16 Ways I Wear Shorts
There are only 3 things I wear in the summer. Shorts, dresses, and workout clothes. It’s too hot, we are outside getting dirty too much, and I’m too relaxed to do or wear more. Now we’ve peaked, it’s July and it’s only going to get hotter and I’m only going to get lazier. Ha! Seriously though, the heat + humidity, how much can we expect from each other?
I know styling and wearing shorts can be intimidating for some, and it’s an entirely new territory for others. I think you’ll be shocked with how simple I keep things when it comes to putting together different looks with the 3 different styles of shorts I own. Yes, you read that right. I only own 3 styles of shorts!
Before we get into the looks, let me lay out some information .
~When I shop for any category in my wardrobe I first think about how these pieces are going to serve me and my lifestyle. That helps me set up boundaries for what styles I’ll be looking for and how many I'll actually purchase.
~For shorts I want everyday casual (denim), social event (chino), lounge (elastic waist).
~Everyday casual is the most styled look for me so I have 2 pairs of denim shorts, (however you’ll only see one style pictured because they are interchangeable .) Social event and lounge are more rare, I only have 1 pair of each of those styles.
Everyday Casual / Denim
Similar to how I talk about shopping for staple denim pants for your wardrobe, I’ll give you some of the same advice here. Find a wash that is versatile and can be mixed and matched with different colors and patterns. Find a pair with classic details, fit, and style. This will also give you the most playing field with what you can wear them with and where you can wear them too! If you want to add some fun heavily distressed denim shorts to your closet, or a pair with embroidery, or other details go for it. Just remember, that pair will be a bonus buy and should be added into your closet as a fun extra, not a staple!
Social Event/Chino
I’ll define ‘social event’ first. I love using this term I coined in the past year! It’s the perfect way to describe an event, activity, or gathering that you’ll be attending where you want to feel dressed up but not over-dressed. Here are some examples; bookclub, place of worship, dinner with friends, brunch, baby/bridal shower, date night, etc. There are some times when you want to wear something that feels elevated from the ordinary, but also comfortable and relaxed. Chino shorts are great for a look like this. I love grey because the color looks polished but still neutral. Other colors I would recommend are navy, olive green, khaki.
Lounge/Elastic Waist
Even though I wear this pair the least, it’s probably one of the most critical for me. There are always those days when wearing a button closure feels like you have on a torture device. Sometimes you just want something loose, relaxed, and easy to wear. That’s this pair of shorts for me, and in the fall and winter the equivalent would be my pull on joggers! My biggest shopping tip is to find a pair with an actual drawstring. This small detail will make a huge difference in drawing the eye in and creating some shape on what is a pretty shapeless and unstructured style of shorts. You will most likely find this short style in fabrics like linen and other cotton blends. Soft, moveable, and breathable. Because they have such a loose fit, I like pair them with a fitted top or structured layer to create some balance!
