When it comes to summer dressing, shorts are some of the hardest things to wear – as it can be tricky finding a pair that flatters. Maybe you’ve sworn off shorts, or perhaps you’re stuck in a rut with how you wear them – opting for super casual outfits with shorts and sneakers. However, let’s be clear: shorts can absolutely be chic and sophisticated – it’s just about choosing the right cut, styling them with confidence, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
Below are plenty of tips for you on how to create beautiful chic shorts outfits. Plus, read on for a beautiful chic capsule featuring a pair of shorts in every outfit. And, of course, don’t forget to check out our earlier article on how to choose the most flattering shorts for women over 40.
First, a few factors to think about when you want to create a sophisticated look using shorts:
1. Choose tailoring over tightness
The key to grown-up shorts style is all in the tailoring. Think structured silhouettes, clean lines, and mid-to-high rises that elongate the leg and define your waist to create chic shorts outfits. A polished pair of Bermuda shorts or pleated linen shorts can be just as elevated as a skirt – pair them with a crisp shirt or a tucked-in blouse, and you’ve nailed effortless elegance.
2. Elevate with your fabric choice
Don’t opt for sporty materials. Instead, look for linen blends, soft twills, silk, or dressier suiting materials. Textured fabrics can instantly upgrade your outfit. If you opt for denim, choose a darker shade, as it looks more elegant.
3. Think beyond your t-shirts and tanks
You can pair your shorts with a simple tee. However, to make your outfit truly chic, opt for beautiful fabrics like silk. Add sleeveless knits, blazers, and button-downs. You want to add shape, style, and a bit of polish.
Sylvia @sylviacolella above shows how a seemingly simple outfit of a white shirt, black shorts and flats can look incredibly chic.
Get her look with this similar shirt, shorts, flats, tote, earrings and sunglasses.
4. Balance your top and bottom
If you have your legs on display, consider balancing your upper half with a blouse that offers more coverage, or add a blazer or cardigan over your shorts.
5. Don’t forget your accessories
Any outfit looks better when you accessorize. Particularly if you are trying to elevate what can be a casual look, don’t forget your jewelry and accessories.
Where to shop for your shorts
Some of our favorite places to shop for shorts are:
The chicest shorts we’ve found this season
Okay, before we move on to creating outfits with your shorts, what are some of the most stylish shorts to choose from? And what style of shorts should you opt for?
Trouser shorts
To create a sophisticated look with shorts, a great option is to look for a pair of shorts that look just like trousers (albeit shorter, obviously).
Nordstrom Pleated Linen Blend Shorts – Open Edit The Curator Pleated Bermuda Shorts – J.Crew Pleated 9″ Stretch Linen Blend Trouser Shorts – Everlane The Pleated Stretch Linen Shorts
Fonda @savvysouthernchic (above) pairs her shorts with a smart shirt and timeless sliders.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (another option here), shorts, sandals and handbag.
print shorts
A pair of print shorts is a great way to add color and interest to your outfits. Just keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple and let your shorts stand out.
J.Crew 7″ Lien Stratus Shorts – FARM Rio Marys Tiles Shorts – Karen Millen Cotton Linen Cornelli Embroidered Woven High Waisted Shorts – Lands’ End Poplin Pull On Pleated 5″ Shorts
Cinq à Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve Blazer – Everlane The Square Tank in Stretch Linen – Lands’ End Poplin Pull On Pleated 5″ Shorts – MICHAEL Michael Kors Ashtin Sandals – Caterina Bertini Tan Woven Crossbody Bag – Mignonne Gavigan Blue Multi Alexandra Hoops
denim shorts
Denim shorts are, of course, a classic. But, they can lend your outfit a casual look. So, if you want to elevate your denim shorts, look for longer or mid-lengths rather than short shorts, opt for darker colors or white, or add detailing like belts and bows.
