels. Back to the Bermuda shorts styling drawing board I go.
Shop the Bermuda Shorts Trend Inspired by Alexa Chung
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience