Charli XCX showed off a leggy look at her “Music, Fashion, Film” pop-up in LA last week. GC Images
It’s a look with legs.
Hemlines are soaring as we head into the dog days of summer, with teeny-tiny shorts emerging as one of the season’s hottest Hollywood trends.
In the past month alone, we’ve seen Charli XCX step out in LA rocking a pair of buttoned hot pants, Charlize Theron promote “The Odyssey” in silky Tom Ford tap shorts and Jennifer Lopez vacation in Sicily sporting barely-there floral bloomers from Dolce & Gabbana.
Charlize Theron promoted “The Odyssey” in Paris wearing Tom Ford. GC Images
Jennifer Lopez stepped out in Sicily sporting floral Dolce & Gabbana bloomers and a matching crop top. Instagram/@jlo
Gen Z’s on board, too, with “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer layering her sheer Marc Jacobs short shorts over a long-sleeved red bodysuit at Comic-Con this week and Alix Earle hitting the Hamptons in a low-slung set of cashmere Versace boyshorts.
And then there’s Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, who’s practically made the itty-bitty bottoms part of her uniform.
“Zara has always been drawn to pieces that feel bold, fun and a little unexpected, so micro shorts naturally fit her style. She loves feeling sexy, free and confident, and what better piece to capture that?” Larsson’s stylist, Caterina Ospina, told Page Six Style.
“Onstage, we elevate them with crystals, colorful belts, charms and pins, often layered with bikinis or body wraps and finished with statement boots to create movement and impact.”
Zara Larsson’s made itty-bitty shorts part of her signature style, both onstage and off. Instagram/@zaralarsson
At the Roskilde Festival in Denmark earlier this month, she showed off a colorful custom look from Rotate Birger Christensen. Getty Images
At Denmark’s Roskilde Festival in early July, for instance, the “Never Forget You” singer performed in a custom Rotate Birger Christensen outfit comprised of a colorful fringed halter top and sparkling turquoise hot pants that laced up both sides, looking like a Lisa Frank cartoon come to life.
And over the course of her current “Midnight Sun” tour, she’s worn a series of bedazzled booty shorts paired with tasseled belts that recall Britney Spears’ iconic “Slave 4 U” costume from the 2001 VMAs. (Larsson has long cited Spears as one of her industry idols.)
Crystal-encrusted cheeky shorts may be best suited for the stage, of course, but Ospina says these abbreviated bottoms needn’t be reserved for 20-something performers with perfect abs.
Megan Thee Stallion’s also a fan of the cheeky bottoms. Instagram/@theestallion
As is Tyla, who posed on Instagram in a pair of folded-over cutoffs. Instagram/@tyla
“For someone who isn’t a pop star, it’s all about balance and making the trend your own,” she said. “I love pairing short shorts with an oversized blazer or relaxed shirt, then adding playful details like colorful belts, key charms, or layered accessories to bring personality and movement.”
Insecure about your legs? Ospina suggests layering tights beneath your shorts for extra coverage. And as with any fashion trend, finding the right fit is key.
“Choose shorts that feel comfortable and secure, and most importantly, have fun with it,” Ospina said. “The best looks always feel personal rather than overly styled.”
In other words, the thigh’s the limit.