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For some reason or another, pant trends always seem to be controversial. We may have just gotten past the skinny jeans vs. baggy jeans debate, but another trend is already arising with a handful of naysayers: Super short shorts.
Short pant trends have been particularly polarizing over the past few years, but it has not always been the case. Back in the day, we use to move as a united front. In the early 2000s, short shorts dominated. However, by the latter half of the decade, our shorts had become so long they were almost capris.
In the early and late 2010s, with the rise of music festivals, fashion bloggers, and Tumblr popularized high-waisted, cut-off jeans, and so tight-fitting short shorts became the go-tos.
Though in apparent decline already, COVID-19 lockdowns brought our focus to casual and comfortable styles, and short shorts were finally dethroned. Over the past couple of years, bike shorts, as well as retro-inspired mom shorts with longer and looser silhouettes, have remained popular between both celebrities and the general public.
However, as usual, we eventually gravitate towards the complete opposite because fashion is indeed cyclical. Last year, Miu Miu famously brought micro skirts, an undisputed Y2K staple, back to the mainstream. Now, 2023 is following suit, with short shorts making a big comeback, and yes, Miu Miu had a hand in this too.
As we near spring, we’re starting to see some of the hottest celebrities in fashion dress for the warmer weather, and we couldn’t help but notice a trend. Throughout this fashion month especially, some of the most eye-catching looks have included ultra-cropped shorts with a more elevated look.
From Zendaya channeling Fran Fine in a tiger-print suit at the Louis Vuitton show to (G)-IDLE’s Soyeon giving The Matrix a 2023 update at the Ferragamo show, we are noticing a common thread. We’re swapping the distressed asymmetrical hems for ones that look tailored just for us.
If you’re not quite ready for the no-pants or barely-there looks, super short shorts could be a great starting point. If it’s not the look for you, fear not because longer, looser shorts aren’t going anywhere, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could always layer.
Scroll down to shop Teen Vogue‘s picks for the best super short shorts on the market:
