Every Time I Wear This "Frumpy" Shorts Trend, I Get Compliments

I think it's safe to say that my days of wearing super short cutoff shorts are done. If that's your favorite style, I support you, but I feel much more comfortable in something with a little more coverage. Last summer, I started dipping a toe into the pleated shorts trend. I used to equate this trend with '90s moms, but I later realized that there are so many cool ways to wear them, no matter what aesthetic you're going for. 

There are plenty of fashion items out there that are obvious compliment bait, like bags and sunglasses, but I guess I hadn't expected to receive many compliments on my collection of "frumpy" pleated shorts. But whenever I wear a pair, someone tells me that they like my shorts, which makes me want to keep buying them, of course. As luck would have it, there's lots of pleated shorts styling inspiration on Instagram, some of which I'm sharing with you below. And if you're as inspired to wear the trend as I am, I found 19 chic pairs to choose from for your own summer wardrobe needs.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Styling Tip: Sneakers and socks, of course.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Styling Tip: Make it a matching set.

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Styling Tip: Add a blazer to make it a suit.

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(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

Styling Tip: Transition your shorts into fall via an oversize blazer and turtleneck.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Styling Tip: Opt for neutrals.

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(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

Styling Tip: Pair them with your prettiest white blouse.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Styling Tip: Channel your inner Annie Hall.

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(Image credit: @louloudesaison)

Styling Tip: Belt them to define your waist.

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Styling Tip: Embrace the relaxed look with a slouchy sweater.

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

Styling Tip: Pair with heels to dress them up.

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(Image credit: @annawinck)

Styling Tip: Color, because summer.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

Styling Tip: Contrast the bagginess with something fitted.

Next up, eight summer trends fashion girls are wearing with shorts right now.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.