How to Style Micro-Shorts
Be not afraid to free the thigh.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about bad taste. Longing for it, even! I believe the world would be a more forgiving place if we all factored questionable fashion choices into our daily lives. This is not to say we should abandon effort; it’s a call to rethink “unflattering” styles. In an age when individuality can be hard to find, I yearn for the thrill of doing something a bit off with my outfit. That’s why this summer, I’ll be wearing micro-shorts.
From billowy bloomers to distressed denim, bikini-sized bottoms are highly controversial. With their teeny silhouette, skeptics say they look incomplete, while critics call them downright inappropriate. But in their inherent wrongness lies their appeal. They demand confidence and embody bad taste in a cheeky, in-on-the-joke sort of way. No wonder all the It girls are wearing them.
At Coachella 2025—the amuse-bouche of cool summer dressing—micro-shorts were everywhere. Jennie donned a belt-adorned design. Charli xcx performed in an edgy black pair. Megan Thee Stallion took to the stage in raw-hemmed cut-offs. Micro-shorts are main character energy, and thus an integral part of the pop star’s DNA. Doechii regularly wears them, Addison Rae pairs them with her wired-headphone strolls and Beyoncé recently revived her iconic early aughts pair via a collab with Levi’s.
The same goes for Rebecca Black, a rising internet It girl whose irony-laden wardrobe is deliciously unsubtle. “I love micro-shorts,” she told me when I interviewed her a few weeks back, after explaining that an intentional “lack of taste” is cool. That’s the thing about this trend: the more contested something is, the more exciting it is to wear it.
Itty-bitty bottoms have been permeating the runways for seasons, tracing back to Miu Miu’s viral mini skirt from 2023. Today, micro-shorts and bloomers are an extension of that skin-baring mood. Across Spring 2025 collections, they’ve been given the luxury stamp of approval. Acne Studios presented polka dot hot pants, Chanel offered pastel iterations and Chloé had embroidered see-through bloomers. It seems fashion at large is embracing micro-shorts, even if they are an acquired taste.
Photo via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Sure, putting your thighs on display is an admittedly daunting concept. But, like many sartorial risks, it opens the possibility for new styling avenues. When picking out your outfit, it’s best to go off of what makes you excited. And if that’s a pair of micro-shorts with a shockingly short inseam, power to you. Nothing’s more fashionable than following your gut—even if it raises an eyebrow.
Here’s how to style micro-shorts this season—plus, some editor-approved picks to get you started.
Tightened up
Photo via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Tights are the ultimate outfit maker. They give any ensemble personality and, when paired with micro-shorts, can make you feel a little less exposed. During that in-between weather period, right before summer heat hits, dip your toe into the micro-shorts trend by wearing hosiery underneath. Try a white pair for a ballet core finish, or opt for sheer black iterations for an evening-ready statement.
Belt it out
Photography via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Belts are all the rage right now. They’re layered with reckless abandon. They’re slung way beneath hips. They’re functioning as corsets. These days, they are the main event. Offset some of the trepidation that comes from trying micro-shorts by layering this accessory on top. Try a thick strap with a statement buckle or a colour that contrast your shorts. The unexpected hardware grounds your look in more intention.
Period piece
Photography via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
When in doubt, revert to the 19th century. (Kidding!) However, this 1800s-era undergarment has been coming back for some time, and proves to be a stellar way to style micro-shorts. Because they are loose-fitting, bloomers have more give than your typical hot pant. A light, ethereal pair can be styled with an airy top for peak summer breeziness, while a darker design with tiered layers can pair perfectly with a bold transitional-season jacket.
Pattern play
Photo via @kiravaden/Instagram
Polka dots, zebra print, textural round discs! A loud pattern complements the audaciousness of teeny micro-shorts. For a pulled-together finish, consider committing to a head-to-toe print with coordinating separates.
Micro-shorts to shop
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Natalie Michie is the style editor at FASHION Magazine. With a pop culture obsession, she is passionate about exploring the relationship between fashion, internet trends and social issues. She has written for Elle Canada, CBC, Chatelaine and Toronto Life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and over-analyzing movies on TikTok.
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