I've Worked It Out—These Are the 7 Best Shoes to Wear With Long Shorts

After so many months of paying our dues in thick, woolly layers, at last, the sun is rearing its head and it's time to celebrate in the only way we know how—through clothing.

Excitingly for us there are some fresh summer trends entering the rotation this year—including my new favourite trouser trend: long shorts. A pallet cleanser to the micro shorts that have dominated fashion crowds and runways for so long, this season, the laid-back long shorts trend is on the up and honestly, I don't think that shorts have every looked chicer.

Still new on the scene, I've rounded up seven of the chicest shoe pairings that always look good with long shorts, in order to give you a head start on styling the trend. Read on to discover the seven best shoes to wear with long shorts below.

DISCOVER THE CHICEST SHOES AND LONG SHORTS PAIRINGS HERE:

1. MARY JANES

Influencer wears long shorts and mary janes

(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Style Notes: Adding a pretty and feminine edge to your daily styling, the mary jane shoe trend is a summer wardrobe staple. Giving the relaxed shorts a smarter edge, this clever combination makes for an elegant outfit that you can style throughout the working week and beyond.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND MARY JANES:

2. BALLET FLATS

Influencer wears long shorts and ballet flats.

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

Style Notes: I'll always come back to ballet flats when I want to inject a classy edge. Leaning in to the elegant nature of the longer hemline, ballet flats and long shorts work together to give your outfit an ultra-polished energy.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND BALLET FLATS:

3. THONG SANDALS

Influencer wears long shorts and thong sandals.

(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

Style Notes: Lightweight, casual and perfect for hot summer days, thong sandals are the trending shoe silhouette that you can catch me in all summer long. Wear with long-line shorts for a breezy weekend look, and dress your style up with a boxy blazer or button down.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND THONG SANDALS:

4. SLINGBACKS

Influencer wears long shorts and slingbacks.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Slingback shoes are one of my favourite footwear trends of the year. Classy, comfortable, and so very elegant, the sleek silhouette delivers a graceful look every time. To style an outfit that feels both trendy and timeless, pair your favourite slingbacks with longline denim shorts and style with a white tee or shirt.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND SLINGBACKS:

5. CAGED SHOES

Influencer wears long shorts and caged shoes.

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: If you're living out the summer months in a city, then the caged sandal trend is the one you need to know. More protective that a strappy sandal or mesh flat, these chunky shoes ensure a comfortable stride and a chic silhouette. Wear with long denim shorts for an easy ensemble you can feel comfortable in all day long.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND CAGED SHOES:

6. COWBOY BOOTS

Influencer wears long shorts and cowboy boots.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Though we're well into the summer months now, the cowboy boots trend continues to thrive. Styling so well with long cotton and denim shorts, the easy combination will keep you comfortable and cosy on those cooler summer days.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND COWBOY BOOTS:

7. TRAINERS

Influencer wears long shorts and trainers.

(Image credit: @kingharriett52)

Style Notes: Sporty shorts and chunky trainers are the unsung hero of my weekend wardrobe. Lean in to the comfortable energy and style with a roomy jumper, otherwise throw on a cotton shirt or boxy blazer to dress up your look.

SHOP LONG SHORTS AND TRAINERS:

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Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.