9 Non-Dated Ways to Wear Shorts This Summer

No matter where you live in this vast country of ours, at one point or another, you're probably going to want to wear shorts during the summer. But as far as summer staples go, shorts aren't exactly the most fail-safe item to style. There are many different types of shorts, and figuring out what to wear with them can take a bit of trial and error. 

Shorts trends don't change all that often (just consider how long bike shorts and cutoff denim shorts have been a thing), so coming up with fresh ways to wear them is of the utmost importance as the weather warms up. Since spring is in full swing and shorts are coming back into our outfit rotation (I don't know about you, but it's going to be 90° this week where I live), now is the perfect time to think about how to put together shorts outfits that aren't just the same old thing. To avoid looks that seem a bit dated, I found nine new ideas for you, as worn by some of Instagram's most stylish. Keep scrolling to find out how to try them for yourself and to shop similar shorts to wear on repeat. 

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Pair khaki shorts with a tank and sweater draped over your shoulders. Complete the look with classic sneakers.

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Make boxer shorts street appropriate by pairing them with a tank and an oversize third piece.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Make your long denim shorts feel even fresher by pairing them with other trends—in this case, a sweater-vest and clogs.

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

The chicest way to wear white shorts is with other white pieces. (Just be sure to avoid the espresso and red wine.)

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Long, fitted denim shorts are best worn with heels (trust me), and something simple and polished like Lucy's cardigan will never look dated.

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

Chloe's barely-there heels and barely-buttoned cardigan make her casual shorts undeniably chic.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

A blazer makes everything better, and the Converse sneakers make everything cooler.

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(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Bike shorts aren't just for workouts, as evidenced by this outfit. All you need is an oversize white button-down and New Balance (or any other) sneakers.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Don't overthink sweatshorts—just add an oversize T-shirt, crew socks, and sneakers and you're out the door.

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Shop More Cute Shorts

Next up, here's how to re-create Hailey Bieber's controversial shorts outfit.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.