Last summer when every influential dresser began pairing jean shorts with cowboy boots, I had my reservations. After all, combining shorts with boots was always considered a faux pas—what’s changed? Eventually, like with most controversial trends, I came around, but something about the duo never quite added up for me. This season, however, a new shorts-and-boots combo is garnering attention. And this time around, I’m 100% game.

Rather than full-on Dukes of Hazzard, 2022’s version of the shorts-with-boots trend is a bit tamer, with Bermuda-length shorts subbing in for cutoffs and knee-high riding boots taking the place of Western styles. The result? An extremely wearable combination that allows you to show off this year’s biggest footwear trend in an elevated and put-together way. Plus, it looks really (really) cool. 

Keep scrolling to see how the shorts-with-boots trend is being done, both on Instagram and the runway, in 2022.

The combination of Bermuda shorts and knee-high boots was really perfected by Maryam Nassir Zadeh in her F/W 21 collection, but this season’s take is equally as covetable. 

The easiest black trouser shorts.

This heel height is utter perfection. 

If you’re into jean shorts but are not ready to wear super-short cutoffs, a Bermuda pair like this is ideal. For added effect, pair them with rubberized lug-sole boots.

Not too short, not too long—these are just right. 

Every #GanniGirl has a pair of these. 

The fall/winter 2022 season has only just begun, kicking off with Copenhagen Fashion Week, and already, this trend has shown its face on the runway at Saks Potts’s latest show. Presumably, there will be plenty more where this came from as the shows go on.

Nanushka can do no wrong in the vegan-leather department. 

More beautiful boots have never been created.

You heard it here first: Styling tailored Bermuda shorts with knee-high boots is the new way to wear workwear in the summer. No hot, stuffy suits required.

If you love low-rise khakis, you’ll love this just-as-chic shorts version.

When *the* shoe and accessory brand collabs with Ariana Grande and Gigi Hadid’s stylist, you know the result is going to be stellar.

When trying to determine if a trend is worth testing out, my tip is to see if Peter Do included it in his most recent show. If he did, it is. 

Good American does no wrong in the denim department. 

These $89 riding boots are never a bad idea.

When in Paris, pair your Bermuda shorts with knee-high boots. 

This length is perfect for transitional weather when you want very minimal space between your shorts and your boots.

A mock-croc moment. 

The only thing better than Bermuda shorts paired with knee-high boots is Bermuda shorts paired with knee-high boots and topped with an an oversize blazer. 

Never hesitate when it comes to on-sale Dries.

I think about these boots a lot.

At Dior’s S/S 22 show, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri took a sporty approach to this trend, pairing long athletic shorts with space-age-inspired go-go boots, and all I have to say about it is wow.

Though these look great with boots, they’ll look equally as cute with sandals or sneakers.

White after Labor Day is a whole vibe.

Platform knee-high boots can do no wrong, especially when they’re paired with Bermuda shorts and a hot-pink blouse.

Chocolate brown looks good with everything. 

Yep, these boots really are $60.

An all-black suit will always be in style. For a fresh take on the classic ensemble, choose a pair of Bermuda shorts instead of trousers and pick heeled knee-high boots rather than loafers.

These are going to sell out so fast. 

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of black boots. 

Next up: By Far, These Are the 10 Most Important Trends for Spring 2022