The single piece that will inject some cool and edge into your summer wardrobe.

Shorts. Had not worn them for years — (well that was until 2020 when I sniffed out the trend). Never keen on them. Especially shorty short shorts. Yikes.

But this summer Bermuda shorts — to the knee — are looking right. The trick? Add heels. Because these are city shorts; a chic sophisticated alternative to a summer skirt. They're not beach shorts. OK?

Watch: Emily Vernem's shirt tucking hack. Post continues after video.

Why you want them.

Because they are modern and chic. Because they feel new (how good is that?). Because they are right for work and weekend. Versatile as pants but much cooler when it gets hot. Easy as pants but look more farshun.

Because you get the benefit of a summery skirt but with the practicality of pants. Because they can be worn with heels or chic flats. Because they are the single piece that will inject a little cool and edge into your wardrobe. We all need that right?

Which ones to buy.

You want knee length — hence they are called Bermudas. (You can go a little shorter if you like with shorts but this post is about Bermudas).

You want them to be baggy or at least be slouchy. They are not tight capri pants (which FYI are coming back, but that is another discussion).

Go for FiFi-approved expensive colours: so white, camel and brown. Grey is chic. Black is great. Pleather is good. (I have been wearing pleather shorts for years, very Celine and Bottega Veneta).

I'm loving Bermudas this season. Image: Instagram/@shopwithfifi

Invest in cotton twill or slouchy light fabrics. Linen is ok but shorts never looks sophisticated enough for the city in linen. These shorts are not for the beach! No, no and no. They are meant to be worn in a chic way.

How to wear them.

Go a size bigger so they sit lower on the waist. And then they are longer in length. Wear Bermudas with a white tank and a slouchy long blazer. A sleeveless vest is totally chic with shorts.

Try with a bomber jacket or a crop trench which both sit on the waist. They give good shape. A cotton blue (or denim) shirt tucked into shorts looks chic. I will wear Bermudas with my summer uniform of a shoulder pad tee.

My Bermuda uniform. Image: Instagram/@shopwithfifi

Shoes? Wear with mules, strappy sandals and pointy kitten heels. You need heels as a general rule to edge height and sophistication. Choosing the right flats is tricky. But if you feel confident then go for loafers or pointy white flats.

Dad sandals? You might look like tourist going on hike.

Where to get them.

Hint: I have just cuff off to the knee some of my old black pants that I had not worn much. You can do the same with blue denim jeans. Or any white baggy jeans.

I'd actually just scissor off the denim myself but it's probably best to get pants to a good tailor.

Get shopping and check out my street style inspo below!

Three women wearing Bermuda shorts. How chic? Image: The FiFi Report.

This article has been republished from The FiFi Report with full permission.

FiFi Milne is a former fashion editor turned personal shopper and expert wardrobe detoxer. Superpower? Predicting fashion so you don't have to.

For more style tips from her, head to her website and follow her on Instagram.

Feature Image: @shopwithfifi Instagram.