The Recycled ’00s Trend We’re Adding to Our Summer Rotation

As we shed our layers in anticipation of summer's warm weather, it's hard to achieve that sartorial sweet spot between staying cool and still feeling adequately covered. Though we're still fans of the hot pant trend, certain situations call for a slightly longer inseam. Worry not, for designers have landed on a polished midway point between pants and micro-hemlines: a tailored Bermuda reminiscent of decades prior.

Though we commonly associated a tapered Bermuda short with style faux pas of the early 2000s (often rendered in patchwork plaid), today's version is much sleeker. Not quite a capri, it's like a bike short with a bit more substance. These slim shorts are often cut as a tailored pair of trousers would be, but stop just short of the knee, verging on pedal-pusher territory. Unlike the wide-leg variety of Bermudas that has recently garnered attention, this offers a slimmer proportion to mix into your rotation.

Beginning on the runways of Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello first made the case for this recycled silhouette last spring. We have since seen the same idea repeated at Balmain, Dries Van Noten, and Marine Serre, among others. The styling ranges from breezy blouses for summer to structured blazers and knee-high boots for the chillier months. They would also do well peeking out from beneath oversize shirting or perhaps a tunic. For those who have lived in bike shorts this entire year, this may perhaps provide a sartorial compromise for the future. The tailoring ensures the style is office-appropriate, while the slim leg keeps an ensemble looking modern.