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How To Wear Patterned Shorts

So it has been a while since I have done a ‘How To Wear’ post where I talk through a few different ways to style a wardrobe staple or season trend. Today we tackle the patterned shorts or ‘fun shorts’ as I sometimes call them. They are a way to still stay cool throughout the summer months without feeling stuck in the casual look of denim shorts. Below I have styled three different ways of wearing fun patterned shorts along with some tips and tricks
TEE: Forever 21 // SHORTS: Halogen // SHOES: Steve Madden
CASUAL
Patterned or colorful shorts can take a normal denim and tee look up a notch without any additional effort. Simply swap out your denim shorts for some patterned ones for a change on the summer staple look. If your shorts have a bold pattern, try balancing the look with a neutral top. You can also add some shoes in a contrasting color for extra pop!
SHIRT: TJ MAxx (similar here) // SHORTS: Halogen // SHOES: TJ Maxx (similar here)
CHAMBRAY
Swap out your tee for a denim top and shorts instantly got classier! As denim looks like a neutral, it works well with a variety of patterns, textures, and colors. You can tuck it in for a cleaner look or knot it at the waist for those summer vibes. Rather than flip flops, try a strapy or structured sandal for added posh. I’d also love to see this look with great accessories and a colorful structured bag.
SHIRT: Halogen // NECKLACE: Mimi Scholer // SHORTS: Halogen // SHOES: Jessica Simpson
HEELED
If you have a summer night out or happy hour to attend, try wearing your patterned shorts with a killer heel and accessories for the perfect summer look that is polished but not overly stuffy. To balance the shorts with the heels, opt for a slightly longer inseam. This will help avoid any hoochy mama or Daisy Duke looks (unless that’s what you’re going for. I won’t judge). You can also balance this leggy look by covering up more on top like in this look I’ve styled above.
Remember when you are wearing shorts that make a statement, keep the look balanced. Balance can be with neutral colors or by how much skin is shown.
Are you planing on wearing patterned shorts this summer?
What is your favorite way to style shorts?If you haven’t grabbed yourself a pair of printed pattern short for the summer, I’ve left my favorite picks below!

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Northwest Blonde is a Seattle based life and style blog by Ana Luiza.

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26 Comments

  1. I love the denim shirt idea!! I just got two really cute pairs of patterned shorts but so far I have styled them in a pretty boring way! Great tips here!

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks for reading! Let me know when you test out a new way of wearing your new shorts!

      Posted 5.14.15
  2. You make them look so cute! I feel like when I wear patterned shorts I am channeling my mom in the 80's. I guess it's all about picking the right pattern 🙂

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Valerie! I hear the 80's are making a come back 😉

      Posted 5.14.15
  3. Super cute! Loving the chambray look!

    michellespaige.com

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Michelle!

      Posted 5.14.15
  4. Emily wrote:

    Love the combo of patterned shorts with a denim top! Cute!

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Emily! It is my favorite of the three!

      Posted 5.14.15
  5. Love all these outfits! I need more patterned shorts this summer.

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Chelsea! Definitely test out this trend!

      Posted 5.14.15
  6. Sarah Woods wrote:

    So cute. I am terrified of shorts. Maybe after I shed these last few baby pounds…and get a spray tan…

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      haha Whatever you need to feel your best! I'm normally not a shorts gal either. I'm really picky about what style I wear. Thanks for reading!

      Posted 5.14.15
  7. Laura Malone wrote:

    I love this post!!!

    I so often want to wear patterned shorts (or pants) and then am completely flabbergasted about how to do it

    great tips! thanks!
    http://www.cookwineandthinker.com

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Laura! Glad it was helpful!

      Posted 5.14.15
  8. I've really been loving patterned shorts lately. They really are perfect for spring. I love the chambray look!

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks for reading Tiffany! I'm glad that you are with me in this trend!

      Posted 5.14.15
  9. Logan Cantrell wrote:

    Love the chambray! These are all great looks! I love patterned shorts. They are so much fun!

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Logan! I hope you test them out this summer!

      Posted 5.14.15
  10. Iesha Thompson wrote:

    This is very cute and very helpful. I often have a hard time with patterned shorts so these ideas are great additions to my style collection.

    oxo, Lesh
    http://livinglesh.com

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks for reading Lesh! I'm glab that you found this post helpful!

      Posted 5.14.15
  11. Miranda @ Miranda Writes wrote:

    I love each way you've styled these. Those last heels make your legs look amazing. I'm going to have to check them out! I've never worn patterned shorts before but I think I would love to try some now. I like that you kept each look simple and let the shorts stand out… =)

    Posted 5.13.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks Miranda! I hope you test out some printed shorts. They are super fun!

      Posted 5.14.15
  12. Excellent style ideas!I really should try wearing shorts with heels more. I love it with the chambray top 🙂

    xo,
    Abby of Life in the Fash Lane

    Posted 5.14.15
  13. Good tips!
    I am always looking for ways to style patterned shorts and chambray is definitely a great option.

    xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys

    Posted 5.14.15
    • Ana Luiza wrote:

      Thanks for reading Jenny! Chambray goes with everything!

      Posted 5.14.15
  14. Tameka Brown wrote:

    I really like the shorts with the jean top. Thanks for linking up at Who's Wearing What Wednesdays at Pastries, Pumps and Pi!

    Posted 5.20.15

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