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Not Thongs, Not Briefs: *This* Chic Underwear Style Is Trending Right Now

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The underwear drawer is undergoing a quiet revolution. Forget the predictable—thongs and briefs are yielding to a more refined silhouette: the high-waisted, seamless short. Celebrities like Joey King are already embracing this understated essential, proving that elevated basics are the ultimate style statement. It's a foundational piece, offering both comfort and a chic, modern feel. For more on building a timeless wardrobe, explore our recent feature, "Any Chic Person Would Approve of This Fall Shopbop List—It's Called Fashion, People."
 Not Thongs, Not Briefs: *This* Chic Underwear Style Is Trending Right Now

The resurgence of the boy short as a coveted underwear style, exemplified by Joey King’s recent Miu Miu moment, signals a fascinating shift in the landscape of intimate apparel. It’s a move away from the ubiquitous thong and even the brief, embracing a silhouette that prioritizes comfort and a subtly subversive sense of style. This isn't just about underwear; it's about how we present ourselves, the quiet confidence in choosing an undergarment that feels both luxurious and inherently *you*. The trend aligns perfectly with the broader movement toward understated elegance and a rejection of overt displays of sexuality – a concept we explored in [Any Chic Person Would Approve of This Fall Shopbop List—It's Called Fashion, People] – where timeless staples and considered silhouettes reign supreme. This preference for understated chic permeates many aspects of modern style, and the boy short’s rise reflects that broader sensibility.

The appeal lies in the boy short’s inherent versatility. They offer a gentle nod to menswear tailoring, lending a touch of androgynous cool to any outfit, while simultaneously feeling incredibly comfortable and secure. This isn’t about sacrificing style for practicality; it's about finding a harmonious balance. We’ve seen a similar appreciation for effortless, relaxed silhouettes in other areas of fashion, like the "party peasant chic" trend [Party peasant chic], which champions a simple base that's fun to style. The boy short, in essence, becomes a foundational piece, a quiet confidence booster that contributes to a feeling of being utterly composed. The focus shifts from showcasing skin to embracing a sense of ease and intentionality—a core tenet of the modern aesthetic.

What’s particularly interesting is the way this trend is being embraced by high fashion. Miu Miu’s inclusion of boy shorts in a full look demonstrates a willingness to elevate everyday essentials, blurring the lines between lingerie and outerwear. It’s a recognition that even the most intimate garments can be a statement piece, contributing to a cohesive and considered personal style. The recent emphasis on vintage and carefully curated pieces, as seen in the [Thrifted fit] showcases, further underscores this desire for individuality and a rejection of fast fashion trends. These individuals are building wardrobes around pieces that feel authentic and tell a story, and the boy short fits perfectly into that narrative – it’s a quiet declaration of personal style, not a desperate plea for attention.

Ultimately, the rise of the boy short isn't just a fleeting trend; it's a reflection of a larger cultural shift towards quiet confidence, understated luxury, and a celebration of individuality. It’s a move away from performative displays of sexuality and towards a more nuanced understanding of femininity—one rooted in self-assuredness and personal style. As we continue to prioritize comfort and authenticity in all aspects of our lives, will we see other traditionally “hidden” garments elevated to a place of prominence in our wardrobes, further blurring the lines between intimate and everyday fashion?

It's not magic; it's Miu Miu!

An ethereal-looking Joey King stepped out in head-to-toe Miu Miu—including cheeky boy shorts—during the Practical Magic 2 press tour in London. Accompanied by co-stars Maisie Williams, Nicole Kidman, and Sandra Bullock, the bevy of beautiful witches was a sight to behold. But let's be honest: King's bloomers stole the show.

The actress styled her sheer dress, reminiscent of a nightgown, with a coordinating butter-yellow bra and underwear set by Miu Miu. The flirty, feminine Italian label was founded in 1993 (five years before the original Practical Magic landed in theaters) and has maintained a cult-like following of fashion lovers ever since. Known for collections featuring soft pastels, micro-mini skirts, and sweet accessories, the intentionally visible undergarments add a playful element to the magical red carpet look.

Even if you swear by bikini briefs or can't imagine wearing anything other than a thong, it's time to consider giving boy shorts a try. They are super cute, undeniably comfortable, and can function as both sleepwear and evening attire. How's that for practical?

Keep scrolling to see Joey King's full Miu Miu look in London, then browse several pairs of boy shorts to add to your underwear drawer this season.

Joey King attends the

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On Joey King: Miu Miu dress, undergarments, and heels

Joey King attends the

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