For the past few years, micro-shorts have been the hot-girl style. Even last winter, with temperatures barely above freezing, the underwear-like bottoms were having a viral moment. So you can imagine my surprise when this summer, a time when you might actually want to bare it all, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction and cool-girls everywhere swapped their itty-bitty shorts for modest, knee-grazing bermudas—Gwyneth Paltrow included.
Last week, Paltrow, 52, shared some of her best summer outfits on Instagram, including an office-appropriate ensemble that featured a collared cardigan and voluminous white bermuda shorts from Goop’s G. Label. It was the first time I saw the knee-length shorts and thought, “Now, that’s chic.” Her pleated, trouser-inspired bottoms, which were equal parts cool and classy, immediately shot to the top of my summer wishlist. Below, shop the eight Paltrow-inspired bermuda shorts I’m eyeing, from just $30.
8 Elevated Bermuda Shorts
Joe’s Jeans Brody Linen Bermuda Shorts
Amazon
Joe’s Jeans’s white bermuda shorts are the lookalike I’m grabbing. That’s because the linen-blend, wide-leg style is breathable and roomy but still polished thanks to small pleats and back welt pockets.
Luvamia Pleated Bermuda Shorts
Amazon
Luvamia’s pleated bermuda shorts are an affordable way to shop this cool summer trend. While that chic, trouser-inspired look and $30 price tag are two big reasons to love the bottoms, another is the comfortable elastic at the back of the waistband.
Everlane Stretch Linen Pleated Shorts
Everlane
Everlane’s comfy-cool pleated shorts are a must-grab while they’re up to 70 percent off. These are made from a soft, slightly stretchy linen and have a perfect five-star rating, with shoppers calling them “buttery soft and breezy.”
Naked Wardrobe Linen Suiting Shorts
Nordstrom
During Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, you can snag Naked Wardrobe’s lightweight linen shorts for 25 percent off. These have Paltrow’s same polished-yet-cool look but feature one detail hers don’t: secret elastic at the sides of the waist. While stretchy waistbands can take away from a style’s elevated look, this pair’s small bit of elastic is practically invisible thanks to that clever placement.
J.Crew Pleated Denim Trouser Shorts
J.Crew
J.Crew’s denim trouser shorts are the more everyday version of Paltrow’s dressed-up style. But don’t worry, these are still nicer than your average jorts thanks to neat pleats and welt pockets.
Madewell Relaxed Linen Pleated Trouser Shorts
Madewell
Madewell’s 100-percent linen shorts also feature a panel of elastic at the back of the waistband, making the airy, summer-perfect shorts even more comfortable. And while these are available in a white similar to Paltrow’s, I’m kind of loving this dark brown, which you can wear well into fall with tall boots á la Bella Hadid.
Zara Linen Belted Long Bermuda Shorts
Zara
These dusty rose Zara shorts have two dramatic pleats at the front of each leg, creating tons of movement. Thanks to those pleats, the extra-long hemline, and the included belt, these might be the least-basic bermuda shorts you can grab.
Boss Tilena Pleated Belted Shorts
Nordstrom
Another statement style I’m loving is Boss’s belted trouser shorts in an eye-catching pale lime. Between that short’s color, pleats, and long length, you don’t have to do much else to make a great outfit: add a white tank and strappy sandals and you’re done.