THE JOURNAL
From left to right: Mr Justin Bieber in New York, 10 May 2023, photograph by Backgrid. Mr Donald Glover in New York, 18 September 2022, photograph by Backgrid. Mr Jacob Elordi in West Hollywood, 28 March 2023, photograph by Backgrid
If last year was the year of cargos and parachute pants, 2023 is the year of the short short, the jort and the Bermuda. Shorts aren’t new. they’re a go-to piece in everyone’s wardrobe, usually reserved for hot summer days – unless you’re that guy who makes wearing shorts all year his personality. Well, this year we’re all that guy. In one video recently doing the rounds on TikTok, a kid is asked, “What are you most looking forward to wearing this spring?” The reply? “Jorts.” Our FYPs are filled with the cool fashion kids styling shorts in all kinds of ways: T-shirts, vests, tank tops, shirts, you name it.
But one specific styling trick is catching our eye: shorts with long sleeves. It’s so simple as to almost not even be a thing, yet it manages to be slightly unexpected. It’s a different way to approach trans-seasonal dressing (you know, the “carry a lightweight jacket with you everywhere” tip), and a path to wearing your shorts in spring and autumn, too. Cool at the bottom, cosy up top.
There’s a 1980s and 1990s flair to the shorts with sweats combination – think Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and the joints of Mr Spike Lee. And let’s not forget the blueprint: off-duty Princess Diana effortlessly looking for her car keys in that iconic college sweatshirt and tiny shorts. And in a completely different kind of preppy vibe, The Talented Mr Ripley gave us the quintessential ensemble for a yacht ride on the Italian Riviera – long-sleeved white shirts with swim shorts.
“The key to pull them off is confidence and putting comfort first”
However, it can feel a little awkward to style. “I thought I looked so cool today in these long shorts,” said TikTok creator Ms Hope Woodard, wearing a pair of long denim shorts paired with a sweatshirt. “I look like I’m in fourth grade and my parents, for the first time, let me pick out my own clothes.” But that’s the beauty of shorts paired with long sleeves – they have a boyish, casual vibe. Honestly, the key to pull them off is confidence and putting comfort first.
See Mr Paul Mescal in his track jacket with short shorts get-up or Mr Justin Bieber in sweats and denim shorts. For his Coachella performance this year, Bad Bunny wore jorts with a matching denim overshirt and layered shawls over it. It’s effortless and casual, don’t overthink it.
From turtlenecks to chunky knit sweaters and hoodies, Mr Donald Glover has demonstrated the versatility of shorts and long-sleeves through the years. Pictured above, he has opted for a breezy short pair and matched it with a crisp-white sweatshirt – an excellent outfit for a summer at the Hamptons vibe. To look a bit more put-together, take a page from Mr Jacob Elordi’s book, who has channelled his inner Princess Di pairing his casual look with a Bottega Veneta handbag, adding a touch of luxury to contrast his otherwise laid-back fit. Long socks and closed shoes also help in keeping your ensemble a bit less beachy.
Although it’s the perfect combo for a leisurely day, you can absolutely dress your shorts up. Mr Pedro Pascal proudly unveiled his calves under an overcoat on the Met Gala carpet this year. And always keep a tab on Tyler, the Creator, who just knows how to style shorts – he often opts for a pleated pair styled with loafers and a shirt under a V-neck sweater or cardigan, or his uniform for his Call Me If You Get Lost tour: cropped cargos with a puffer jacket.
Shorts season came early this year. And whether you’re sporting them in the office or saving your exposed calves for your off-duty weekend looks, take your legs out in the sun and cover up your arms for a change. It’s going to be a Princess Diana summer.