The sun is finally shining again in my part of the state, and there is something so satisfying about slipping on a pair of shorts and letting my legs feel free! Also, we don’t have A/C at our new house and that might have something to do with it. ;)
I have certainly had a love-hate relationship with shorts over the years. Not that long ago I even declared myself a non-shorts person in favor of dresses/skirts/jumpsuits. But, in the last few years, I’ve learned a few tricks to styling shorts that have increased my ‘outfit satisfaction level’ when wearing them. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned!
FIVE TIPS FOR STYLING SHORTS
1 – Wear a button up! This is probably the fastest way to add polish and chic to a pair of shorts. Bonus points for oversized, tucked and tied tops.
I love a button up with shorts, especially cut-offs because it contrasts nicely with the ‘laid back’ vibe of the shorts. I never feel underdressed in shorts if I have a button up on top. I feel intentional and pulled-together.
2 – Dig out out one of your pretty blouses: puff sleeves, square neck, feminine details, this is a quick and effective way to add style and contrast to a casual pair of shorts.
This is one of my very favorite ways to wear shorts, it’s like a fancy party on top and an after party on the bottom. Fun and more fun! (Just kidding I’m too old for after parties but hopefully the illustration makes my point.)
3 – If you want to wear a tank top, go for trouser shorts or chino shorts.
Sometimes styling feels like a puzzle to me, and I love figuring out which parts click together to make a full picture. This is a perfect example of that, understanding which tops work with which bottoms to create the image you want. For me, in this case, it’s casual on top, smart on the bottom for a pulled-together, intentional outfit.
Favorite trouser shorts: Easy Short by HDH, Sylvie Trouser Short by Reifhaus, Nico Short by ESBY, Avery Short by Alex Mill
4 – Wear your shorts with a tank top blouse, aka a linen crop top, or a tank top with buttons. *Simple details are often all it takes to elevate a simple outfit.*
Even with super casual shoes, the look above feels like a finished outfit because of the interesting top.
5 – STYLE it! Jewelry, hat, lips, casual outfits can be transformed by lipstick and jewelry.
Accessories can often be an overlooked style tool. Lipstick and jewelry (together or alone) can transform an outfit. In the summer, when it’s too hot to layer, a hat can make a perfect ‘third piece.’ For more on styling outfits, check out this post from last fall.
ooo is that the sugar candy mountain pansy top? have you reviewed it? so curious…
It is not! It’s actually the Melissa Tank from from Bill+Jay! I love it!
Love this! Shorts are a necessity in the summer, but sometimes I feel weird in them. Might have to try your tips to see if it helps!
Let me know if they do help!! I agree they can feel so necessary when it gets hot. Best of luck!