Top: Rented c/o Rent the Runway (I went with my normal size but I’ll say it was snug in the ribcage–if you have a wider ribcage I would skip this one! LOVED it though! Code RTRJESSKEYS gets you 40% off your first two months of the 10 item plan!), Shorts: Abercrombie (TTS), Sunnies: Shopbop
White shorts are one of my #1 favorite summer staples. Of course, the classic cutoff jean shorts are a must-have–but something about white shorts just feels fresh, and slightly more elevated! So, in honor of one of my favorite summer must-haves, I’m rounding up lots of white shorts outfit ideas here, so you’re never left wondering how to style white shorts!
First up, if you’re in the market for a new pair of white shorts, I’m highlighting some favorites below!
Love my Ophelia & Indigo floral flowy top paired with white shorts!
Best pairs of white shorts:
1.White denim jean shorts:
I have owned and loved these white A.Golde Parker Long shorts for over a year now and I adore them. Not remotely see through, so soft and comfortable, and aren’t TOO short. Run TTS.
2.Everlane way high shorts:
I have a very old iteration of these shorts (see photos below) but they still make them and they get great reviews! I think they’re the perfect length to still be polished, the pocket placement is super flattering, and they are easy to dress up or down! (It’s hard to find shorts that look nice with heels, and this pair accomplishes that!)
3. Madewell patch pocket shorts:
If you like a patch-pocket look (i.e. not ripped, a bit more polished) but want a shorter-short, this looks like a great pair!
4. Alo white bike shorts:
I LOVE my white Alo bike shorts and they’re one of my most worn pairs of comfy shorts. For both workout and athleisure, I think they look so cute with everything and are the perfect mix of all-day comfort and support.
5. Abercrombie linen blend pull-on shorts:
I got these last year and adore them. They’re so, so comfy. I love that they’re high waisted and longer so they provide the perfect amount of coverage for my almost 35-year old comfort level when wearing a crop top. 😂 TTS, I wear a small.
Honorable mention: Reformation Francis shorts:
I’ve had these in my cart for a while but have yet to pull the trigger–(do I really need another pair of white shorts? Probably not–but if you do, I had to include them here!) They’re so stylish and remind me of throwback country-club vibes in the best way. Would also be great for work because they’re long, super chic and polished, but keep you cool on hot days!
What to wear with white shorts:
Button down shirts:
Pairing white shorts with a button-down shirt is a great way to get a breezy, spring/summer look. I like this combo best with an Oxford, or even a chambray/denim shirt! You can layer it over a crop top/sports bra a second layer or wear it buttoned down the front. Inspired by Annie in Father of the Bride Part II, this was my pregnancy outfit formula, but I still wear it all the time now, too! I love AYR’s “The Deep End” button downs or Summersalt’s button downs especially!
Stripes:
Speaking of fun prints. A pair of white shorts and a striped top is a perfect combo. (If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I’m a big fan of stripes.) Whether that’s a chic black and white tee (like my AYR go-to) or a fun bold striped button down (I love this one–it’s so light and perfect for summer). You can’t go wrong with stripes!
Tanks:
What’s a more classic go-to than a tank and shorts? Versatile, flattering, and ideal for the hot summer weather. When you can’t layer up your outfits like you can in the fall, you need to be really choosy about your pieces, and a tank is always a good choice with shorts if you want to keep it cool but chic. I love Everlane’s Air cami and J.Crew’s square neck tank (looks like a bodysuit without the wedgie!) For a dressier tank, I have owned and loved Sezane’s lace-trim camisole for many years and it’s always a slam dunk with anything you pair it with.
Crop tops:
I love a fun crop top for a night out, whether you’re with your girlfriends or on a date! If you’re worried about showing too much skin, this is where high-waisted, longer shorts come in (like the ones linked above!) The combo works every time and can be dressed up or down, depending on your crop top and accessory choice. I just wore this combo in Napa and I loved it!
Flowy blouses:
For a feminine look that’s always fresh and chic, wear your white shorts with a flowy blouse. Since white shorts go with pretty much anything, you can pick a top in any color you’d like. (Even white! I love white on white!) Or you could try a flowy blouse in a fun print! (I’ve especially been loving the blouse I tried on here!)
The white shorts will keep your outfit balanced out no matter how bold your top is, so go with a large print or small print—whatever aligns with your personal style.
White on white (monochromatic) color scheme:
Speaking of, monochrome outfits can be considered a trend, but I personally think they’re always classic and never go out of style. It’s one of the easiest ways to wear white. No matter what, a single tone outfit looks modern and chic. To style a white monochrome look, just collect white pieces and build them up and edit down until you get the elegant look you were searching for. Don’t worry about matching the white hues either–it’s not supposed to be perfect. (I pair ivory with stark white all the time!)
Dress up with a subtle heel:
White shorts are pretty versatile. If you want to dress them up, pair them with a subtle heel. The longer the short, the higher the heel you can get away with while still looking classy!
Dress down with sneakers or Birkenstocks:
If you want to dress your white shorts down, you can’t go wrong with sneakers (my favorites over here) or a casual sandal like Birkenstocks. (A favorite combo of mine!) The neutral colors always go well with white and together they give a laid-back look that’s perfect for spring or summer. So, if you want an easy weekend outfit–reach for your favorite birks!
White short outfit ideas:
Puff Sleeves & High Waisted White Shorts
This look is easy and casual, but really flattering. The puff sleeves and the wide leg shorts create an hourglass shape— which is good for every body type. Just two pieces can do so much when styled like this!
