As someone who's from the South and has actually returned to the South in recent years, I think I'm well-equipped to speak on the subject of shorts, the number one summer wardrobe essential in hot and humid weather. Sure, I could just wear denim shorts and a T-shirt every day, but I've seen so many interesting outfit ideas lately that involve shorts. Now, I'm inclined to try just a little harder.
Of the nine outfits I selected below, only three feature denim shorts. The rest run the gamut, from bike shorts to paper-bag shorts to lounge shorts. All of these outfits are simple, comfortable, and casual, because that's what I believe shorts outfits should be, and they're all fresh for next season. Since summer doesn't even technically begin for another month, we all have plenty of time to give them a try.
Scroll for nine non-dated outfit ideas to copy and shop the shorts you need to make them happen.
This is the most casual of shorts outfits, but you can make it feel cool and elevated with subtly trendy accessories.
Shop Lounge Shorts
A cool white top tucked into denim shorts feels fresh and clean in the summer. Just add sneakers.
Shop Denim Shorts
This is one of my personal favorite outfits thanks to its effortlessness. l love to wear bike shorts with something loose on top to balance them out.
Shop Bike Shorts
This casual summer outfit is one that could easily be worn every weekend. Adding a button-down shirt makes it feel "non-dated."
Shop White Denim Shorts
Denim jackets are back, and bike shorts never left, so why not wear them together?
Shop Short Bike Shorts
Nothing says summer like a pretty white top paired with a bit of color.
Shop Colorful Shorts
This one's a classic: a cropped white tee and denim cutoffs. Bonus points if you have some fancy flip-flops to wear with them.
Shop Cutoff Denim Shorts
It's kind of giving coastal grandma, and what's not to love about that?
Shop Gym Shorts
When you don't know what to wear this summer, just wear this.
Shop Elastic-Waist Shorts
Next up, 15 Outfits That Define Each Summer Aesthetic
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Yeah, You *Have* Been Wearing Athletic Shorts With the Wrong Shoes This Whole TimeHere's the *right* way.
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No One Will Question Your Trend-Forward Status If You Wear Denim Shorts With *These* ShoesTyla gets it.
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Bermuda Shorts, Bloomers, and Cutoffs, Begone—Expert Dressers Only Care About These Elegant Shorts*The* shorts of the summer.
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I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits: 25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the BillJust about everything is under $25.
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Everyone in Los Angeles Knows This Shoe Trend Makes Denim Shorts Look Way CoolerDenim shorts never looked so good.
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I'm 5'2" and Hate Baggy Jeans on Me—28 Pants, Skirts, and Shorts I'd Wear InsteadPetite women, listen up.
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So Many Celeb-Loved Jeans Are On Major Sale RN—These 29 Are the StandoutsLevi's 501s: a Hollywood go-to.
