Beauty

The Ultimate Guide to Summer Shorts: 4 Styles to Avoid for a Polished Look

Don't make the mistake of investing in these four types of shorts unless you want your style to be "drowned".

16 September, 2024

While shorts are a go-to for beating the heat, not all styles are created equal. Some shorts can actually make you look shorter and less stylish. So, if you want to avoid a fashion faux pas, steer clear of these four types of shorts:

Patterned Shorts

While they may be less eye-catching, plain shorts are more elegant and sophisticated than their patterned counterparts. Bold patterns like plaid, houndstooth, polka dots, and hearts can look tacky and dated on shorts, detracting from your overall style. Instead, opt for solid-colored shorts and play with interesting silhouettes or subtle prints on your top half without going overboard with busy patterns.

Bold patterns can look tacky and detract from your overall style.

Embellished Shorts

Shorts with embellishments such as buttons or beads might appeal to those who favor a more glamorous style. However, these intricate designs are no longer in vogue and can be a hassle to maintain. The embellishments are prone to scratching, fading, or falling off with wear and wash. Therefore, it’s best to avoid investing in these styles, no matter how much you adore them.

High-Waisted, Fitted Shorts

While high-waisted styles are often recommended, this advice typically applies to longer pants or wide-leg silhouettes. When it comes to shorts, a high waist paired with a tight fit can accentuate body flaws. If your waist-to-hip ratio is not well-proportioned, these shorts will only highlight that. They tend to look frumpy and unflattering, regardless of how you style them.

Brightly Colored Shorts

When it comes to shorts, sometimes less is more. Brightly colored shorts can often veer into sportswear or loungewear territory. To maintain a sense of elegance and versatility, stick to neutral or muted shades for your shorts. Classic colors like black or navy are always in style and provide a great base for creating stylish outfits all year round.

Stick to neutral or classic colors for your shorts to maintain elegance and versatility.

Frequently asked questions

Opt for longer lengths that hit around mid-thigh to knee-length. Avoid extremely short styles as they can look unflattering and unbalanced. Go for classic cuts and neutral colors that can be paired with a variety of tops and shoes. Steer clear of excessive details and instead, choose tailored shorts with clean lines for a sophisticated appearance.

Extremely short shorts can often result in an unflattering silhouette, drawing attention away from your overall outfit. They can also be uncomfortable and may restrict your movement. Additionally, very short shorts might not be appropriate for all occasions, especially if you’re aiming for a polished and elegant style during the summer months.

It is best to steer clear of overly distressed or frayed shorts as they can appear too casual and unstructured. Similarly, loud and busy patterns might not suit all tastes and can be challenging to style. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns, and choose structured styles with crisp lines.

Longer shorts offer a great opportunity to play with proportions. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a cropped top to define your waist. You can also add a belt to accentuate your figure. When it comes to shoes, opt for classic sandals, wedges, or even sneakers for a casual-chic vibe.

Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or blends are ideal for staying cool during the warmer months. As for colors, neutrals like beige, navy, white, and black are versatile and timeless. However, don’t be afraid to incorporate pops of color or subtle patterns to add interest to your summer ensembles.