How To Style Jorts and Still Feel Hot

The term "jorts" is a mashup of jeans and shorts. Technically, it can refer to any type of denim shorts, but modern, trendy "jorts," also known as Bermuda shorts, are a little different. They're usually looser and longer than what you might think of as jean shorts. These are bottoms with attitude, often falling just above, at, or slightly below the knee. They have a boyish charm to them and subvert many of the contemporary silhouettes for women. I love them because they're stylish without being skintight or showing a ton of skin.

Technically (again), they should be denim, but many people associate the term "jorts" with the length and silhouette. That means jorts can be made out of a range of materials, like khaki-style twill-weave fabrics. However, they should still be structured, so I don't think I'd consider a long pair of satin shorts as "jorts," but these aren't rigid rules.

As someone who grew up in the early aughts—when baggy jeans were unacceptable, and if your pants weren't skintight, people thought you were weird—jorts deeply intimidate me. They're viewed as very unfeminine, which I've been programmed to resist. I've found that the best way to hop over this hurdle is to lean fully into the charming boyishness of these bottoms.

You can wear these oversized shorts with an oversized graphic tee, crew socks, and chunky dad shoes. On cool spring days, throw on a laidback hoodie and your favorite Nike slides, finishing off the look with a baseball cap. You can even make it sporty with a basketball or baseball jersey. Keep in mind, this aesthetic doesn’t give you a defined shape.

This unfeminine style can be wonderfully freeing, and you can still look fierce, rather than messy, if the shorts fit you right and you feel confident. Embrace this aesthetic as wholly or subtly as you like to get into that jorts mindset. You can always soften the look with strappy sandals, a petite purse, dainty jewelry, or just excellent makeup.

If you'd rather keep your jorts outfits more neutral, styling becomes a breeze. It's also a solid way to dip your toe into the jorts trend, with fitted tank tops and tees that give your outfit better proportions. All you have to do for this look is wear your favorite basics and your go-to essentials with your new jorts. Put on your most comfortable sandals and your most flattering V-neck, or go with your effortless suede sneakers and a cropped tank top.

I love to lean into a slightly more feminine look, while still keeping things simple, by wearing a slinky tube top or satin camisole. These keep the outfit relaxed, but offer a more unique element than just a typical tee. You can even mix things up more with a striped shirt or tailored graphic tee.

This is the perfect moment to wear your jewelry basics and everyday custom pieces. They help you feel more you in the jorts outfit and prevent you from looking too plain Jane. Add a wearable shoulder bag that can go with any outfit, and you're already styling jorts like a pro.

If you're struggling with how to wear jorts and still feel hot and feminine, just wear flirtier pieces that balance out the baggy silhouette. I've already touched upon a few options, including silk camisoles, tube tops, and more fitted styles. But these suggestions go beyond that.

To create an interesting contrast, wear your jorts with an ethereal top, such as a wispy floral blouse or a sheer cropped top. A strappy tank or twisted halter style will also make you feel like a lady while still embracing this hard-to-ignore trend. Bust out your lacey tops and polka dots, and you can make jorts work for the most effeminate wardrobes.

Accessorize with the same gusto for womanhood. You can rock your frilly statement jewelry and your most colorful, playful purses. I love adding a pink shoulder bag or dramatic pearl earrings to amp up the girly vibe. For this aesthetic, skip the dad shoes and go for your slim sandals and ballet flats. You can even wear kitten heels to feel like a queen.

I hate to play favorites, but this is probably my favorite way to wear jorts. Funky shorts like these lend themselves easily to a seaside vibe, so you're breezy instead of messy. I like to reach for oversized button-downs in pastel hues or refined cropped tops. Tube tops also work for this one, or almost any top you might find in Hollister. I specifically gravitate toward tops with any tied elements, like a tied halter neck or tank with a tie front.

For the aesthetics discussed above, you can wear most jort styles. For this one, I recommend leaning into faded washes, light colors, distressed styles, and dramatic cutoff hems. These types of jorts help create that airy feel, making the look more beachwear and less traditional streetwear.

Even if the core pieces aren't extra beachy, you can seal the deal with your accessories. Straw hats, tote bags, Old Navy flip flops, and big sunglasses all indicate you're on your way to the sun and sand.

Believe it or not, jorts can work for business lunches and days in the office. They feel much more appropriate for work compared to traditional shorts because they have that extra length, so your thighs aren't sticking to the leather chairs in the meeting room. You just need to wear them with elegant, tasteful pieces.

A well-tailored button-down is an easy option, but you can also sport a button-down vest or a sleek blazer. From turtlenecks to satin blouses, just wear your best work tops with jorts, and you might be surprised how well the fit hits. The same goes for shoes. I suggest ballet flats, loafers, and maybe heels or sandals if they're polished enough.

You can pull off distressed styles for an edgier look, but khaki, trouser-style, or tailored denim jorts are safer options for the office. With these looks, it's the small elements that make a big difference. Adding an expensive belt or fancy watch can ensure you don't look too lazy or sloppy. You can also rock a delicate earring stack and layered necklaces, so you look styled, not like you were running late and put on the wrong pants.

The preppy look should combine the elevated feel of business casual with the relaxed vibe of beachy aesthetics. Think rugby shirts, polo shirts, cardigans, light sweaters, and stripes, stripes, stripes. Gingham and plaid are also in play!

Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger are no-brainers here, so I'd start shopping there if I were you. Slim button-downs and collegiate merch are also marvelous choices. And if there was ever a time to wear a sweater vest, it's right now. Much like the business casual formula for jorts styling, simply put together an easy preppy outfit, and then swap out the bottoms for jorts.

If you're going for the sportier preppy vibe, wear crisp sneakers, like the adidas Stan Smith or Superstar styles. For the more academic aura, loafers with socks or ballet flats are ideal, aligning with some of the trendiest shoes this summer. Keep the accessories sharp and simple, like thin leather watches and nylon crossbody bags or gold huggy hoops and structured tote bags.