15 Ways To Wear White Shorts For Chic Summer Looks
Shorts season is upon us! If you’re confused about what to wear with your white shorts, it’s your lucky day. We’ve put together a guide for styling this summer wardrobe staple.
When it comes to summer fashion, one must-have item that simply never goes out of style is a pair of white shorts. Whether your personal style is pretty, chic or grungy, there is a way to wear white shorts to suit you and for any occasion. They can be dressed down for summer last-minute plans, dressed up for formal s summer soirees or kept casual for festival season.
White isn’t always the most flattering color, but regardless of your body type, you can find a pair of white shorts to suit you. If your tummy area is problematic, or you get bloated easily – opt for a pair of high-waisted shorts. Or, if you prefer to be more modest, one of the hottest trends this season is a pair of Bermuda shorts. While white is not always the most practical color to wear, nothing quite compares to the elegance of white linen shorts, the comfort of Bermuda shorts, or even the ease of a pair of white denim shorts.
Not only is it a great option for keeping your cool in the warm weather, but it is a versatile piece which can be easily matched with items from your wardrobe to create a range of looks. If you’re confused about what to pair or want a new look – we’ve put together 15 white shorts outfits to style this summer staple.
How To Wear White Shorts
1. White Outfit
Starting with the most obvious option, white on white, will never do any wrong. Whether this means pairing your shorts with a white blouse, or white tee, it’s always bound to look coordinated. Do, however, keep in mind that off-white shades may look mismatched, so go for a bright white for a foolproof summer look.
This is also an easy way to incorporate statement accessories into your look. If you have a brightly colored bag or shoes, or even statement jewelry – now is the time to get it out of the box. Or, if you like a minimalistic look, wear white or strappy sandals with your all-white look.
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Bardot
Callista Vest
At Revolve
LOEWE
+ Paula’s Ibiza Anagram Tote
At Net-A-Porter
2. Black Shirt
Like all-white, black and white is a fantastic combination if you want to achieve a classic look with minimal effort; depending on the style of the shorts, you can contrast it with the style of the top.
A black T-shirt will pair perfectly with denim shorts and a pair of white sneakers for a casual daytime look. Whereas if you prefer to look a bit more ‘put together’ – go for tailored shorts with a black shirt or black blouse.
As for the rest of your outfit, the choice is yours. Either go for a pair of black or white sandals to keep it toned down, or opt for a statement pair of sandals or espadrilles to reflect your personality.
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Reformation
Mason Shorts
At Reformation
Beek
Pato Slide Sandals
At Nordstrom
3. Striped Top
If you’ve been following our recent range of content delving into the fabrics of French style, you’ll know the striped top, otherwise known as La Marinière, is a classic piece with historical significance to back it up.
The stripes take inspiration from the uniform of the French navy, and so pairing this with tailored white shorts makes for the perfect combination. If you want to keep the look casual, wear a pair of boat shoes. Or, for a dressy look – go for a pair of kitten heels.
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FRAME
High Waist Utility Denim Shorts
At Nordstrom
Bottega Veneta
Leather Sandals
At Net-A-Porter
4. Graphic Tee
For a more casual look, pairing white shorts with a graphic tee is a match made in styling heaven. White shorts have the tendency to look a lot more formal than denim shorts naturally, so it can be a challenge to tone them down.
To keep it even more casual, a white denim jacket could look really cool. Or, for an ‘out there’ look – go for a cowboy or straw hat for festival season. In keeping with the casual vibes, there’s no better shoe option here than a pair of cowboy boots for that western-chic aesthetic.
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Re/Done
Originals 50s Cutoffs
At Revolve
Tory Burch
Mini Perry Stripe Raffia Tote
At Nordstrom
5. Bohemian Tops
The best way to beat the summer heat with your look is to go for a more bohemian look. By nature, this aesthetic owes itself to flowy silhouettes and fabrics, making it perfect to incorporate into your summer outfits.
You can pair this with tailored shorts to elevate it or go for a pair of shorts with a flowy shape for a beach-perfect style. If you’re contemplating the latter, take inspiration from celebrity Vanessa Hudgens’ festival looks with a wide-brimmed fedora or straw hat.
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Sanctuary
Rosebowl Shorts
At Revolve
COACH
Tabby Soft Leather Shoulder Bag
At Nordstrom
6. Lace Top
For a chic going-out outfit, pair your white shorts with a lace top. Either opt for something super dainty, like chantilly lace or something with more structure, like a crochet top. This is a great option if you have a formal daytime occasion in the summer and need to keep cool while looking stylish.
If you’re going on a date or meeting friends for dinner, throwing on a white blazer is a great way to bear the cool summer breeze. Otherwise, pair this outfit with a cute wedge sandal.
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MISA Los Angeles
Soleil Shorts
At Revolve
& Other Stories
Chain Motif Square Scarf
At & Other Stories
7. Waistcoat
For a trendy outfit, one of the recently popular options for a chic outfit paired with white shorts is a waistcoat. Though these are usually paired with pants for a formal or office look, they can easily be dressed down with a pair of shorts for an easy breezy summer outfit.
So not to look too sartorial, you can go for more casual-looking accessories. Pair with minimal, neutral accessories for one of the best outfit ideas you’ll have this summer! If you like a model-off-duty look, go for a pair of chunky dad sandals to contrast the otherwise minimal silhouettes.
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PAIGE
Martini Short
At Revolve
Anine Bing
Large Rio Tote
At Revolve
8. Colorful Tops
A great way to incorporate a pop of color into your summer outfit is by pairing your white shorts with a colorful top or jacket.
