There’s no mistaking it: women’s shorts are the comfiest and most reliable clothing pieces for any warm-weather wardrobe. Micro-minis, Y2K revivals like ugg boots, and slip dresses may be in the spotlight lately, but the power of a good pair of shorts for women stands the test of time.
Women’s shorts are flattering, versatile, and stylish like dresses, skirts, and pants. They can be even more practical and versatile than dresses and skirts, mainly when it’s warm yet windy. So we put five super flattering short styles every woman should have in her closet.
Our favorite types of footwear to style with your flattering pair of women’s shorts include casual classics like sneakers, flats, flip-flops, sandals, and even trainers. You can also wear a chunky heel or platforms to dress up your shorts or rock a pair of your favorite open-toe booties.
Chunky platforms may be having a moment right now, but shorts are not just reserved for casual occasions. The perfect pair of shorts can also work in fancier and dressier situations, like weddings, cocktail hour, or even the office.
In saying so, you should trade up your casual sneakers and sandals for a nice pair of satin-heeled or strappy sandals. Make sure to wear an oversized blazer or coat to bump up the sophistication factor of your official outfit.
Women’s shorts can be tricky if you pick the wrong top. It can make or break your entire outfit. The first mistake you should avoid is choosing a top that will make your shorts appear chunky, if not dumpy.
The right top will make your shorts look fresh and even more flattering. If recent fashion trends stick around, you probably want to reach for a short top like a baby tank top. Bodysuits, button-down blouses, and shirts that you can tie at the waist are ideal.
If you want to style a pair of flattering high-waisted shorts, leotards are a no-brainer for your top. However, if you wish to wear longer, baggier tops, it pays to tuck them in. You can use the French tuck or tuck your top in entirely – both can do the trick.
About anything goes when it comes to wearing flattering shorts with outerwear. However, a fitted crop top or graphic soft tee is ideal for keeping things cozy and straightforward with your figure-beautifying shorts. Meanwhile, shorter tucked-in shirts, button-downs, and tops call for equally short outerwear. So grab a sweater or jacket that reaches mid-hip or higher for the most flattering silhouettes.
An oversized cardigan is another great choice of outerwear. Make sure the cardigan hits the half or lower when wearing flattering shorts. The resulting look is chic yet charmingly eccentric without the need for too much effort.
Shawls (oblong scarves) can also serve as beautiful outerwear with shorts during warm-weather seasons. This is especially the case if you spend most of your time indoors revving the air conditioning. The scarf will keep you warm and toasty in AC and can also safeguard your skin from sunburns outside. You can fold your scarf and tuck it away in your tote bag or office drawer without much fuss when you don’t need it.
In our humble opinion, linen and linen-blend shorts are some of the most flattering and comfiest bottoms you can find today. They’re a little sexy and keep things breezy and lightweight for you throughout the warm-weather season. Their flowy fabric and relaxed silhouette comfortably contour your body. They are a perfect choice for anyone with an apple-shaped body type.
However, proper linen outfits tend to wrinkle, so these shorts are best reserved for casual circumstances. They come in various fabulous colors, ranging from neutrals to mood-lifting yellow mellow. Even more exciting, you can whip up many different flattering outfits. For one thing, mixing and matching textures help create some of the best outfits. For a sexy outfit, pick a Victorian-style lace top and complete it with a pair of chic strappy sandals.
For some contrast, stick with chunky tops like a cardigan or any knitwear. We love when a pair of linen shorts perfectly matches a lightweight sweater or graphic tee. If you’re after a formal outfit for work, create a clean look by pairing your linen shorts with a matching linen blazer.
A stimulating pair of denim shorts can take your wardrobe from drab to fabulous. Opt for a shorter denim pair with dressed details and a frayed hem that’s still “clean” or put together for a more flattering silhouette. Despite their itty-bitty length, these shorts are flattering, sexy, and surprisingly comfortable.
Pick a pair that best fits your body type, sense of fashion, and personality. After all, denim shorts come in washes, fits, lengths, and rises. Wear this true short classic style with a boho long-sleeve top or a flattering button-down and sneakers. You can also make them more formal with heeled sandals and an oversized blazer.
High-waisted shorts, especially darker-colored high-rise denim shorts, are delightfully flattering, and the comfort is out of this world. They accentuate your waist, making them a good pick for anyone with an apple-shaped or hourglass body type.
Top-wise, pick a simple piece like a button-down or a plain white blouse to place all the emphasis on the high-rise shorts. After all, you want your high-waisted beauties to hog all the limelight. For a cuter, more laid-back look, you can’t go wrong with the combination of a good graphic tee and high-rise shorts.
Pairing black shorts with white tops is a failsafe classic color palette. For instance, wearing black high-rise denim shorts and a white cropped top is an easy outfit you can use to pull off the flattering silhouette.
Bermuda shorts with cuffed hems provide extended length for those who wish to have more coverage during cool weather. Pull-on design on long shorts is a true game-changer, especially if the waist sports an elastic band for added comfort and tummy control, helping you feel more confident in your appearance. In addition, Bermuda creates an elongating effort for women with pear body types, as the hemline drops well below the lower thighs. These long shorts can be a lifesaver on those warm, windy summer days when you can’t wear a sundress or skinny jeans.
You don’t have to overthink Bermuda shorts. Instead, keep things simple and casual with a slim black or white tank top and low-top sneakers. You can also wear longer, oversized leather Bermudas and a cashmere sweater for a more luxurious vibe. A bit of platform on your shoes makes long shorts feel sexier and more feminine. But don’t overdo the height. A short pair of stiletto heels (kitten heels) is the perfect match for your pull-on Bermuda shorts.
You’re not alone if you were not a big fan of biker shorts when they arrived on the scene. However, today’s high-rise workout or cycling shorts provide plenty of nifty features, like a butt-lifting high waist, comfortable fit, and chic yet uber-breathable fabrics. These trendy shorts are not only comfy but super flattering for just about anybody type. Instead, they are usually crafted from athleisure materials, helping contour your hips, legs, and thighs like no one’s business.
Style-wise, exercise shorts are a match made in heaven for sweatshirts and graphic tees, creating a casual dynamic duo. Not just that, you can also dress up your biker shorts with a structured blazer and a dressy belt at the waist. If you want to make them look more expensive and stylish, go for box-like handbags and layered jewelry.
Conclusion
You have it — five styles of shorts sure to flatter any body type. High-waist shorts, frayed denim shorts, high-rise cut-offs, and Bermuda shorts are all must-have short styles in your wardrobe for the warm weather.