How to Look Polished in Shorts Outfits this Summer

Khaki Bermuda Shorts with a White Blazer

If you are interested in minimalist summer outfit ideas styling your wardrobe essentials, including “how to style tips” for women over 40, this blog post and video are for you!  I will share How to Look Polished in Shorts Outfits this Summer – Styling Tips plus elevated outfit ideas. 

If you want to know how to style shorts, including how to dress well and avoid fashion mistakes this summer, you are in the perfect place.  You will learn the style mistakes to avoid, plus get lots of summer outfit ideas for wearing fashionable shorts outfits all summer long. 

Ideal: if you want to know how to look classy on a budget and love fashion over 40, fashion over 50 or fashion over 60 and are looking for how to style shorts this summer.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission for promoting an item if you purchase through the link I have provided. The items selected in this post are products I have promoted because I like them, and the opinions presented are all my own.  For more information, see my blog compensation & disclosure page shown in the header or footer section of this page.

Shoes Create the Outfit Vibe

When building cute outfits with shorts for summer, your shoe choice will dictate your overall look – either casual or elevated. If you are interested in looks with more polish and sophistication, but comfort and wear-ability are important to you, consider adding a pair of metallic shoes and/or sandals to your wardrobe.

If you are hunting for some super comfortable metallic sandals for summer, you may wish to consider the option below from Dream Pairs. They are budget-friendly and very stylish. In addition, for a limited time if you use coupon code: 20Dianne you will receive 20% off any pair of shoes on their site.

The outfits I share in this blog post are all based upon wearing gold shoes and accessories, but you could easily substitute silver shoes and accessories for a similar vibe this summer.

Gold Dad Sandals
DREAM PAIRS Gold Flat Sandals
Silver Flat Sandals
DREAM PAIRS silver flat sandals

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Gold Woven Mules

Khaki Shorts Outfits

Where would we be without our khaki shorts for the summer? Such as timeless piece. Perfect for going on long casual walks or wearing out for a smart casual event.

To create a look with some polish, consider putting on a gold braided belt, and gold jewelry with your long khaki shorts  and black pima cotton V-neck t-shirt. To take this outfit up another notch, slip on these gold woven mules. Not only are these shoes super comfortable, they elevate these closet basics, creating a classic and timeless outfit.

Khaki Shorts Outfit

Style Tip: Wear color block outfits to create a polished look

Color Block Outfits

There is nothing easier to create and more sophisticated to wear than a color block outfit. Make a statement with dressy shorts outfits by styling them with basic capsule wardrobe essentials, such as your black unstructured blazer, black pima cotton v-Neck t-shirt and long khaki shorts, you have the perfect foundation for building fabulous outfits.

To elevate this look, and give it the polish it deserves, consider wearing a pair of gold woven mules, your gold braided belt and gold jewelry for a timeless, elegant look.

Khaki Bermuda Short Outfit

Classic Looks with Bermuda Shorts

So fresh and stylish, slip on your bright white pima cotton V-neck t-shirt  with a pair of long khaki shorts  during summer for a classic look. What makes this outfit stand out are the accessories. By styling this basic outfit with gold accents such as an omega necklace, an omega bracelet, a gold braided belt and gold woven mules, the outfit looks polished and elevated.

T-Shirt and Shorts Outfit

To elevate this look further, add a white linen blend double-breasted blazer with gold button details. 

Khaki Bermuda Shorts and Blazer

Denim Shorts Outfit Ideas

Need cute outfits with jean shorts for summer? Crisp and fresh, you can never go wrong with a bright white pima cotton V-neck t-shirt  and jean shorts for summer. But if you want to look effortlessly chic in this ensemble, consider styling up these wardrobe basics with some stylish gold accessories. These gold woven mules and ivory Tory Burch belt act as a dynamic duo to elevate this very basic outfit.

Style Tip: Consider pairing opposites to create outfit interest.

Style Juxtaposition

We’ve all heard it said that “opposites attract.” While often associated with interpersonal relationships; it certainly applies to fashion too. Styling this beautiful Ralph Lauren navy crested blazer with a pair of light wash distressed jean shorts, a basic white pima cotton V-neck t-shirt, and gold sandals is a beautiful example. The contrast that this pairing creates makes each piece look more interesting, and the entire outfit looks very modern and chic.

Which Black Blazer Looks Best?

While style is very personal, and you should always wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, sometimes we just can’t decide what outfit looks best. When styling these distressed jean shorts, the question came up: Does the black boyfriend blazer or the black fitted blazer look best?

While either of the blazers work, I vote for the black fitted blazer because we can see more of the shorts. The boyfriend blazer looks modern, but creates a more casual vibe because the length of the blazer is quite long and these shorts can get lost. Just my opinion…what do you think?

Style Tip: For a polished look, consider wearing shorts that are longer than your blazer

Dressing for Hot Summer Days

While light wash distressed jean shorts are not for everyone, they have their place in fashion this summer. When paired with elevated wardrobe pieces, these jeans give cool-girl vibes. But, be careful. They also have a high potential for looking too young, unkept and ratty, if not done right. It is not rocket science. Simply wear these denim shorts with a subtle designer piece such as an ivory Tory Burch belt, plus simple gold jewelry and gold sandals. Paired with elevated pieces, these shorts create the perfect amount of interest to make our outfits look very modern. If you are a fan of these shorts, consider wearing them with an olive tank sweater and with some gold “dad sandals” to punctuate your look. 

If these denim shorts are too short for you, not your vibe, or not ideal for your body type, substitute in a pair of longer shorts. Wear the style of shorts that make you feel confident and comfortable for a very similar, modern look.

Style Tip: Dress your body type, accentuate your best features and wear what is comfortable.

A sure way to elevate a casual outfit, such as this one, quickly is to throw on a beautiful blazer. This white linen blend double-breasted blazer, from Banana Republic Factory, is a perfect choice, especially for the summer months. The gold-button detail is charming, and this blazer looks much more expensive than the price tag.

White Shorts Outfits

This look gives resort wear vibes! Perfect for a warm summer day in your hometown or on vacation at your favorite vacation resort.

Styling these white Bermuda shorts with an ivory Tory Burch logo belt, gold sandals, and this lovely olive green tank sweater and olive green cardigan sweater look high end. An ideal outfit for going to a company picnic or out to lunch.

Tip: By adding a dash of “designer” to this ensemble, the overall look screams class and elegance, without looking try-hard.

Casual Summer Outfits

If you are interested in more casual summer outfits, you can certainly dress this outfit down and make is suitable for daily wear by pairing it with a khaki utility jacket.

Looking for More?

If you loved this blog post all about How to Look Polished in Shorts Outfits this Summer – Styling Tips, consider checking out these other summer outfit blog posts for more inspiration:

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Dianne

Dianne

Looking to assist women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond with style, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle ideas and inspiration to live their best life.

FASHION is what designers offer each season & STYLE how we choose to personally express ourselves to the world.

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