As we started off by saying, white shorts lend themselves to being able to be coordinated with anything – so you can go completely crazy here. Do be mindful that the color should compliment your skin-tone, but other than that, anything goes.
Vibrant colors would be better suited to pair with the shorts, and it would be a smart idea to think about your accessories beforehand. To let your top be the star of the show, go for a pair of white sandals.
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& Other Stories
Tailored Pleated Knee-Length Shorts
At & Other Stories
Totême
The Ovals Sunglasses
At Nordstrom
9. Button-Down Shirt
If you’re building a summer capsule wardrobe or need to pack light for a vacation – a button-down shirt will work with many different outfits, though it looks particularly chic with white shorts.
A formal shirt can often be misconstrued as only an outfit appropriate for work, but the changing landscape of elegant aesthetics has blurred the lines.
If you like a minimalistic look – nothing can beat a white button-down, especially for the summer. A favorite way of ours to style this is with a linen blazer and sandals for city strolling in the heat.
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Lisa Marie Fernandez
Textured Cotton Blend Tennis Shorts
At Nordstrom
Reformation
Will Oversized Shirt
At Reformation
10. Tank Top
If you’re looking for a simple top to coordinate with white shorts, a tank top is perfect for a hot summer day. This can be in any style, like a crop top or bodysuit, and in a solid color or a pattern, like stripes or polka dots.
Pay attention to the neckline here; a great tip for minimizing broad shoulders is to go for a square-neck tank top.
This is also perfect for catching a tan on your arms if you prefer a more active vacation as opposed to chilling by the pool. You can pair your outfit with a straw or Raffia bag and tan sandals for an Insta-worthy vacation look.
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ALLSAINTS
Astrid Frey Shorts
At Revolve
Anya Hindmarch
Bow Crocheted Raffia Clutch
At Nordstrom
11. Linen Shirt
There is no more classic look than a simple linen white shirt paired with structured white shorts. Linen is a natural fabric, making it lightweight and breathable, and a must-have in any summer wardrobe. It often doesn’t hold any shape, so tuck it into high-waisted white shorts for a sleek and streamlined silhouette.
If you want to incorporate this summer’s hottest shoe, the ballet flat, into your outfit – this is the best outfit they will fit with. This outfit is perfect for brunch, a garden party, or a day-to-night event in the summer.
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A.L.C.
Milos Shorts
At Revolve
Demellier London
The Midi New York
At Demellier London
12. Polo Shirt
Polo shirts are an underrated wardrobe component and are mistakenly thought of as being too preppy – but they are actually the perfect thing to wear with white shorts for the infamous ‘old money’ aesthetic; though, think less logo and more Loro Piana for if that’s the look you are aiming for.
Polo shirts are usually form-fitting, so you can opt for a pair of flowy white linen shorts here to constant the look and keep it comfy for the summer heat. Cinch in your shorts further with a leather belt to break up the look, thus creating the perfect balance.
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Apiece Apart
Francoise Pleated Linen-Cotton Shorts
At Neiman Marcus
Vaincourt Paris
La Petite Merveilleuse Belt
At Neiman Marcus
13. Chambray Shirts
Chambray shirts and tops are another casual outfit idea that goes well with white shorts. You can tuck your shirt in with a belt or leave it untucked; it all depends on your personal preference. A chambray shirt is named as such because it’s made from chambray fabric. This is usually a cotton-linen blend, so it is breathable and perfect for summer months.
Chambray is structured similarly to denim and so is just about as versatile as a denim jacket or shirt. If you’re going for that effortless Scandinavian chic vibe, keep the look clean with slicked-back hair, minimal gold jewelry, and espadrilles, and you’re good to go!
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WeWoreWhat
Trouser Shorts
At Revolve
Mignonne Gavigan
Emma Lux Hoops
At & Other Stories
14. Statement Top
Beige is a classic combination with white shorts. We know that white shorts pair beautifully with all colors, but camel and beige have our hearts. This neutral tone perfectly complements a tan and pairs well with most things you already have in your wardrobe.
To style, we recommend opting for a nude pair of sandals and completing the look with either a white or a nude designer bag. To elevate the look, you can swap your flats for heels and throw on a blazer – such an elegant look!
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Loro Piana
Summer Linen Pleated Crepe Shorts
At Neiman Marcus
Stuart Weitzman
Nudistcurve 75 Sandals
At Nordstrom
15. Blazer
Leaving the chicest option for last, it wouldn’t be an elegant styling guide without mention of a blazer to wear with your pair of white shorts. Of course, blazers are usually part of a more corporate look, certainly not one paired with shorts; however, the right blazer style strikes the right balance between casual and refined style.
Keep the outfit light and airy with linen and cotton fabrics and light colors like white, off-white, or pastels to compliment the subtle tones of the white shorts.
As for the rest of your outfit, assuming you’re planning to wear this outfit during the summer – the best idea is to wear this with sandals or ballet flats to keep you cool and collected.
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Rails
Ilena Shorts
At Revolve
Stuart Weitzman
Lambskin Pearly-Stud Ballerina Flats
At Neiman Marcus
So, there you have it! We hope that we were able to give you several outfit ideas on what to wear with white shorts.
The general rule of looking stylish in the summer months is that less is more. Focus on a few timeless pieces which can be paired in different ways to create the wardrobe of your chic dreams!
For more fashion inspirations and ideas, you can see more from our posts below.
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