Influenced: How I Made the Tricky Bermuda Short Trend Work For My Shorter Frame

In the age of Instagram [1], it's pretty much impossible to not feel influenced by the countless images populating your feed, particularly in the case of fashion. That's why we're kicking off a new series here at POPSUGAR as an ode to those items and outfits we just can't help but become gripped by. Whether we like to admit it or not, we're all influenced at one point or another in the world of fashion, so why not own it and celebrate it?

I can personally attest to an altered state of mind after witnessing my fair share of outfit formulas, styling hacks, and It items en masse. It's quite weird when you really think about it. A look I may have despised at first glance can easily seep into my subconscious, then suddenly I'm obsessed with it to the point of re-creation. This usually happens after I witness a few other versions of it without fully realising it, but in any case, a total change of heart clearly occurs. Then, of course, there are those instances when I'm immediately dazzled by something (this Reformation dress [2] is a perfect example).

For our inaugural influenced feature, I'm here to talk about a trend and outfit formula I never anticipated enjoying: long shorts and tall boots [3]. A look, indeed! And one that I can safely assume doesn't suit everyone's taste. But fortunately for the current makers of culottes and Bermuda shorts, it suits mine.

I've been into the Bermuda shorts trend [4] since it started reappearing in designer collections last year (I say reappearing because long shorts were a major look in the late '80s and early '90s when I was but a wee tot and couldn't fully appreciate them). My only hangup? I feared the elongated silhouette would be unflattering on my 5'4" frame. To me, long shorts require legs for days not unlike Julia Roberts [5] in her epic blazer-and-shorts ensemble at the end of Pretty Woman. But I was wrong.

After witnessing a few leggy models, fashion editors, and influencers rock long shorts with boots during New York Fashion Week, I also noticed the look on a number of shorter women, too. One being my friend and former boss Nicky Deam, whose style I've always admired and emulated on many occasions. A little single white female? Probably. But after seeing Nicky in a pair of long faux-leather shorts with knee-high boots [6] and a turtleneck, I immediately recognised the influence this trending outfit formula was having on me and had to try it. And did I ever.

Copying Nicky's look down to the exact pair of shorts and knit (though I took liberties with the bag because hers is from her own line, Barrineau [7], and not yet available), I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I truly loved the trend. Not only did the seemingly tricky short-and-boot pairing hit me at a flattering point, but the tonal effect of the colour palette also elongated my lines. Be honest, I looked a little taller, yeah? The best part is that I felt extremely comfortable in the outfit and found that it had the perfect amount of impact I crave for a day of meetings around the city. I even wore it out that night to the ballet with friends; it's quite versatile!

Suffice it to say, I was properly influenced and happily so as I'm now left with a new go-to outfit formula that's comfortable, flattering, and perfectly on trend. Ahead, witness my influenced moment for yourself, and keep scrolling for the pieces you'll need to re-create it if, like me, you find yourself influenced, too.

On The Street: Long Shorts and Tall Boots

Here, Nicky Deam is wearing my inspiration outfit on the street during New York Fashion Week. You can catch a glimpse of her soon-to-launch Barrineau [9] clutch in neon yellow which gave her version of the look some serious cool factor.

Influenced: How I Wore Long Shorts and Tall Boots

As I said before, my biggest concern with the long short trend what that it would look unflattering on me. To my surprise, this pair of faux-leather shorts from Frankie Shop hit me right at the knee and layered perfectly over my tall leather boots.

Influenced: How I Wore Long Shorts and Tall Boots

As an avid lover of neutrals, I was quite pleased with the tonal effect this muted outfit had on my frame. Though the proportions would seemingly clash, they layered perfectly together and revealed just a hint of skin in stride and when seated.

Influenced: How I Wore Long Shorts and Tall Boots

While my outfit goes from dark to light, various combinations of neutral colours would look equally cohesive. They key is making sure there is a point of differentiation between shades so the overall look doesn't fall flat.