Summer will be here before we know it, and with it, plenty of warm weather to go around! If you aren’t a fan of warm weather outfits, this time of year can come with mixed emotions. I’m here to reassure you that if you love the layered, classy look of winter outfits, you can still bring that aesthetic into spring and summer with a little styling help. Keep reading for 13 classy shorts outfits to style when the temperature heats up.
1. button-down + blazer + shorts + sunglasses + belt + sandals
blazer | button-down | shorts | bag | belt | sandals | earrings | sunglasses
Classy outfits are all about creating a layered look with interesting textures, shapes, and color combinations. You can still achieve a chic, modest look with a pair of shorts – all it takes is the right styling.
Start your look with an easy formula to remember – the tonal foundation. A white button-down shirt (linen or cotton options are great for summer) matched with a pleated pair of trouser shorts in an off-white shade will work great. Next, introduce a new color with a tan blazer. Then, add texture with a camel leather belt, a leather bag, and classic sandals. Finally, accessorize with a pair of gold stud earrings and a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses for a subtle pattern addition.
The result is the perfect outfit for occasions when you need a more formal look, but still want to stay cool.
2. sweater tee + white shorts + belt + loafers + leather bag
sweater | shorts | belt | bag | loafers
Another way to make your shorts look more classy? Swap out the rest of your outfit pieces with elevated alternatives to give you an overall elegant appearance. First, start with your white shorts. Then on top, swap out a classic tee for a sweater version – the texture change will instantly upgrade your look. Next, tuck in the sweater and add a thin belt. This will also create a slimming effect, and highlight your waist.
As for your shoes, change out your sandals for a pair of loafers. They add a preppy, workwear-inspired touch. Then, finish the look with a structured leather bag.
3. blazer + sweater + white shorts + sunglasses + belt + sandals + tote
striped sweater | blazer | shorts | bag | belt | sandals | sunglasses
Classy summer outfits don’t have to be complicated – if you instantly want to upgrade your casual shorts, one of the easiest ways is to add a blazer. This capsule wardrobe staple will make you look more polished and put together.
Start this French girl-inspired look with white shorts, and a striped sweater tee. Next, add your blazer in a slightly oversized fit. Accessorize with leather sandals, a French market tote, a leather belt, and classic sunglasses to complete the look.
Related: Create a French Girl Starter Wardrobe With These 13 Pieces
4. black t-shirt + black shorts + watch + shoulder bag + belt + ballet flats
black t-shirt | shorts | ballet flats | watch | bag | belt
Another way to instantly look more put together in shorts? Create a tonal look to style classy shorts outfits. Match the color of your shorts to your top and add a belt. It’s a flattering, easy way to appear more elevated. Then, add texture to your look with a leather shoulder bag, cap-toed ballet flats, and a gold bracelet watch.
5. white tee + sweater + white shorts + pearls + sandals + leather bag
white tee | shorts | sweater | bag | sandals | earrings
If you’re worried about accidentally ordering a pair of short shorts, there’s an easy way to avoid that. Make sure that you pay attention to the inseam listed in the product description while you’re shopping. Whether you prefer a shorter fit or longer shorts, the in-seam will be able to help you picture how they’ll look on your specific body type.
For a casual setting when you’re looking for a transitional look, try layering a sweater over a white tee and pairing them with your favorite white shorts. The white shorts give you the perfect pop of light color for warmer temps, while the sweater on top will keep you warm. Then, accessorize with a structured leather bag, fisherman sandals, and pearl stud earrings for a classy touch.
6. vest top + black shorts + gold hoops + cuff bracelet + ballet flats
vest top | black shorts | flats | cuff bracelet | gold earrings
Black shorts are another great choice for classy shorts outfits. If you choose a tailored, pleated pair, you can even style these all year long with the help of tall boots or tights.
In spring and summer, create a high-contrast, elegant look by pairing your black shorts with a white vest top. Then, add feminine-style ballet flats and chunky gold jewelry for an eye-catching statement.
