You can find casual shorts for women in various styles and colors. Look for a style that fits you well. If you are still determining which size will do, follow fashion bloggers and publications with a wide audience to see how their clothing looks on different body types.
High-Waisted Shorts
High-waisted shorts are a great summer style, especially for those who want to show off their waistline. You can find these shorts in various fabrics, from casual denim to cotton and linen. They also come in many colors, including neutral shades like black and white. You can pair these shorts with flip-flops or clogs for a casual look. Wear them with a bathing suit or bandeau top for a stylish beachy outfit.
These shorts are flattering for almost any body type. Women with short legs will look great in a shorter hemline, while women with long legs should go for a longer hemline to balance their frame. Women who are plus size or have thick thighs can pull off the look by adding a pair of tights.
You can dress up your high-waisted shorts by tucking a shirt into them or adding a belt. A thin belt is ideal for a casual look, while a thick belt adds a more dramatic touch. You can also wrap a scarf around your neck to add a feminine flair to your outfit. You can add a pair of gold earrings and a baker’s boy hat to make your outfit even more unique. This is a great look for casual parties or date nights with friends.
Paper-Bag Shorts
A fashionable twist on the classic blue denim short, paper-bag shorts feature a high waistline with a belt that ties into a bow in the front. They’re casual shorts for women that are summer staples that you can wear with a tucked-in T-shirt for evening events. Wear a pair with a cinching waistband for extra shape, or try a couple of relaxed linen shorts with a smocked top to look chic and feminine.
The key to styling these trendy shorts is ensuring the bow-tied belt is on show. Avoid covering it up with a tee or bodysuit, and instead, choose tuckable tops, such as a ribbed turtleneck, fitted tank, or light camisole that won’t bunch up around the waistline. A silky button-down blouse or a front-tuck cotton shirt works well too.
You can find paper-bag shorts in pastel colors, such as this cotton pair with a tie waist or go bold with floral prints and bright hues. A pair of espadrilles and a floral hair scarf add the finishing touches to this outfit.
If you’re a little tummy-conscious and don’t want to reveal too much skin, the celebrity stylist suggests wearing paper bag shorts with a fitted top and tucking the front of the shirt in. She says this will draw attention to your waistline and create the illusion of a narrower midsection.
Frayed Shorts
Women’s shorts that look like Swiss cheese or have gently frayed edges are a cute way to show off your personality without being too revealing. You can create this style at home by using a ruler and cutter to slice along the edge of your pants or shorts, then running them through the wash and dryer to loosen and fray the threads around the cut edges. If you’re concerned about the cut edges becoming too see-through, try using chalk to mark how long you want your shorts to be before cutting.
Denim shorts can look especially cool when you add a little embellishment, such as grommets, studs, or crystals. You can also find them in printed styles, such as camo, flowers, or fake animal skin prints. If you’re petite, a high-waisted pair with a cinched waist or crossover detailing can work wonders to lengthen your legs instantly.
Another option for casual shorts that are perfect for warm weather is a linen style. Linen is light and airy, and you’ll find many styles that come in solid colors or fun printed options like camo, florals, or cabbage rose prints. Some brands offer a stretch blend for added comfort and range of motion. Pair a pair with a matching linen vest or blouse and sandals for an outfit that’s ready for anything summer throws your way.
Linen Shorts
Linen shorts offer a chic, stylish summer look for women. You can find linen shorts in various colors that pair well with any casual shirt. They’re breathable and cool to the touch, and they look great even with a few wrinkles. Try pairing them with your favorite pair of espadrilles or sneakers for a comfortable outfit for hot weather wear. If you do a high-waisted linen shorts outfit, ensure the top is tucked in to look polished.
You can pair them with a white linen button-down shirt for a casual date night outfit or a striped tank top for a laid-back vacation look. Just be careful not to overdo it with the patterns and prints because linen can get a little baggy, especially if you go with a wide-leg style. Sticking to a color palette of white, beige and black will keep your look streamlined.