Okay, I put my hands up, I have a problem: I cannot stop buying white shorts. I have white pairs, cream pairs, ivory pairs and beige pairs and still I keep saving more in my ASOS basket. And before you ask – yes they are all different.
Is it because I haven’t found the perfect pair yet? Most definitely not. I can’t stop buying white shorts because they’re the most versatile piece in my summer wardrobe.
You’re probably asking how is that possible? White shorts are a pretty niche item to be reaching for day after day. Well believe me, there really is an option for every occasion, from casual day time styles to smart cuts for the office. Plus, white will work with every colour in your wardrobe, without the harshness of classic black or the casualness of blue denim.
What do I wear with white shorts?
Basically, white shorts are the go-with-everything piece that means I don’t have to spend ages worrying if my outfit works each morning. It simply does. Don’t believe me? Here are my five favourite fits and how to style them:
The white linen shorts
For me, nothing says summer quite like white linen shorts and while most people find them a little intimidating to wear, they don’t have to be.
We’ve all been burned by a pair of white linen shorts that are see-through no matter what underwear you put on. The answer? Ditch the nude underwear and instead layer a pair of loose nude shorts, like this pair from Uniqlo, underneath. Make sure they match the length of your linen shorts, and they’ll act as an extra layer while still being breathable.
The addition of a contrasting khaki shirt and flip flops and you’ve got my failsafe warm weather outfit.
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The smart, tailored shorts
Office-appropriate white shorts? Enter the tailored cut. I can’t get enough of the waistcoats that are around right now, so instead of a blazer (which can feel a bit too done-up) I’d layer a cropped style over a simple black vest and finish with menswear inspired accessories like backless loafers.
Then, for after work drinks, which I can never say no to, you can simply lose the vest and switch the loafers for block heels for a more dressed up look.
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The leather shorts
The white leather (or faux leather) short is the newest addition to my wardrobe after spotting them on @millyhobbs story, finally a new style of white short for me to obsess over. While there are loads of tailored leather options out there, I’d go for an elasticated, athleisure style for a more relaxed feel.
Worn with a preppy polo top, a bum bag and trainers, it’s the ideal outfit for exploring new cities or picnicking in the park. Best of all, they can wipe clean meaning no need to worry about any marks that may appear, though do put something down when sitting on grass…
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The denim shorts
White denim shorts can go very wrong, very quickly, so I always stick to a few rules when buying them. First, I’d always go for a longer length, ideally finishing around your knees. White hot pants are an absolute no-no unless you want to look like you’ve stepped back to the 00’s.
Secondly, go for an off-white rather than dazzling optic white. It’s much chicer and won’t feel so harsh against other pieces in your wardrobe. Finally, wear them with basics in a monochrome or tonal colour palette. I love an off-white denim short worn with toffee tones for a minimalist feel.
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The sweat shorts
Let’s be real, the pandemic may be over, but loungewear is still very much in our lives. On working from home days, you’ll most often find me in a pair of sweat shorts and a simple top for super easy wearing.
When I want to feel like I’ve made a bit of an effort I’ll always reach for a white pair, they just feel that little bit more elevated than other colours. Paired with a bold t-shirt for a pop of colour and a pair of slides and you’ve got a comfy outfit that looks way better than just chilling in your pyjamas.
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