The Biggest Shorts Trends Of Summer 2026 & How To Style Them

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The hottest months of the year are finally upon us, and that means one major thing for our wardrobes — shorts! Love them or hate them, the bottoms are hard to avoid in the summer thanks to their ability to be super practical and keep us cool at the same time. But, unfortunately, they're not always the easiest garments to style. That's where we come in.

We spoke to Cynthia Kennedy, personal stylist, image consultant, and creator of Your Style Transformation Academy, who exclusively broke down the shorts trends of summer 2026 you need to know. Even better, she also revealed how to style them in a grown-up, elevated way. Whatever your style needs this summer, from lace trimmed bottoms to tailored Bermuda shorts, there's a look that will take you from the beach, to a BBQ, to a Fourth of July celebration, and beyond. All while keeping your fashion as hot as the temperature.

Bermuda shorts aren't going anywhere this summer and, as Cynthia Kennedy tells us, they're the ideal pick for anyone looking for comfortable yet polished hot weather appropriate bottoms. "They have the sophistication to go from a casual day to an evening out while still looking put together," she exclusively tells Women.com. We've seen countless celebs of all ages rocking Bermuda shorts as they've continued to trend over the last few years, including Hailey Bieber, who styled a slouchy white pair with a white cropped top, white socks, black belt, and black fisherman sandals in 2023.

But that's far from the only way to style these practical bottoms. In fact, 2026 is putting a more sophisticated spin on the look. "The best way to style them is with a fitted knit or a crisp button-down, perhaps even a blazer in a matching lightweight fabric," Kennedy shares, suggesting wearing the longer baggy shorts with sleek sandals, loafers, or even a comfortable block heel. "Or if you prefer to be a bit more at ease, tuck in a tank and put on a woven belt to give your waist some definition," she adds. She recommends White House Black Market's Tailored Bermuda Short or the Ann Taylor Bermuda Short in Linen Blend to get on trend in 2026. Because of their structure and length, Bermuda shorts can also be a great way to stay cool in the office.

Lace trimmed shorts are another big trend this summer, as they tend to be airy (perfect for those summer days) while putting a delicate, feminine twist on shorts, which can sometimes look too practical or plain. They're a solid choice for those who like their outfits to have a touch of polish and texture — and they're super flirty too. But there's a more upgraded way to wear them than when they returned to prominence in 2025.

One of the most fun and trendy ways to upgrade your lace shorts look for summer 2026 is to fully embrace color. Tarse's Linen Shorts with a lace trim in Peach Pink have a sporty edge that makes them a solid pick for a fun day at the beach or bike riding in the sunshine. Pair them with a practical and colorful t-shirt and flat sandals. For a more formal twist on the lace shorts trend, try the Cicy Bell Satin Silk Lace Shorts in Navy with a colorful (think maroon or yellow) strappy top and light sneakers. That makes them perfect for a summer party or an activity-filled date day.

Linen is one of the best fabrics to keep you cool through the summer and, luckily for us, Cynthia Kennedy exclusively confirms linen shorts are trending in 2026. She exclusively recommends reaching for a pair this summer because of their ability to keep you cool and comfortable, as well as for their versatility. "Plus, that sense of laid-back luxury is an aesthetic that remains strong for 2026," she adds.

"Wear a fitted ribbed tank with a draped cotton sweater over your shoulders, or you could just keep it simple with a matching linen shirt," Kennedy suggests, with the latter look ideal if you're heading on a sunny vacation this summer. "Add a pair of leather sandals and some understated jewelry for a chic outfit," she notes. That will help the 'fit go from day to night, so you can go from exploring a new city to a rooftop bar for drinks.

Kennedy also suggests sticking to neutral colors, like the The Effortless Short Mini – PowerLinen by Aritzia in the likes of Cool Beige, Light Birch, or Undyed Dark Ecru or the Willit Linen Shorts in Khaki or Deep Khaki. Not only will neutrals help keep you cooler, they can be paired with almost anything so make for staple resort wear.

Long shorts are one of the ultimate summer 2026 denim trends. Personal stylist Erin Noël previously told Women.com exclusively that reaching for the long line version of jean shorts will make the classic bottoms most of us rely on year after year feel more current. "[They're] more flattering, and easier to style in an elevated way. It also bridges the gap between casual and polished, which is where everything is heading," she explained. Try the WDIRARA Low Rise Baggy Denim Shorts, as they also give Bermuda energy so you can hit multiple trends. If low-rise jeans (which are also trending in 2026) aren't your thing, go the opposite way and try the flattering Vetinee Jean Shorts instead.

When it comes to styling long denim shorts, they pair perfectly with your favorite pair of sandals and a ribbed, white, bodysuit, which will add extra texture to your ensemble. Go short sleeved or ditch sleeves all together if you're somewhere super hot. For cooler summer days or evenings, add a light jacket (denim in the same shade will give a fun co-ord feel). And don't forget to rock a pair of 2026's trendy sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes.

We all know getting dressed in the height of summer can be tough, but an elevated pair of pull-on shorts can be an easy way to stay comfortable and trendy when it's hot outside. "Pull-on shorts with refined fabrics, a bit of pleating, or textured materials, give you the ease and comfort of loungewear but in a more intentional and put-together appearance," Cynthia Kennedy shares with us, exclusively. These are particularly great if you're enjoying alfresco dining or drinks in the hot weather, as they leave room for tummy expansion to ensure you're comfortable and cool while sitting for extended periods of time. "They look great with fitted tanks and tees to balance out the relaxed cut," Kennedy says while recommending Ann Taylor's Petite Weekend Relaxed Striped Short. 

Pull-up shorts are also often found in co-ords, which are still super trendy in 2026 and are perfect for a Fourth of July BBQ or casual summer day out. Try the Gorglitter Shorts Set (which comes in the still trending butter yellow shade Kate Middleton loves) as the shorts are elevated by the crinkled, textured material for a fun yet polished 'fit. "Add a pair of espadrilles or low-profile sneakers and you're all set for the weekend or summer get-togethers," says Kennedy.