For the past few summers, I’ve noticed I buy fewer denim shorts and wear the ones I own even less. I honestly thought I had fallen out of love with how I look in shorts but I don’t think that’s true! What is probably more true is that I needed a refresh.
I’m ashamed to say I never owned a pair of linen shorts before I stumbled across this pair in TJ Maxx. Michael Kors has these priced at $98 but they are being sold at TJ’s for $20. I’ve seen these at stores like Old Navy and Target so you don’t have to go searching hard to find them. Colors like white, tan, and black are more popular because they are easy to style but these are offered in many colors and patterns. You can even buy a matching button-down top to with it. Similarly to the linen shorts, I’m seeing a lot of younger girls wearing men’s boxer-style shorts. They look basically the same so I have included those on our inspo board.
Inspiration from Pinterest
Of course, the next step is to go home and play dress-up. I’m not sure if you do this, but while I am shopping, I mentally think about where I can wear something and what I can wear it with. A crucial part of this process is Pinterest. As I did with the Graphic T + Long skirt post, I created a Pinterest board for us to keep track of our inspo. Believe it or not, when I need an outfit I refer back to my pins all the time!
Honestly, up until very recently, I thought they were exclusively something you wear on a beach vacation. That went out the window when I saw them being worn with gym shoes, graphic Tees, and crop tops. Looks like linen shorts are pretty versatile after all.
My Pinspired Looks
Sporty
If you want to look comfortable and ready for anything, wear your linen shirt with an oversized T and gym shoes. I saw lots of girls wearing them with their Samaba’s by Addidas but any cute gym shoe works. I styled them with Air Force ones and ankle crew socks. You can do a tone-on-tone, monochrome look if you choose a shirt that is the same or similar to the shorts. Or, add in some personality and color with a cool graphic T. Then, of course, add jewelry and shades.
The relaxed fit of the short and oversized shirt makes this a really good outfit to wear on those hot and sweaty summer days. This outfit performed amazingly in the 107-degree Arizona weather this past weekend. I was sweaty but didn’t have to deal with my clothes sticking to my body or sweat stains.
Classy
The key to making your linen shorts outfit look classy may lie in the tuck. Tuck that shirt in friend, and maybe add a belt for good measure! Whether you are wearing linen shorts with an oversized boxy tee, a satin camisole, or a matching linen top, the outfit looks polished and sophisticated with the right tuck. I love gold jewelry so I added a gold chain belt and matching necklace but you can be as creative as you want with accessories.
Relaxed
Even though we can wear linen shorts for multiple occasions, they really do shine in the relaxed, vacation setting. Lots of women wear them as a chic swimsuit cover-up. I wore a crop tank and matching shirt, which made it feel resort dinner-ready.
Playful
If none of those outfit pairings work for you, think outside of the box! For me, that was choosing this denim vest as a top. A suit-wear vest would probably also look cute. I would suggest trying on the different tops in your wardrobe and seeing which one gives a unique look. You might stumble across something totally cute and uniquely you! Anyone can go out and buy what they see a girl online wearing but if you really want to make something fit your lifestyle, first try to make it work with the things you already own.
So, whether you’re going for sporty, classy, relaxed, or playful, linen shorts can be your new summer staple. Don’t be afraid to mix and match with what you already have in your wardrobe and get creative! Check out our Pinterest board for more inspiration and let your personal style shine through. Happy styling!
