Shorts are the ultimate heatwave-ready attire; the next puzzle to solve is the footwear pairing. While tank tops, loose shirts, and simple tees are obvious choices, the focus is specifically on shoes. My usual high-top trainers don’t quite complement shorts, and while I adore cowboy boots, I’m hardly channeling Daisy Duke. To tackle this fashion quandary head-on, I’ve delved into social media feeds and meticulously combed through the latest offerings from our beloved brands to uncover the optimal shoe options for pairing with shorts. Consider this Shoes and Shorts Pairing Tips, your definitive handbook for always nailing the shoe-and-short ensemble, whether you’re sporting denim shorts, breezy linen, micro hot pants, or sensible culottes.
Shoes and Shorts Pairing Tips: Top 6 Ways to Add Extra Style!
Summer, how we’ve longed for your return! The anticipation for bare legs season has been palpable despite designers’ attempts to divert our attention with oversized jeans and denim maxi skirts flooding the high street. Yet, practicality reigns supreme for those of us enduring the sweltering temperatures. When our beloved linen trousers still feel too oppressive, it’s time to rummage through our closets and unearth a trusty pair of shorts. The debut of shorts marks the official commencement of summer, signaling a shift in wardrobe and mindset.
Fear not for those yet to acquire a staple pair of shorts, as options abound from many brands, spanning both designer labels and high-street favorites (with a preference for linen, naturally). Nothing beats the versatility of slipping into a pair of shorts that effortlessly complement any ensemble in the season’s heat. Whether your preference leans towards classic khakis or the current craze for “jorts” (long jean shorts for the uninitiated), there’s a style fit for the office, the park, and even evening escapades.
Retro Trainers
In the realm of shorts and footwear pairings, retro trainers emerge as an undeniable frontrunner, seamlessly blending comfort with unmistakable style. Thanks to influential brands such as New Balance, Salomon, and Asics, the revival of the retro dad sneaker trend has breathed new life into the world of comfortable footwear, making it the perfect match for loose, cotton shorts. Embraced by fashion enthusiasts and influencers alike, options like the New Balance 530 Trainers, priced at £139, have garnered popularity for their retro aesthetics and contemporary comfort blend.
Similarly, the New Balance 574 Suede and Mesh Trainers, available for £110, introduce a vibrant green colorway, injecting a dash of personality into any ensemble. For those seeking luxury, the Loewe Flow Runner Nylon and Suede Trainers, priced at £595, exude sophistication and elegance, embodying the brand’s renowned craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Maison Margiela’s Replica Leather and Suede Sneakers, priced at £490, offer a modern twist on the classic white trainer, providing a versatile option for effortless styling with shorts, ensuring both comfort and sartorial finesse.
Slingback Heels
Slingback heels reign supreme when elevating shorts for more formal occasions, blending sophistication with summertime flair effortlessly. Whether paired with a waistcoat, tailored shorts, chic blouses, or denim cutoffs, slingback heels add an elegant touch to any ensemble. Embrace the epitome of luxury with options like Prada’s Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps, priced at £890, renowned for sparking a trend that has taken the fashion world by storm.
Alternatively, Dune London’s Leather Block Heel Slingback Shoes, available for £90, introduce a refreshing summer green hue, injecting vibrancy and charm into your look. For those seeking Parisian-inspired chicness, River Island’s Beige Heeled Slingback Shoes, priced at £33, offer An enduring grace that effortlessly shifts from day to night. And if you’re drawn to the celebrity-approved style, Gucci’s GG Slingback Pump, priced at £795, boasts a coveted status, making it a staple in the wardrobes of fashion icons like Dakota Johnson.
Strappy Sandals
Strappy sandals, cherished as a timeless emblem of summer footwear, continue to captivate with their enduring appeal and versatile styling possibilities. Whether it’s the classic allure of gladiator styles or contemporary designs, strappy sandals epitomize understated elegance and serve as a steadfast companion for any warm-weather ensemble. Embrace a blend of casual sophistication by pairing flat, strappy sandals with a breezy, loose-fitting shirt artfully tucked into a pair of intricately printed shorts. This effortlessly stylish blend achieves the ideal harmony between laid-back charm and sartorial refinement, ensuring you exude effortless style all season long.
Uncover an assortment of selections designed for diverse tastes and preferences. From Massimo Dutti’s Sandals with Wide Strap, priced at £100, exuding refined simplicity and understated elegance, to Emme Parsons’ Laurie Metal Toe-Ring & Leather Sandals, priced at £310, boasting a subtle yet sophisticated metal toe-ring detail ideal for evening affairs. For the discerning fashion enthusiast, indulge in the timeless sophistication of The Row’s Kris Crossover Leather Sandals, available for £780, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and unmatched craftsmanship.