7. striped cardigan + tee + denim shorts + tote + sunglasses + sandals
sandals | shorts | sweater | tee | bag | sunglasses
Jean shorts might seem like the exact opposite of classy shorts outfits, but you can use your favorite classic styles from a capsule wardrobe to create stylish outfits with them this spring and summer. First, start with your denim cutoffs. For a classier appearance, go for a clean edge, rather than a stringy, raw hem.
On top, layer a white tee underneath a timeless striped cardigan. Navy and white is a great color combo for a nautical aesthetic. Next, add your summer-appropriate accessories – fisherman sandals, a straw tote, and sunglasses to complete the look.
8. button-down + denim shorts + belt + shoulder bag + hoops + flats
button-down | belt | shorts | shoes | bag | earrings
A button-up shirt can also go a long way in elevating your favorite denim shorts. This workwear staple is a closet superhero in the summer! You can leave it open over a white tank top for an easy, breezy look, or close it and tuck it in for a more polished appearance. Add a belt for another fine detail.
As for accessories, keep things simple with gold earrings, a leather shoulder bag, and black ballet flats for the finishing touch.
9. fisherman sweater + white shorts + hoops + sandals + woven tote
hoops | sandals | bag | shorts | sweater
If you would describe your ideal style as “East Coast chic”, this next look is for you. First, start with a white pair of chino shorts. Then, add a fisherman sweater for a nautical-inspired touch. It’s the perfect look when the weather is still transitioning. Next, introduce texture to your ensemble with fisherman sandals, a woven basket tote, and gold hoop earrings to complete the outfit.
Related: 34 Nautical Outfits for Women That Are Perfect for Spring
10. tank top + drawstring shorts + shoulder bag + hoops + sandals
tank top | shorts | sandals | bag | hoops
Looking for a summer outfit for date night, or drinks with the girls? Go for a comfy, slightly more casual look with a pair of drawstring olive shorts. Then, use the sandwich method to choose your top and shoes. A high-neck tank top and crossover sandals make the perfect match. Complete the look with simple, yet elegant gold hoops, and a long-handled structured shoulder bag.
11. white tee + sweater + navy shorts + earrings + socks + loafers
white tee | sweater | shorts | socks | loafers | sunglasses | earrings
Speaking of transitional looks, here’s one you can save for late summer or early fall. Lean into an academia-inspired look with navy chinos, a white tee, and a gray sweater layered on top. Then, add a pair of classic loafers with crew socks. Complete the look with a pair of oval sunglasses, and silver hoop earrings.
12. denim shirt + black shorts + sandals + hoops + shoulder bag + belt
shirt | shorts | belt | sandals | bag | earrings
Here’s another idea that you can style for a night out, or an early summer bonfire. It’s the perfect proof that you can still create elegant looks for a casual setting! First, start with a pair of black shorts. Elevate their appearance by choosing a pair with no holes or rips, and with a clean hem. On top, add a denim shirt. Then, pull it all together with accessories like a sleek pair of crossover sandals, a woven tote bag, silver hoops, and a black belt.
13. cable knit sweater + striped shorts + clogs + claw clip + pearls + tote
sweater | shorts | bag | claw clip | earrings | clogs
Last but not least, you can style classy shorts outfits for an occasion as fun and casual as a beach day. First, start with a striped pair of beach shorts – look for a linen or cotton pair to keep cool in the summer heat. Then, add a classic cable knit sweater. Reach for a pair of clogs and a boat tote for your beach bag. Elevate your nautical look with a pair of pearl stud earrings, and a claw clip.
Show Off Your Shorts This Summer
Just because you’re wearing shorts to beat the summer heat doesn’t mean you can’t still style classy shorts outfits. Save this list of 13 outfit ideas to get you through a long, hot summer without sacrificing your classic style!
Shorts belong in every warm-weather capsule wardrobe. See what else you need in this next post! Up Next: How to Create a Versatile Tropical Vacation Capsule Wardrobe: Must-Have Pieces & Effortless Outfits
