It’s that time of the year when you get to show all the work you’ve put on your legs—be it the skin or the muscles. ‘Tis the season for lightweight clothes like airy linens, comfortable shorts and – wait, what in God’s name pairs well with shorts?! If you’re caught in a WTF moment like this, trust sneakers to be your saving grace.
Buying, choosing, styling footwear is one hell of a task, and sometimes we just want an easy way out of it. Here’s a cheat code: ditch lazy footwear options, choose sneakers! We know that loafers, moccasins, boat shoes, and espadrilles can be especially comfortable but let’s be honest, you don’t want to end up on the worst dressed list.
Sneakers are versatile, comfy, and always in vogue – when styled right. They have always been understood as athletic footwear, but they have proven to be so much more. Sneakers can be worn across multiple dress codes and a variety of occasions. Be it Nike, Converse, Vans, and Adidas or high fashion brands like Prada and Alexander McQueen, there are several must-have sneakers to choose from. That means – say yes to sneakers and no to boring shoes.
With this ultimate guide to styling shorts with sneakers, dodge fashion faux pas all summer:
Do sneakers pair well with shorts?
Okay, now that we know why sneakers are great, here is why they’re even better when paired with shorts. Let’s face it, shorts can be awfully hard to style. But summers without shorts is like soda without the fizz – what’s the point? The trick, here, is to know which kind of shorts should be paired with which kind of sneakers. It goes without saying that not all of us are born with a degree in fashion, so here’s a complete breakdown of what kind of shorts pair with what kind of sneakers.
TL;DR: Hell yes, they do. Here’s how:
Can denim shorts be styled with sneakers?
Denim shorts are a summer staple for men, women, and everyone in between – which ultimately means they’re more difficult to style because they can start feeling tired real quick. For men, denim shorts are an opportunity to look charming and playful. For women, the goal is to look chic. Nothing is impossible when it’s sneakers you go for.
PUMA Suede
The PUMA Suede is a pair of kicks that has lasted the test of time. Its Formstrip overlay, padded collar, lace-up vamp pack a punch at an affordable price. What makes it a great choice with denim shorts is that its silhouette is not too bulky, making it perfect for a casual Sunday brunch at 11 and a barbecue in the backyard at 1.
Vans Old Skool (Unisex)
The struggle to strike the right balance between chic and sprightly is something every girl knows of. We don’t want to look too off-the-rack or too Anne Hathaway from The Devil Wears Prada while wearing denim jeans. Sitting snugly between high-fashion and comfortable wear is the aim. Vans Old Skool is a timeless classic that takes you right where you want to be. Elegant, durable, and affordable – this low-top sneaker is what every woman needs.
What kind of sneakers pair well with chinos shorts?
Chinos are great for day-to-day wear during the summer months. This warm-weather favorite boasts unrivaled versatility and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. With Chinos becoming stylish bottom wear for both men and women, it’s important to know what goes best with chinos. Sleek footwear pairs perfectly with chino shorts. Keep things classic with a low-top version like Nike’s Air Force 1 or Espadrilles Sneakers for women.
Nike Air Force 1
All white can never go wrong and when it’s Nike’s timeless Air Force 1, expect nothing less than the best. Classic, boujee, iconic – these kicks are crafted to deliver comfortable wear and premium style.
PAMIR Women’s Lace Up Canvas Espadrilles Sneakers
There are so many athletic sneakers to choose from; how should one go about it?
The best part about athletic shorts is that they are meant for all of us, even the ones who are far from being athletes. (Running a mile? I don’t even know her.) So, whether you are hitting the gym or getting comfy with your favorite person – athletic shorts are great accompaniments through everything. There are several options to consider when we talk about sneakers for athletic shorts, so let’s dive in.
Adidas Stan Smith (Men’s)
The Stan Smith kicks are the definition of classic. Every sneakerhead has this silhouette in their collection, and it’s time you have them too. Not only are they comfortable and durable, but their leather design gives it an extra oomph. Go on a jog or get some early breakfast at a diner, these legendary sneakers will do the job.
Dr. Scholl’s No Bad Vibes Platform Sneakers
Being stylish AND comfortable in athletic shorts is difficult…erm, very difficult. (There’s a reason we don’t speak about velcro shoes.) But not when you own these badass sneakers! Meant to soothe your feet while you lift those weights and keep you company when you go for a grocery run, these platform sneakers marry style and functionality in the best way possible. Put on a regular t-shirt, grey athletic shorts, AirPods, and let these kicks seal the deal for you. No bad vibes, literally.
Are tailored shorts and sneakers a good combination?
Shorts are misconstrued to be casual wear. Well, they are, but they’re so much more. One thing can have two uses. Case in point: Tailored shorts. These shorts are the perfect combination of formal and casual. If you still think it’s a little odd to pair sneakers with tailored shorts, remember that the idea is to keep the look neat and tidy. Hence, you can’t really look sloppy in any way. For tailored shorts, stick to clean, suede, leather styles. Pair them with sunglasses and an oxford shirt—because we’re going neat.
