Stay Fresh, Look Effortless
Summer and shorts go together like sunshine and ice cream—irresistible and totally necessary. But before you toss on your favorite pair and call it a day, let’s talk style. We’ve created the ultimate summer survival list: 10 Dos and 10 Don’ts for styling shorts that will keep you cool and camera-ready. Let’s kick things off with the Dos to make sure your shorts game is on point all season long!
1. Pick High-Rise Shorts
Instantly elongating the legs, it defines your waist for that coveted hourglass shape. These styles don’t just flatter—they’re practical, too, offering better coverage and keeping muffin tops at bay so you can move freely without fuss.
2. Opt For Linen Blends
When the heat is on, linen shorts are a game-changer. The fabric’s natural breathability and softening touch are kind to sensitive skin, which reduces irritation even when humidity peaks. If Cleopatra trusted linen to beat the Egyptian sun, you know you’re in royal company.
3. Choose Tailored Shorts With Darting Details
Tailored shorts with darting are the ultimate blend of polish and comfort. These subtle seams provide structure, smoothing the hip line for a refined silhouette that never feels restrictive. No wonder couture houses are embracing shorts in their summer collections.
4. Add Statement Jewelry Or Sunglasses
Nothing transforms a simple shorts outfit like bold accessories. Statement jewelry draws the eye upward, balancing your look and adding personality in an instant. Don’t forget oversized sunglasses—à la Audrey Hepburn—which remain the ultimate cool-girl move for any age.
5. Style With Feminine Blouses
Pairing shorts with a feminine blouse is the shortcut to instant chic. Soft, floaty fabrics add an enhanced touch, while their gentle drape beautifully contrasts the structure of your shorts. Romantic sleeves are having a major moment, especially for those embracing style after 50.
6. Try Monochrome Outfits
Dressing in a single color from head to toe is a surefire way to look taller and leaner, no matter your height. Neutral palettes are timeless and make accessorizing a breeze, which lets you play with textures or bold accents.
7. Embrace Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts are the MVP for daytime adventures, offering just the right amount of leg coverage while keeping things breezy and elegant. Their knee-grazing length is perfect for walking, sitting, or spontaneous summer activities. Pairing these shorts with a suit jacket is totally work-appropriate.
Lee & Chantelle McArthur on Wikimedia
8. Pair With Wedges Or Block-Heel Sandals
Enhance your shorts style with wedges or block-heel sandals that lengthen your legs and boost posture without stilettos’ pain. Block heels provide all-day stability, while espadrilles add a charming nod to 14th-century Spanish heritage in your summer look.
No machine-readable author provided. User20090422 assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
9. Keep A Crisp Pair For Casual Chic Dinners
Tailored shorts can easily be dressed up for evening plans. Opt for luxe fabrics like sateen or jacquard to add instant polish. Italian women have mastered the art of evening shorts, making them a go-to for summer aperitivo and casual chic dinners alike.
10. Experiment With Belted Styles
A belted pair of shorts is your ticket to a defined, feminine silhouette. Cinching at the narrowest part of your torso, belts create an hourglass effect that’s both flattering and on-trend. Obi-style belts, in particular, are a favorite among fashion-forward women over 40.
Now that you've got the winning moves down, it's time to steer clear of the style traps that can trip you up.
1. Don’t Wear Shorts That Ride Up Or Bunch
Ill-fitting shorts that ride up or bunch cause constant adjusting, discomfort, and unflattering lines. Luckily, many premium brands now use seamless linings to ensure a smooth, secure fit, letting you enjoy summer activities without fussing over your shorts all day long.
LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash
2. Avoid Extremely Short Hemlines
While ultra-short shorts might seem like a summer staple, they can seriously limit your movement and run the risk of exposing more than you bargained for. Plus, short hemlines can feel out of place in more formal or grown-up settings.
3. Skip Overly Distressed Denim Styles
Frayed and ripped styles can come off as dated or a little too youthful for some occasions. Torn threads also weaken the fabric, meaning your favorite pair might not last the season. While the ‘90s grunge era made deliberate rips high fashion, the trend has cooled down now.
4. Avoid Shiny Or Sheer Fabrics
Shiny or sheer shorts might catch the light, but they also draw attention to areas you might want to downplay, and they tend to cling in humid weather. Matte fabrics not only photograph better, but they also offer a more refined and understated look in real life.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
5. Don’t Pair Shorts With Baggy, Oversized Tops
Pairing shorts with a massive, oversized top can make your entire frame look shapeless and hide your natural curves and proportions. It’s all about balance—French women have long mastered this by choosing tailored tops that flatter their silhouette.
6. Steer Clear Of Cargo Pockets And Zippers
Bulky cargo pockets and an overload of zippers add unnecessary volume to the hips and can make your shorts look more utilitarian than stylish. Remember, cargo pockets were originally designed for soldiers’ gear, not your summer essentials.
7. Don’t Neglect Skin Prep For Exposed Legs
Showing off your legs in shorts means giving them a little TLC. Exfoliating and using sunscreen not only boosts your confidence but also gives your skin a healthy glow, tan or not. Pro tip: body glow oils make bare legs look instantly radiant.
Rafael Alexandrino de Mattos on Pexels
8. Avoid Loud Logos
Big, bold logos on the shorts can steal attention from your face and make your outfit harder to mix and match. Plus, the quiet luxury trend is all about timeless, logo-free pieces that go with everything. Subtlety is in—instead of the label, let the style talk.
9. Reconsider Sporty Shorts Outside The Gym
Athletic shorts may be comfortable, but they often lack the structured silhouette needed for a polished look beyond the gym. Their ultra-casual style can leave you feeling underdressed for most summer occasions, so opt for more tailored shorts to enhance your outfit.
10. Don’t Wear Shorts That Shift With Every Step
If your shorts are made from unlined or loose-weave fabrics, you might find them riding up, twisting, or creasing with every move. This not only disrupts the fit but can also make you uncomfortable all day long. Designers actually test summer shorts during walking trials—so you should expect your pair to keep up with your plans, not hold you back.
