After months of hibernating in thermal leggings and thick jeans, it’s finally bare-legs season, and I’m fully ready to commit to what might be my favorite spring trend: lace-trim shorts.
My warm-weather wardrobe is basically the same three denim shorts on rotation. So when lace-trim shorts started showing up everywhere last year, it felt like a natural switch-up—same familiar silhouette, just softer, more feminine, and with a little unexpected twist (without pushing me too far out of my comfort zone). I’ll admit, the first time I saw this trend rise last summer, it gave a bit of a bloomers/berries and cream vibe (we were all thinking it). But now it’s really grown on me! The trend feels sophisticated, sweet, and sexy all in one.
Don’t get me wrong, denim shorts will always be a classic. But I love how lace-trim shorts make everything look so put-together. A simple tee or tank top could instantly feel elevated with just a pair of lace-trim shorts and a simple sandal. And if you want to dress them up a bit, a pair of tights and some heels (à la Hailey Bieber at the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2026 show) would be beyond chic.
Personally, I’m planning to style these whimsical shorts by mixing in some of my laidback pieces for some contrast. The combo I’m thinking of: lace shorts with a plain, slightly loose white tee, an oversized blazer, and heeled thong sandals. Easy, but still put together. Add in some dramatically oversized sunglasses (like the ones Jennie wore to Coachella!), and it turns into this cool, effortless take on power dressing that just feels right for the season, in my opinion.
And the pair I have my eye on right now are from Cider . They’ve got that dreamy satin finish with delicate lace trim at the hem that just nails the look. The elastic waistband is a major win too, so they feel easy and comfortable instead of restrictive.
I’m especially into the mid-rise fit—it hits that perfect in-between: not so high that it feels tight around the stomach (or ends up looking diapery) and not so low that you’re adjusting it all day. And the fact that they’re $23? That’s the cherry on top!
I’m also really into these other lace short styles, too! Shop them right here:
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