Lands’ End Denim High Rise 7″ Pleated Trouser Shorts – Wit & Wisdom High Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts – Everlane The A-Line Denim Shorts – PAIGE Anessa Tie Waist Denim Shorts
Kimba @kimbalikes above opts for a classic maritime inspired look with a striped top. You could easily wear this casually during the day and then add a blazer for a summer evening dinner.
Check out this similar tank top (another option here), denim shorts, sandals, necklace, sunglasses and woven visor.
Your chic shorts capsule
Below, you can see tops, jackets, shoes, and accessories to pair with your shorts, as well as some of the chicest shorts we’ve found. Plus, there’s a 9-outfit capsule featuring shorts.
Tops to go with your shorts
Starting with your tops, a white or cream shirt will go with everything, or opt for tank tops if it’s extremely hot where you are. You could go for tops that coordinate exactly with your shorts for an easy, put-together look, or contrasting colors.
Boden Sienna Silk Shirt – Lands’ End Poplin Square Neck Tank Top – FARM Rio Marys Tiles Embroidered Blouse – Everlane The Square Tank in Stretch Linen
FARM Rio Marys Tiles Embroidered Blouse – Lands’ End Denim High Rise 7″ Pleated Trouser Shorts – Birkenstock Arizona Sandals – Longchamp Small Le Pliage Original Top Handle Bag – st. Moran Freshwater Pearl Rectangular Hoop Earrings
Jackets to go with your shorts
An easy way to elevate your shorts outfit is to add a smart blazer or cardigan. If it’s hot, you can achieve the look of a blazer without being too warm by opting for a waistcoat instead.
Everlane The Oversized Blazer in Stretch Linen – Cinq à Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve Blazer – Open Edit The Curator Notched Lapel Vest – Boden Liv V-Neck Linen Cardigan
Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above opts for a beautiful, neutral coordinated look.
Steal her look with this similar vest, shorts, sandals, handbag, earrings and necklace.
shoes
Either opt for stylish flat sandals or add a heel, depending on whether you’re walking far and whether your shorts outfit is for day or night.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals – MICHAEL Michael Kors Ashtin Sandals – Tory Burch Multi Strap Wedge Sandals – Tommy Hilfiger Nils Denim Wedge Sandals
Everlane The Oversized Blazer in Stretch Linen – Lands’ End Poplin Square Neck Tank Top – Karen Millen Cotton Linen Cornelli Embroidered Woven High Waisted Shorts – Tory Burch Multi Strap Wedge Sandals – GiGi New York Reversible Luna Tote – st. Moran Freshwater Pearl Rectangular Hoop Earrings
accessories
For accessories to complement your chic shorts outfits, opt for metallic or lighter-colored tote bags if you need to carry a fair amount with you. Alternatively, consider a woven clutch for a summer-ready look. Plus, don’t forget your jewelry to take your shorts look up a notch – layered necklaces, hoops, and chunky bangles will look great with your shorts.
GiGi New York Reversible Luna Tote – Caterina Bertini Tan Woven Crossbody Bag – Longchamp Small Le Pliage Original Top Handle Bag – Karine Sultan 24K Gold Plated Bohemian Triple Layered Necklace – Karine Sultan Sculptural Cuff – st. Moran Freshwater Pearl Rectangular Hoop Earrings – Satya Jewelry Bold Spirit Hoop Earrings – Mignonne Gavigan Blue Multi Alexandra Hoops
Kim @kimair above shows how you can wear a suit with shorts to create a look perfect for summer dinners or events.
Check out this similar shirt, blazer (another option here), shorts (another option here), sandals, handbag, belt, earrings and sunglasses.
Your chic shorts looks, together in one capsule
Below, you can see the looks from above together in one capsule so you can see how you could change around the tops, shorts, jackets, and shoes to create different outfits.
Which of these chic shorts outfits is your favorite? How do you elevate your shorts? Let us know in the comments below.
Continue reading:
- The best women’s shorts that fit and flatter women over 40 of any shape
- Hot weather, cool style: your summer guide to breathable fabrics and flattering outfits
- From soft suiting to sheer: the best summer events outfits
Like this article on chic shorts outfits for summer? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Kim @kimair
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!