As someone who has always relied on summer dresses to get me through warm weather, shorts haven't featured much in my wardrobe until very recently. I know the pair that convinced me (The Frankie Shop's Lui Boxers), but now that I'm totally sold on a bare-legged summer, I've found it difficult to know how to style my new additions. Well, where shoes are concerned at least. Often, the outfit is complete, be it a button-down, tank top, sweatshirt or blouse, but as soon as it comes to the shoes, it's difficult to keep the momentum going. Are trainers too casual to wear with shorts and a blazer? Are loafers too polished for a sweatshirt and shorts outfit? However, as someone who adores shoes almost as much as I now do shorts, I decided to go in search of some inspiration that would breathe new life into the styles that I already have at home to make outfit building a breeze.
The thing I found most challenging about finding the right shoes to wear with shorts is getting the balance of proportions right. Tiny micro-shorts can be leg-lengthening with the right shoe but can often feel too naked. And, whilst long shorts are currently enjoying a revival, any shoe that cuts you off at the calf is only going to make you look shorter. With all of this in mind, I set about conducting some lengthy try-on sessions and lots of social scrolling to come up with five shoe and shorts combinations that have the fashion-editor stamp of approval.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the shorts and shoe formulas that I'm confident you will agree really are the best.
1. Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Hurrah for sandal season! It only really comes around once a year (and the window for flip-flops is even smaller), so now that the sun is ready to make a regular appearance, schedule your pedicure in preparation for a chic shorts and flip-flops outfit as modelled by Marilyn above. Whether you opt for a casual T-shirt, shorts and rubber flip-flops outfit or dress up a tailored pair with a thong sandal, there's nothing better than this minimalist shoe on a particularly hot day.
Shop Long Shorts:
I'm surprised these haven't already sold out.
Such a cool denim wash.
Yes, you read that price correctly.
Shop Flip-Flops:
Perfect with khaki shorts.
The editor and influencer shoe of choice.
I love this khaki-brown shade.
2. Trainers
Style Notes: The sportier ones amongst you will already be familiar with this age-old combination, as the shorts and trainer pairing will already be in your gym bag. Don't keep this look just for exercising though—it works just as easily for a busy weekend or brunch with friends. Just pair bright shorts with a pair of sporty trainers and keep a jumper to hand for tying around your shoulders (just in case). This look is versatile enough to take you from the great outdoors to lounging at home, so it's well worth re-creating as part of your off-duty uniform.
Shop Sports Shorts:
These come in nine equally cute colours.
Thanks to a Loewe collab, everyone is wearing On training gear right now.
This cute shade of yellow makes me feel happier just by looking at it.
Shop Trainers:
These may even rival Sambas.
The classic choice for denim and dresses.
This chocolate suede has me hooked.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Trust Scandi Anouk Vye to style a French classic like the ballet pump with such European effortlessness. I'm just happy to back any flat-shoe trend which means I don't have to compromise on comfort to get the desired look, and this outfit is a masterclass in how the right shoe can elevate an entire ensemble.
Shop Beige Shorts:
Khaki shorts still feel dressy enough for the office when styled with a crisp white shirt.
These are going to be so popular in high summer.
This entire look is proof of the versatility of beige shorts.
Shop Ballet Flats:
How to up the cool factor.
I'd happily take a pair of these in every colour.
Clean, sleek and simple.
4. Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: There's no need to reinvent the wheel when strappy sandals and shorts look this good together. Honestly, this elegant combo needs no explanation, but I find it looks best when a pair of light and breezy linen shorts are put with a structured, minimalist sandal in brown, black or even red. Take tips from Emily Wells (pictured above) and double up on the linen for a heatwave-ready outfit that spares you the fuss.
Shop Linen Shorts:
The perfect cut.
Not into white linen? How about rusty red?
Don't these just look expensive?
Shop Flat Sandals:
I've been in love with these sandals since I first saw them.
Bravo, Reformation. I immediately want to buy these.
The dressy toe detail really elevates these.
5. Block Heels
Style Notes: Not everyone is a flat-shoe fan, so heel-wearers, this one's for you! Save yourself from tottering around in a mismatched stiletto and shorts combo by opting for a chunky block heel instead. You'll still get the height (and make your legs look impossibly long) without having to suffer for a skinny heel. Wearability is key in summer when the weather is far too hot to deal with extra faff, so take a load off with a dressy shoe that does all the hard work for you.
Shop Tailored Shorts:
Reiss always has the best tailored shorts on the high street.
Another outfit I'd like to screenshot for later.
Clever pleats add structure to an otherwise plain pair of shorts.
Shop Block Heels:
& Other Stories brings this style back year after year in slightly different guises.
Tan, black or green. You decide.
It's not just sandals—these pumps have a demi heel too.
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Alexa Chung and Countless Scandi Fashion People Are Invested in This "Controversial" Shorts Trend Right NowDo I need a pair?
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The Fresh-Looking Shorts Trend Elegant Women Are Wearing with Ballet Flats and Low HeelsA chic alt to blue denim.
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Instead of Jorts, I Keep Thinking About This Elegant, Grown-Up Shorts TrendUndeniably chic.
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From New Season Jackets to Capsule Classics—These 23 H&M Sale Buys Are Worth SeeingThese are sure to sell out.
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3 Sandals Our Editors Think Feel a Little Dated Now, and 6 That Are Much FresherDo you agree with their choices?
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My Maxi Skirt and I Are on a Break—These Celebrity Shorts Outfits Are My New Summer InspoI'm in my shorts era.
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I've Worked It Out—These 8 Classic Top Styles Are the Key to Making Shorts Look Elegant This SummerSee you later, jeans.
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Black Flip-Flops Are a Summer Staple—4 Outfits That Make Them Look So ChicSimple and sophisticated.
