Today I’ll be talking about ways you can dress up a pair of shorts to take them from casual to, well, more-than-casual. I’d definitely dress up shorts to wear on a summer date night or out to dinner with friends.
Here are my tips for elevating your shorts:
- Wear them with a pretty print shirt (I’m talking SHIRT shirt here, not a knit shirt or tee). Prints that are eye-catching, but a little less “busy” are great for an elegant look.
- White shorts or black shorts almost always look more dressy than tan or khaki chino shorts, and definitely more dressy than denim shorts.
- Statement jewelry can make even the most basic, boring tee look like you dressed up.
- Wearing heeled sandals or wedges elevates your look literally and figuratively.
- Scarves can also bring up the dressiness-factor of a shorts and tee or tank outfit.
Here are a couple of examples featuring the same plain white chino shorts and metallic wedge sandals. Shopping links are below each.
Shop This Look:
- Top — Stitch Fix (41Hawthorn Breyson Pleated Detail Blouse), $58; similar, similar
- Shorts — J.Crew, $45, I got them on sale for $19.99
- Sandals — Born Lisi Metallic Wedges, Amazon, $97
- Bracelets — Baublebar, $35 (sold out); similar, similar
- Earrings — Kate Spade, via Rocksbox [promo code EVERYDAYJENXOXO will get you 1 month free!]; $48 at Amazon
Shop This Look:
- Top — Nordstrom, $22
- Shorts — J.Crew, $45, I got them on sale for $19.99
- Sandals — Born Lisi Metallic Wedges, Amazon, $97
- Necklace — Perry Street, via Rocksbox [promo code EVERYDAYJENXOXO will get you 1 month free!]; $48 at Amazon
- Bag — DSW ($49, sold out), similar, similar
I wouldn’t wear these shorts into the office (or classroom!) because they’re just not quite long enough. You can wear some shorts to offices nowadays, but office-worthy shorts should be longer, like just above the knee, and should be in a dressier material, not chino. Of course it all depends on the office, so I’m just speaking generally. What are some ways you dress up your shorts?