The bold statement of the red top combined with the white shorts could easily be dressed up if you wanted, but I went with a more beachy look here. To do that, I accessorized with linen ball hoop earrings and Madewell boardwalk t-straps. You could continue that “natural” color with a straw hat or a rattan handbag if you like.
Square Neck Linen Tanks with Casual White Shorts
I love a print top with white shorts, and I especially like these ones, because the base colors are also white. Each top has a square neckline (those are my fave) and blue as the accent color. Both elements are easy to style, so accessorizing is a piece of cake. I chose Tuckernuck flower rattan earrings and espadrilles, because it’s casual enough for a lazy Sunday, but dressed up enough for brunch or a shower.
White and Emerald Summer Look
Pairing emerald with white creates bold, graphic contrast that I can’t get enough of. I’ve found so many green tops I love to wear with these shorts! Grab a button-up, a puff-sleeve blouse, or a smock top, because the flowy style will look visually interesting with your stiffer white shorts.
In this outfit, I went neutral with my shoes, but I couldn’t help doubling-down on the emerald with statement earrings. There are a lot of bold green accessories out there. Don’t be afraid to layer it up. (But don’t let it get too magically delicious, if you know what I mean haha.)
White Biker Short Set & A Chambray Button Down
For a casual weekend look perfect for errands, cleaning, appointments, or chasing a toddler around, go with this white biker shorts look. This outfit is super flattering and highlights all your best features with the form-fitting and high-waisted shorts paired with the cropped workout shirt. Over it, I layered a denim button-up to give it a little color and dimension. To finish the look, I slipped on my favorite white sneakers.
1 / 2 (another color here) / 3 / 4
Pinstripes and White Biker Shorts Outfit
Here are the stripes that I love! The top I’m wearing is definitely vibrant, and I’m all about that. I paired it with simple biker shorts and Birkenstocks to soften it up and keep it from feeling overpowering. There’s another version with dainty spring shades in a trendy color block style and a straight-forward yellow striped top too. You can’t really go wrong with any of the shirts! This look is casual, chic, and fun.
Monochrome White Shorts Outfit
Here’s a monochrome look that’s super polished and flattering. Styling couldn’t be easier. The outfit base is white shorts, a white tank, and white sneakers. It’s a bit too simple as is, so to make it more interesting, I tied off the tank top, wore a silk scarf headband, and rocked some red lipstick. Is it cheating in a monochrome look to add color through make-up? I don’t think so. (Also, don’t care.)
Neutral White Shorts Outfit
For this look, I went tonal. The top is a black and white horizontal striped shirt french tucked into high waisted white shorts. That alone really works, but I made a continuous choice to wear nude shoes, because I knew it’d elevate the look and make my legs look longer. It’s a pretty casual, neutral look, but to give yourself a little flare for confidence, wear red lipstick! (A lot of life’s problems can be solved with red lipstick FYI.)
Parisian Date Night White Shorts Outfit
This is the ideal everyday white shorts outfit. Whether you have casual dinner reservations or you’re headed to the farmer’s market, this outfit will be cute, appropriate, and, most importantly, comfy!
The base consists of white denim shorts with a frayed hem and a French-inspired striped long sleeve top. (Here’s a Target dupe that’s only $12!) To dress it up, I added a tied white sweater, a silk hair scarf, and sunglasses. I wasn’t feeling heels, and this outfit doesn’t really demand them since it’s already balanced between formal and casual—so, I went with my trusty Birkenstocks!
1 / 2 (also love this one) / 3 / 4
Monochrome White Shorts Look
This last look plays on the monochrome trend. Styling an outfit in all one color is a great way to elevate it and a great way to slim the body. This outfit combines a modern open-knit sweater tank, its matching cardigan, and a pair of white denim dad shorts for a simple yet sophisticated white shorts outfit.
For accessories, definitely go with white sneakers (you can never go wrong with white sneakers, but that’s especially true in this case.) However, for jewelry don’t don a bunch of white pearls. Add a dimension to the all-white look by wearing statement earrings or even a colored handbag. The look could maybe use a pop of color, if that’s your style! (Or, if you have a problem wearing all-white after Labor Day—just kidding, I am pretty sure no one actually follows this fashion “rule.”)
White Denim Shorts Vacation Look
This next look will have you dreaming of your next vacation. (Might I suggest Cabo?) Pair white denim shorts with a Farm Rio top. The silky fabric, tropical colors, and beautiful detailing is beautifully tamed by the rough hem shorts. Then, all you need is sunglasses, cat eye sunnies, and a simple necklace to draw it all together for the ultimate beachy look!
Classy and Casual White Shorts Outfit
Here’s another easy look to style, and it’ll have you dreaming of warm weather. To recreate this warm weather look, pick your favorite Abercrombie ruched puff short sleeve top and pair it with white linen shorts. Then, accessorize with statement earrings, a woven handbag, and simply strappy sandals. It’s classy, casual, and chic.
White shorts create the perfect opportunity for a simple and sophisticated warm weather look!
I hope these outfits inspired your own white shorts looks! They really are one of the best ways to get an easy and chic summer or spring ensemble. Just pair the shorts with complimentary pieces and enjoy some sun as the temperature finally starts to rise. You can find more ways to build next season’s wardrobe on the style section of my blog, and don’t forget to keep up with all my summer shenanigans on my Insta!