Conversely, H&M’s Strappy Sandals, offered at an enticing price of £18, present an affordable yet stylish option, ensuring fashion-forward flair without breaking the bank. With a diverse range of strappy sandals, you can effortlessly elevate your summer looks with a touch of timeless elegance and chic sophistication.
Flip-flops
Flip-flops, once relegated to the realms of casual beachwear, are making a triumphant return to the forefront of fashion, thanks to chic reinterpretations by renowned designers such as The Row and Chloé. The classic thong sandal has undergone a fashionable makeover, with premium leather iterations emerging as the editor’s choice for summer footwear. Francesca Saffari’s endorsement of rubber flip-flops, particularly Havaianas’ Top Logo-Embossed Rubber Flip-Flops, underscores their popularity, breathing new life into holiday wardrobes worldwide. Meanwhile, Mango’s Croc-Effect Sandals, priced at £36, exude an air of luxury that belies their affordable price point, offering a stylish alternative to high-end designer options.
For the discerning fashion lover, indulge in The Row’s Ginza Leather and Suede Sandals, priced at £960, a testament to the brand’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless sophistication. Alternatively, Chloé’s Net Sustain + Eres Broderie Anglaise Leather Flip Flops, priced at £550, represent a harmonious fusion of style and sustainability, marrying Chloé’s iconic design aesthetic with Eres’ commitment to ethical craftsmanship. With a diverse array of flip-flops, from budget-friendly options to high-end designer styles, embracing this summer staple allows you to effortlessly elevate your warm-weather ensembles with a touch of laid-back luxury and sartorial elegance.
Sliders
Sliders, the epitome of effortless footwear, offer a seamless pairing with shorts, embodying the essence of laid-back summer style. Julie Sfi’s endorsement of these barely-there sandals underscores their versatility and practicality, making them the perfect choice for those seeking a “throw-on-and-go” option for warm-weather outings. Whether you opt for Zara’s Flat Criss-Cross Leather Slider Sandals, priced at £30, for their timeless appeal and wearability, or splurge on Malone Souliers’ Penn 10 Leather Flat Sandals, priced at £475, for a touch of luxury and sophistication, sliders effortlessly elevate any casual ensemble with their understated elegance and ease of wear.
For those with an eye for detail and craftsmanship, COS’s Macramé Leather Slides, priced at £125, offer a blend of modern design and artisanal flair, showcasing the brand’s reputation for high-quality accessories. Meanwhile, H&M’s affordable Slides, priced at £13, provide a budget-friendly option without compromising style or comfort, making them a favored choice for those with a keen eye for fashion. With a wide range of sliders, ranging from high-end to high street, incorporating this summer staple into your wardrobe ensures you stay on-trend and effortlessly chic for any occasion, whether a casual day out or a stroll along the beach.
Dressy Mules
Elevating shorts from casual to chic for evening occasions can easily be achieved with the addition of dressy mules, offering a touch of glamour and sophistication to your ensemble. Aniyah Morinia’s style inspiration highlights the versatility of these footwear options, whether adorned with embellished heels, crafted from chic satin, or boasting luxe leather finishes, each pair complements denim and tailored shorts effortlessly, evoking a sense of timeless elegance reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic fashion sense.
From Jimmy Choo’s Avenue 50 Nappa Leather Mules, priced at £575, exuding luxury and refinement, to Khaite’s Minna 35 Crystal-Embellished Mesh Mules, priced at £910, offering a blend of luxury and versatility, dressy mules add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, perfect for transitioning from daytime outings to evening events with ease.
For those seeking a more playful and trendy option, By Far’s June 65mm Metallic-Effect Mules, priced at £345 in a metallic pink hue, offer a contemporary twist on classic mules, Infusing your appearance with a splash of fun and personality. Alternatively, Reformation’s Yoanna Bow Mule Flat, priced at £248, combines elegance with practicality, providing the perfect balance between style and comfort for those special occasions where flats are preferred. With various options available, from high-end designer brands to more affordable alternatives, dressy mules offer endless styling possibilities, ensuring you look and feel effortlessly glamorous no matter the occasion.
Conclusion:
These six summer shoe trends provide stylish options to elevate shorts for various occasions. From retro trainers to chic dressy mules, each footwear option uniquely complements shorts with comfort and fashion-forward flair. As summer arrives, these trends mark the transition into the carefree spirit of the season. Whether embracing the comfort of retro trainers or the sophistication of dressy mules, these shoe choices ensure chic and effortless summer looks. With options ranging from laid-back charm to timeless elegance, these trends offer endless possibilities for crafting memorable outfits throughout the warm months.
