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Fashionable outfits with shorts: What is the best way to style shorts?

Explore the most popular types of shorts for both men and women

Thanks to their versatility, shorts are a real must-have for any summer wardrobe. Once you've found the perfect pair, you can use them to create elegant, casual or sporty outfits. Read on to find out how to choose and style the right pair for you.

Contents

Different types of shorts

As soon as it starts to get warmer and sunnier, it's time to think about the perfect outfit with a pair of shorts. Below we'll show you different styles of shorts for men and women and which types of shorts you should wear for different occasions.

Denim shorts: a popular style of shorts for both men and women

Timeless | versatile | hard-wearing

Every wardrobe should have a pair of denim shorts – they’re perfect for a casual summer look. Timeless and available in a variety of designs, they allow you to find the perfect pair to suit your personal style. Denim shorts are very durable and can be worn time and time again.

Women’s denim shorts

Men’s denim shorts

Chino shorts: an elegant choice for both men and women

Smart | stylish | classic

Chino shorts are the perfect choice for any summer occasion. With their straight fit and lightweight cotton fabric, they are versatile and can be worn with a blouse or shirt for both meetings and parties with friends. Chino shorts look particularly elegant in light cream colours, making them an absolute must-have for your wardrobe.

Chino shorts for men

Elegant shorts for women

Bermuda shorts: casual shorts for both men and women

Casual | loose-fitting | comfortable

Bermuda shorts are the perfect choice for a casual look and ideal for holidays or relaxed strolls around town. These types of shorts are slightly longer and looser fitting for a very comfortable feel. Bermuda shorts in colourful patterns will instantly make you feel like summer has arrived. With designs in muted colours and high-quality materials, they can be worn for both casual and special occasions.

Cargo shorts: trendy and sporty shorts for both men and women

Trendy | practical | sporty

Cargo shorts are easily identifiable by their large pockets. Practical yet stylish, they are the perfect choice for outdoor adventurers and urban explorers. Combined with a casual shirt or a smart top, they can be worn to create a smart-casual outfit with shorts in no time at all. Cargo shorts are ideal for anyone who loves keeping active or going hiking.

Cargo trousers for women and men

Jogger shorts: very comfortable shorts for men and women

Comfortable | sporty | casual

Are you looking for an extremely comfortable pair of shorts? Jogger shorts could be just what you need. Made from soft, loose-fitting material, they are ideal for everyday wear, going to the gym or staying active. They can also be worn around the house on days when you want to relax.

Men‘s and women’s jogger shorts

Cycling shorts: athletic shorts for men and women

Sporty | form-fitting | fashionable

Cycling shorts are like short leggings, mainly worn by cyclists. However, these shorts are becoming increasingly popular outside of the world of cycling. They can be worn to create a fashionable, sporty outfit when paired with a blazer, a long blouse, or oversized shirt. When combined with a tracksuit top and T-shirt, these breathable shorts offer the comfort you need for keeping fit.

Paperbag shorts: chic shorts for women

Elegant | chic | smart

Paperbag shorts sit at the waist and are usually fastened with a small belt. They get their name from the way they sit around your waist, resembling a tied-up paper bag. Paperbag shorts are very chic and accentuate your waist. They can be worn to work meetings or for a fashionable casual look.

Find your new favourite pair of shorts

Shorts guide for women: How to style different types of shorts

From casual to chic, a pair of shorts are always a great choice, allowing you to create stylish outfits for all occasions. Read on to find out how to incorporate shorts into your everyday outfits.

  • Elegant outfits with shorts: If you like wearing elegant outfits or are looking for something to wear to a formal occasion, consider paperbag or chino shorts. These types of shorts can be effortlessly combined with a smart blouse or stylish top to create a wonderful outfit. Depending on the occasion, you can complete your look with ballerina pumps, espadrilles or high heels.

  • Work-appropriate shorts styles: If your workplace allows it, you can wear shorts to work. Choose high-quality fabrics such as cotton or linen, and consider longer styles such as Bermuda or chino shorts. Combine them with a blazer and ballerinas to round off your look for work.

  • Ideal shorts for workouts and sporty styles: If you prefer a sportier outfit, athleisure is the perfect fashion trend for you. To achieve this look, pair jogger or cycling shorts with a loose-fitting hoodie or a top. Complete the look with a pair of trainers.

  • Casual outfits with shorts: Combine cargo shorts with a loose T-shirt for the perfect casual summer look. Depending on your style, a leather jacket, blouson or bomber jacket would be a fantastic addition. Finish off your summer look with a pair of sandals or light leather boots.

Tip

How to find the perfect pair of shorts for your body shape:

→ Short, petite women should opt for high-waisted shorts to create the illusion of longer legs.

→ Taller or curvier women can also emphasise their legs with shorter styles. However, longer styles, such as Bermuda shorts, also look fantastic.

Men’s shorts styles: How to choose the right type of shorts for every occasion

Summer is the perfect time to create an airy look with a pair of shorts. Below, we will show you different ideas for stylish outfits with shorts, ranging from casual to smart.

  • Smart casual outfits with shorts: You can't go wrong with a pair of high-quality chino or Bermuda shorts for family celebrations and meeting up with friends. Combine them with a polo shirt or a casual shirt for a chic look, which you can complete with matching sandals or trainers.

  • Shorts for keeping fit and playing sports:Jogger shorts are the perfect choice for a sporty look. Wear them with a T-shirt, hoodie or a tracksuit top and a pair of trainers.

  • Men’s shorts for a trendy street style: Pair cargo shorts with a light button-down shirt for a great streetwear look. Finish off your outfit with a leather or bomber jacket.

  • Casual outfits with shorts: Bermuda shorts are a fantastic choice for a trendy casual look. They go well with patterned shirts or plain coloured T-shirts.

Tip

If you want to wear bold-coloured or patterned shorts, the rest of your outfit should be rather simple.

FAQs: How to find your new favourite pair of shorts

Shorts are ideal for hot summer days and, when combined correctly, can make a real fashion statement. Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about finding the perfect pair of shorts.

Is it acceptable to wear shorts to work?

Jobs in marketing and creative industries often have a smart casual dress code, so you could wear shorts to work. However, bear the following in mind:

  • Opt for elegant styles of shorts, such as chinos or Bermuda shorts.

  • If possible, choose shorts made of cotton or linen.

  • Darker colours, pastel shades and white are the best options. Dark blue shorts always look smart.

  • Complete your look with a smart blazer or jacket. Men can also choose a matching belt.

What are the best shorts for thick thighs?

You can wear any type of shorts that you feel comfortable in. However, we recommend choosing longer, looser-fitting shorts for a good fit and a comfortable feel. They will also flatter your thighs. You could also opt for dark-coloured shorts, which will make your legs appear slimmer.

How warm does it need to be to wear shorts?

Many people ask themselves this question: What temperature do you consider to be ‘shorts weather’? Whether or not you can wear shorts depends on your personal temperature sensitivity and the activities you have planned. You can wear shorts for sports when the temperature is around 10 °C. For a casual look, shorts are recommended when the temperature is between 20 and 25 °C.

Conclusion: Discover different types of shorts to suit every style and occasion

With such a wide variety of styles, fabrics and combinations available, shorts are an essential item for every wardrobe, whether you're going for a casual, chic, sporty or elegant look. Consider the occasion when choosing the perfect pair so you can create an outfit with shorts that showcases your personal style and looks great.

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Image sources in chronological order in the text

Cover photo: iStock.com/Wavebreakmedia
1st image in the text: iStock.com/Zoran Zeremski
All other images in the text: C&A