Chic Summer Outfits With Shorts

In my last post, I shared my favorite shorts for summer, and in this post, I’m giving you ten chic summer outfit ideas using the shorts I recommended in that post. For these outfits with shorts, I wanted to keep them chic and elevated. To do this, I chose summer friendly fabrics like linen and cotton and added accessories that complimented the look. Summer dressing is all about bringing together various textures that give the outfit interest without adding any bulk. I’ve linked all the pieces I used for each look, but you can think of these more as summer ‘uniforms’ that you can recreate with similar pieces you have in your closet. In this post, I listed out the basic pieces I recommend having in your summer wardrobe.

Chic Summer Outfits With Shorts

RIBBED TANK + TAILORED SHORTS + MINIMAL SANDALS

chic summer outfit idea with a black tank, white tailored shorts, black strappy sandals, black belt, and a woven tote bag

TANK // SHORTS // SANDALS // BAG // BELT // NECKLACE (STITCHANDSALT FOR $10 OFF)

Why It Works: Try pairing more casual pieces like easy tanks and tees with more dressy pieces like a pair of tailored shorts. I like the mix of black and white in this outfit as well. When wearing a black top, I almost always pair it with a black shoe to ‘sandwich’ the look. Adding accessories like a belt and necklace add some cute details, and the woven bag adds warmth and texture.

SWEATER TANK + DENIM SHORTS + MINIMAL SANDALS

summer outfit idea with a brown sweater tank, tan denim shorts, brown sandals, brown woven tote bag, and tortoiseshell sunglasses

TANK // SHORTS // SANDALS // BAG // SUNGLASSES

Why It Works: Sweater tanks are an easy way to add interest and texture to a more simple outfit with denim shorts. I love the tonal elements in this look as well, but that isn’t always necessary.

LINEN SHIRT + PULL ON SHORTS + MINIMAL SANDALS

chic summer outfit with shorts with a white linen button down, cream colored pull on shorts, brown sandals, brown woven tote bag, and round sunglasses

SHIRT // SHORTS // SANDALS // BAG // SUNGLASSES

Why It works: I’m all for pull-on shorts with an elastic waistband, but I usually prefer to elevate them with a nicer top like this button down in a linen material that’s breathable and lightweight. I paired it with a woven bag and minimal sandals.

LINEN SHIRT + DENIM SHORTS + MARY JANE FLATS

summer outfit with a white linen button down, dark wash denim shorts, white Mary Jane flats, round sunglasses, and a canvas tote bag

SHIRT // SHORTS // FLATS // BAG // SUNGLASSES

Why It Works: Denim shorts are super casual so I typically like to style them with dressier pieces like a linen shirt. I added some sweet Mary Jane flats in a more modern style and a practical canvas bag for an easy summer look. I would probably wear this button down untucked when styling this outfit.

LINEN SHIRT + CROP TOP + LINEN SHORTS + MINIMAL SANDALS

summer outfit with shorts with a black crop top, black linen button down, black linen shorts, a woven tote bag, round sunglasses, and strappy black sandals

SHIRT // CROP TOP // SHORTS // SANDALS // BAG // SUNGLASSES

Why It Works: This chic all black look is one I’ll definitely be wearing this summer. I would wear the linen shirt unbuttoned with the crop top underneath. A woven bag adds some variation in texture and color and the strappy sandals will help keep you cool on a hot summer day.

STRIPED TANK + TAILORED SHORTS + SLIDE SANDALS

chic summer outfit with shorts with a striped tank, tan tailored shorts, cognac slide sandals, brown leather belt, and straw tote bag

TANK // SHORTS // SANDALS // BELT // BAG

Why It Works: This Parisian inspired outfit is minimal yet chic. A striped tank is a must have for summer as it can be paired with so many styles of bottoms. I added some slide sandals and a matching belt to elevate this look.

TEE + TAILORED SHORTS + FISHERMAN SANDALS

chic summer outfit with shorts with a cream colored tee, tan tailored shorts, a woven crossbody bag, gold coin necklace and fisherman sandals

TEE // SHORTS // SANDALS // BAG // NECKLACE (STITCHANDSALT FOR $10 OFF)

Why It Works: I often reach for relaxed fit, lightweight tees in the summertime, but instead of pairing them with denim shorts which would read pretty casual, I like elevating them with a pair of tailored shorts that have some structure and a button closure. I added these cool fisherman style sandals and a woven crossbody bag for accessories.

GREEN TANK + BLACK SHORTS + MINIMAL SANDALS

summer outfit with shorts with an olive green tank, black linen shorts, black strappy sandals, a woven tote bag, black cat eye sunglasses, and silver chunky hoop earrings

TANK // SHORTS (I SIZED DOWN) // SANDALS // BAG // EARRINGS // SUNGLASSES

Why It Works: For this look, I wanted to highlight a color combination I’ve been really into lately – olive green + black. I own this exact tank and these exact shorts, and I plan to wear this exact outfit when the weather warms up.

GRAPHIC TEE + DENIM SHORTS + SLIDE SANDALS

summer outfit with shorts with a white graphic tee, dark wash denim shorts, cognac leather slide sandals, a woven crossbody bag, tortoiseshell sunglasses and a coin necklace

TEE (SIMILAR) // SHORTS // SANDALS // BAG // SUNGLASSES // NECKLACE (STITCHANDSALT FOR $10 OFF)

Why It Works: A tee and denim shorts is a nice outfit combination for casual days especially when I’m planning to spend the day with my kids. In order to dress it up, I skipped the sneakers and, instead, paired this with a pair of classy slide sandals. A woven bag, cat eye sunglasses, and coin necklace complete the look.

LINEN SHIRT + LINEN SHORTS + BALLET FLATS

outfits with shorts with a tan linen button down, white shorts, woven ballet flats, a tan baseball cap, and a gold coin necklace

SHIRT // SHORTS // FLATS (STITCHANDSALT15 FOR 15% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE) // NECKLACE (STITCHANDSALT FOR $10 OFF) // HAT

Why It Works: Here’s another tonal look, this one in shades of white and beige. As you can see, I like having a variety of linen button down shirts in various colors for the summertime. They are chic while still keeping you cool. I added texture with a pair of woven ballet flats (I wear these all the time!) and a baseball cap to make this look more casual.

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