ONE:
Anytime you see me posting an outfit like this in summer, you're seeing the "public version" of what I wear. At home, I'm wearing just the basic tank and shorts with either bare feet or my indoor flip flops. Then when I need to head in public I throw on some nicer shoes plus an outer layer for A/C and just to look a little more polished. This is a lot more black head-to-toe than I usually wear during the summer, but I guess I was going for some city vibes on this particular day.
TWO:
When I pulled the six (and a half) outfits for this post, I tried to include as much shoe variety as possible. It's not too easy since most of my shoes are nude or black! But I do love a good black and cognac pairing, especially in simple outfits like this. It's just a basic white tee + shorts, but the cognac shoes and belt give it a little extra something without having to add a layer.
TWO POINT FIVE:
Speaking of adding a layer, I wanted to include this outfit here to give a layering option for the look above. I'm also including it because one of the outfit combos I see a lot on Pinterest that I also love is chambray + black. If you have a chambray shirt, I think it would look great by itself with black shorts. When I got this shirt I intended to wear it that way, but the problem is that it's denim, not chambray, and it's not as soft and flowy as I like for wearing a button down shirt on its own. I've ended up using this shirt more as a belt (tied around the waist with dresses) than as an actual shirt, so it's still gotten good use. But I think when fall weather rolls around here I'm going to try again to hunt down a truly soft, lightweight chambray shirt that has nice draping on its own.
THREE:
This outfit is very similar to the first look, only a more dressed down version. By opting for flat sandals and a cardigan vs. low heels and a jacket the outfit takes on a more casual vibe. But small details like embellished sandals and some jewelry help it look a little more polished overall!
FOUR:
I don't tend to wear very many prints, but I find I'm drawn to them a little more in the summer. I think it's because it adds a little more visual interest to an outfit without having to add a layer. Generally I think my pull-on shorts are the most casual type of shorts I own, but even these can still be dressed up with a nicer blouse.
FIVE:
Olive Cardi (c/o) | Similar Cami | Similar Shorts | Sandals (c/o) | Similar Necklace | Similar Handbag
It's definitely too hot to wear this type of cardigan (sweatshirt material) here lately...even in the A/C! Most of my indoor layers are lighter weight than this one. But I chose this outfit to share just for the color pairing. Olive + Black is one of my favorite color combos (I shared six ways to wear it here) and it's a great option for transitioning to fall. Even when I can't dress for fall weather I can add a few fall colors to my summer outfits to make them look more in-season.
SIX:
This outfit is very similar to outfit two-point-five above, but it's here for the shoe variety and alternate pieces used (tee + denim shirt above vs. chambray/linen jacket + henley tank here). A lot of people look great with an open-shirt worn as a jacket, but after giving it a try myself I found I'm generally more a fan of actual jackets. Funny enough though, I'm not sure I think this blue jacket would work as well with the cognac sandals as the denim shirt! It seems like they should be interchangeable pieces if I'm wearing them both as a jacket, so I'm not sure if it's the color saturation or material that makes the difference. Either way, this light blue color pairs nicely with black shorts so even if you have a t-shirt or tank or other fun top in this color that gives you one more way to style black shorts.
Last but not least, here's a Pinterest-friendly look at all six outfit options with black shorts:
The only exact black shorts option I wore in this post are the black denim pair from Old Navy. I found them to be true to size, with a generous cut for the thighs, which I personally love but I'm sure that preference varies with each body type!
Believe it or not I've only had my black denim shorts for about a year now (I got them last summer), but as you can tell from this post they've gotten plenty of use in that time. So if you're debating getting a pair, it's probably not a bad time to get some on an end-of season sale. You can still wear them a few more times this summer and reach for them again and again next year!
I have a pair of black shorts and I think I have only worn them once this summer! I tend to grab the bright colors first. But here in FL we wear shorts pretty much year round so the looks you are sharing here are definitely fall for me. I'd love to re-create some of these chic looks - your printed shorts and blouse are definitely something I'd see myself wearing right along with the black jacket (look #1) and the olive cardi. Thanks for the inspo!
ReplyDeletexo,
Kellyann
I go in phases with my shorts! Usually whatever is newest gets used the most since I feel like I have to prove it was worth the purchase! Ha! Glad you enjoyed the post. :)
DeleteI have literally been searching for my black shorts all summer, now I must find them because you give me Inspo girl. So stinking CUTE!! Have a great day! xo
ReplyDeleteI hate when I can't find something I know I own! Hope you are able to track down your black shorts!
DeleteYou're making me long for summer! We've had a weird winter with it alternating between summer-like heatwaves and freezing days so I look forward to it being behind us and getting my shorts out again! I have a black denim pair and i agree they are a staple, you wear them well! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you had a wonderful weekend :)
I just posted my weekday wear linkup, I'd love you to join! :)
Away From Blue
That weather sounds crazy! Ours is probably going to be just straight up hot for the next two months!
DeleteOne thing I don't have is black denim shorts and need to check out your ON pair! Love all of this inspiration! All of these outfits are so cute!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
They're a really nice option to have!
DeleteI got one a few years ago and love it. You reminded me I needed to bring it out and give my blue one a break.
ReplyDeletexo
Pinksole
It's nice to have options! I definitely go in phases too of wearing one style more than another.
DeleteFabulous styling as usual Gina! I keep seeing posts about "transitioning to Fall clothes" and I'm over here so confused! August is hot as Hell everywhere isn't it? I don't start thinking about Fall until the end of September! Anyway, I'm glad some of us are still focused on the present ;)
ReplyDeleteGenerally I try to stick to only posting summer clothes through August! In September I'm willing to discuss transition colors and styles, but it still has to be warm weather friendly stuff!
DeleteTruth! I have my 'house flip flops' I wear around the house watering plants or taking the dog out, but those don't go anywhere but the pool! I always change my shoes for going out. I love how classic all these outfits are!
ReplyDeleteAmazing dress! Added to my wish list. I love reading your blog, I follow closely all the tips. I loving it!
ReplyDeleteGina, you have shown so many great options for styling black shorts. I love pairing it with cognac like you have. There is something so classic about it. I have house flip flops, too! Hope you have a great Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Daily Style Finds
Black shorts are SO versatile and you're demonstrating that here to a T, Gina!
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Shop at streetstylestalk.com to find the best outfits for women. From tops, shoes, dresses, etc. we’ve got it all. Shop online for the most stylish and trendy pieces you need this season.
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