How To Style Shorts and Heels For Summer | Cute Outfit Ideas

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means; it’s the season for rooftop parties, Summer date nights, brunches, beach parties, picnics, and so much more. It’s time to put away our cold weather attires and bring out our Summer wardrobe essentials; tank tops, mini skirt, maxi dress, and of course, everyone’s favorite — shorts.  Excited to be sharing effortless ways to style shorts and heels for summer.

After all, what’s a better way to dress for the warmer months other than your favorite pair of shorts? Shorts are easy to style and great for a lot of Summer outings. Whether you want an easy way to style shorts or you’re just looking for something a bit casual to wear in professional environments, you can never go wrong with this summer staple.  A pair of shorts is your best friend this new season when looking to put together an entire outfit that’s sure to turn heads. 

Want to know how to style some of your favorite pair of shorts with heels for the Summer months?  Keep reading, I am going to share several cute summer outfit ideas that are perfect for all body types. Whether you are heading to a backyard barbecue, a pool party, or a summer soirée, shorts and heels can create a stylish and effortless look.

Summer Date Night Look: Denim Shorts with Heels and Blazer

Summer date night outfit idea. White blazer and denim shorts.

Denim shorts or jean shorts are a Summer wardrobe staple that I am sure we all have in our closet, and It’s one of the most overworn items during warmer months. Denim shorts for women are timeless staples that you can rely on, you never have to worry about it going out of style.  Excited to share denim short outfit ideas and a great option for styling. For a casual look, throw on a tank top, a pair of cut-off shorts, and comfy heels.  

Demin shorts paired with a blazer and heels are a classic, chic look that combines the laid-back appeal of denim shorts with the sophistication of a blazer.  Start by selecting a pair of denim shorts that fit you well and flatter your figure. Opt for a medium to dark wash, as it adds a touch of elegance to the outfit. Remember, the key is to strike the perfect balance between casual and dressy.

White blazer style with shorts and block heels.

Pairing with a Lace Bustier: To add a feminine and romantic touch to your denim shorts, pair them with a delicate lace bustier. The lace detailing adds a hint of allure and elevates the overall look. Choose a bustier in a complementary color to your shorts, or go for a contrasting shade to create a bold statement.

 Layering with a Blazer: The magic truly happens when you add a blazer to the mix. Opt for a tailored blazer in a neutral tone, such as black or white, to create a timeless and sophisticated appearance. The structured silhouette of the blazer instantly elevates the denim shorts, giving them a polished edge.

Completing the Look with Heels: To complete your outfit, slip into a pair of heels. Whether you prefer stilettos, block heels, or wedges, the choice is yours. Heels not only elongate your legs but also add an extra touch of elegance to the overall ensemble. Opt for nude or black heels to keep the focus on the outfit itself. This is one of my favorite ways to style shorts for a polished yet sexy look.

For an elevated casual look, pair your denim shorts with a white tee and heels. 

For a timeless look when styling denim shorts, you can also try pairing them with a bold floral button-up top or a classic white button-up shirt. Finish the look with your favorite basket or straw bag for a Summer feel. 

Casual summer outfit. Cut off denim shorts and crop top.

Styling Pleated Shorts

At first glance, pleated shorts may be a better option for a teenage girl. But they can also be a closet staple for older women. They are structured and comfy, and they look good with heels. Pair it with a black blazer, white collared top, and black heels. You can also add gold-colored accessories to spice up the entire look. For this look, I ditched the blazer and added sunglasses for the weather.

Pleated shorts are also great with prints and bright colors. Try experimenting with a different top. Combine it with a floral top and strappy sandals for a casual daytime look. Sometimes, when I feel like I want to channel the ‘girl’ side of my inner girl boss, I would just pop a bright blazer to complete the look. You can never go wrong with a well-structured blazer, it’s a fashion editors must-have. Opt for a cute white crop top for a clean look; this is a great way to keep it simple yet effortless. 

classic black and white outfit. Styling black shorts with white button up shirt.

But pleated shorts are not only made for a professional or smart casual look. They can also be a great summer piece for fun, sexy, and comfy events. If you are looking for a good pair of short shorts for your weekend getaway, pleated shorts are the best way to go. Pair it with a one-piece bathing suit and gold purse. You can also mix and match it with a cute pair of sunglasses and black strappy heels for a laidback yet sexy look.

If you are tired of seeing denim shorts again and again, pleated shorts may be the next best option for you.

Pleated shorts summer outfit.
styling black short, white bodysuit for work. Summer work outfit

Elevating Your Look with Linen Shorts and Heels

As the summer heat intensifies and you need a cooler fabric, embrace the breezy comfort of linen shorts. Not only are linen shorts perfect for the season, but they also offer versatility and a timeless appeal. Linen shorts are another summer wardrobe essential we all need; they can be dressed up for various occasions and with classic styling options that will have you looking chic and effortless all season long.

Why Linen Shorts for Summer: Linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric that makes it an ideal choice for hot summer days. It allows air to circulate freely, keeping you cool and comfortable. Linen shorts effortlessly exude a relaxed and effortless vibe, making it a summer must-have.

For a simple and refined look, pair your linen shorts with a classic button-up shirt. Opt for a crisp white or a soft pastel shade to maintain that light and airy summer aesthetic; talk about the perfect combination. Tuck in the shirt for a polished touch, or tie it at the waist for a more relaxed vibe. Complete the look with a pair of elegant heels to elevate the overall outfit.

Farm Rio short style with floral crop top. Summer outfit for garden party.

For a simple and refined look, pair your linen shorts with a classic button-up shirt. Opt for a crisp white or a soft pastel shade to maintain that light and airy summer aesthetic; talk about the perfect combination. Tuck in the shirt for a polished touch, or tie it at the waist for a more relaxed vibe. Complete the look with a pair of elegant heels to elevate the overall outfit.

For my girls who love colors, go vibrant and playful with a bold crop top. Look for floral patterns or vibrant prints to add a pop of color and energy to your outfit. Floral prints are always great for Spring and Summer. The contrast between the linen shorts’ simplicity and the vibrant crop top creates a captivating and fun look. Complete the look with your favorite heels for an added touch of sophistication. Opt for kitten heels if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Pick a color heel to match your bag, or stick to neutral hues for the perfect outfit.

If you are looking for something that can add great value to your wardrobe this summer, consider adding linen shorts for the warmer months, I prefer high-waist linen high waist shorts because they elongate your legs and make me look taller than I actually am.

Linen shorts styled with white button up top for a effortless look. Summer outfit


We may be ditching out the layers and heavy fabrics this summer, but it doesn’t mean that we also need to take away the fun of dressing up. There is still a multitude of ways to be fashionable in the warmer season. Summer is a great season to experiment with shorter outfits and find more reasons to love our bare skin. It is high time to find beauty outside of our comfort zone. 

All white summer outfit. White shorts with gold accessories. Garden party outfit.

Bermuda Shorts Yes, Please

What’s a better way to unleash your inner corporate girl than to wear Bermuda shorts? They are sleek, structured, and defined — perfect for a smart casual look. They are often body-hugging. And the generic tailoring of most Bermuda shorts is great for accentuating one’s hips. You can high-waist Bermuda shorts with either fitted or loose tops.  I love an all-white outfit during the summer months, so I tend to style white shorts with a white top or a graphic tee.

Tan shorts and off shoulder crop top summer outfit.

I love sharing my outfit ideas. Hopefully, I was able to trigger your creativity when it comes to styling yourself during this summer season. If you are looking for more outfit ideas and ways to level up your wardrobe, browse our other posts.