JOUSEN Men’s Leather Sneakers Business Casual
Breathable, handmade, and made with real leather – these sneakers are the epitome of fabulous and affordable footwear. Wear these sneakers to a casual Sunday at the office or take your girl on a special date while staying fancy and retro. Pair them with plaid tailored shorts and feel good all day.
Cambridge Select Women’s Lace-Up Fashion Sneaker Wedge
This sneaker is a mix of heels and sneakers for everyone who can’t choose between the two. If you can’t, you shouldn’t have to! Here’s an option for you. Sexy and stunning, this is an absolute showstopper. Strut in leather tailored pants, camel leopard sneakers, and a red lip, and you will be indomitable. If the camel leopard print is a bit too out there for you, choose between the red and tan options for a more subtle impact.
Can sneakers make cargo shorts look classy?
There are 3 reasons why cargo shorts are so damn popular: Comfort, comfort, and some more comfort. Also, pockets! Perfect for all seasons, cargo shorts are especially useful during summers. You could style them with a printed Hawaiian shirt for a street-wear look or a peach-colored, full-sleeved shirt for a more formal look. But how to pull off the right look with style?
If you’re too laid-back in your styling, your outfit may end up looking too lazy. The magic happens when you tie in the entire look with a pair of cozy and classy sneakers.
Jordan Retro 11 Low Concord Bred
A combination of Jordan Retro 11’s two greatest colorways – the Jordan Retro 11 Low Concord Bred boasts a black patent leather overlay, red outsole, and delicate detailing. There is little that can go wrong with styling these exquisite kicks with cargo pants. Sporty, playful, and perfect for a day out with the boys – these sneakers are superstars in themselves.
Converse Women’s Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline
Come on, sneakers and booty shorts make a good pair, as well?
Psst, ladies! Don’t think we could forget about these! Booty shorts are quintessential summer wear. If you’re feeling a little sexy or just want to flaunt your summer body – booty shorts are the go-to bottom wear. Everyone pairs heels with shorts, and honestly, it’s starting to get boring. It just isn’t what Cosmopolitan would feature anymore. If you want to keep up with evolving trends, here’s a tip for you: bring it to town with some bulky, extravagant, statement kicks – no matter whether you are wearing denim booty shorts or regular ol’ cotton ones.
FILA Women’s Disruptor II
Bulky shoes have never looked better! Boast these kicks’ retro and sporty aesthetic without fearing discomfort because its soft lining and padded tongue keep you comfortable all day long, no exaggerations! It features a removable cushioned insole and an extra-thick rubber sole for excellent shock absorption. The FILA Women’s Disruptor II is penultimate in its style, athletic looks, and badass vibe. We’re talking Rihanna badass.
Kat Maconie Women’s Marianne Clear Mesh Trainers
If white sneakers are too minimalistic for you, get your hands on these ultra-vibrant and drop-dead gorgeous kicks. These luxurious shoes are stylish and functional. And what’s better than a pair of sneakers that looks like the Scarlet Macaw? With splashes of red, blue, green, and yellow – the Marianne is much sought-after. Multi-colored, detailed to the T, and with a lining made up of 100% goat leather – this is a pair that needs to be in your repertoire. Don’t you want to know how you look in these? – it’s for science, we promise!
That’s all cool, but what about high-top sneakers?
Originally made to provide greater ankle support to sportspersons, high-tops have been making waves as uber-stylish sports footwear. In fact, high-top sneakers have been hailed as the greatest design in footwear by sneakerheads all around the world. They could easily be styled with loose cargo or denim shorts if you want to keep it sporty. Here are a couple of cool ones:
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars High-Top
The pair of converse that started it all – Chuck Taylor All Star! Comfortable, charming, and inimitable in style, this iconic sneaker is here to stay. Chuck Taylor All Stars are the absolute best of the best. Nothing beats their punk aesthetic. Pair them with denim booty shorts or, perhaps, loose cargo ones for a perfectly Instagrammable OOTD.
FILA Men’s Mb
Speaking of Instagram, this pair of vibrant kicks would make for an excellent post, right? Colorful, bold, and delicately embroidered, FILA’s Men’s Mb looks stunning on the feet. Although advertised as a men’s shoe, they complement everyone who can style them. When it comes to styling these, look no more than athletic shorts or cargo shorts if you’re feeling risque.
In conclusion:
You don’t have to be a sneakerhead to appreciate the fashion quotient sneakers bring to the table. When it comes to kicks, you don’t have to stick to boring shoes. Choose from this ensemble of exquisite, comfortable, and stylish shoes specially curated for your summer wardrobe. Don those shorts, rep a pair of kick-ass kicks (pun intended), and kick it up a notch with these awesome kicks (pun intended, again.)