What to Wear with High Waisted Shorts?

From high-waisted denim shorts to mom shorts and high waisted Bermuda shorts, we have done this legwork for you when it comes to what to wear with high waisted shorts. Simply check out our list below and you may find just the outfit you have been searching for..

This is a close look at a woman wearing high denim shorts.

One of the latest trends when it comes to women’s shorts is high waisted shorts. They are a must-have for your summer wardrobe this year and the great news is, they look great on all body types. From denim ones to spandex and more, high-waisted shorts are very much the style to be sporting this summer. Not only can they be worn pretty much anywhere and on any occasion, but they also pair well with almost every summer top you can think of as well as a variety of shoe styles.

We have done this legwork for you when it comes to what to wear with high-waisted shorts. Simply check out our list below and you may find just the outfit you have been searching for to wear to an event or even to your job this summer season.

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Denim High Waist Shorts

A woman wearing a pair of high-waist shorts with a floral blouse.

Jean shorts are the one trend that is popular every year during the warm spring and summer months. Denim shorts are wonderful because you can literally wear any color of tops and shoes with them and rock them out. High waisted denim shorts are great, especially for people like me who are very short. At 5 foot, one inch, I am excited to find a cool pair of shorts that make my legs look longer since they give the illusion that I have long legs, even though I do not.

They will even make your thigh area look sleeker and slimmer which is an added bonus. Whether you opt to wear high heels, any type of sandal, flats, sneakers, or boots with your high-waisted jean shorts, they will look great. A pair of jeans short with a high waist my favorite type of shorts when it comes to high-waisted pants. This type of high-waisted shorts is even available in blue denim, black denim, or other colors.

Mom Shorts

onlypuff Rolled Shorts with Pockets Elastic Mom Denim Shorts High Waisted Bermuda Jeans Light Blue L,

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High waisted mom shorts can be cute and even sexy when you pair them with a crop top or a lacey tank top. They offer a paperbag waist which will not give you the look of having a short torso. Some are even styled as shorts with an overlay that give the look and style of a skirt or a pleated short. You can pair mom shorts with a pair of sandals, sneakers, or flats and wear them with a long sleeve top, a blouse, or even a T-shirt or polo shirt.

Pleated High Waisted Shorts

Allegra K Women's Bow Tie High Waist Short Paper Bag Shorts X-Small Yellow

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Pleated high waisted shorts are cute, stylish, and timeless. You can wear them to work at the office or business meeting and go from their straight to the park with your children. They are very versatile and are available in an array of different colors and styles. Some even boast a drawstring or paperbag waist.

High Waisted Bermuda Shorts

Dickies Women's Perfect Shape Denim Bermuda Shorts, Rinsed Indigo Blue, 12

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High Wiasted bermuda shorts are a great look for men or women and can be worn with a dressier top or a T-shirt. You can wear them with sandals or a pair of sneakers. You can even pair them with crop tops to make a very cute outfit, whether you are heading to a board meeting or to the grocery store. These are even offers in a floral shorts design.

High Waisted Short Shorts

YAMOM Women's High Waisted Workout Gym Butt Lifting Booty Yoga Shorts Ruched Running Tummy Control Leggings Textured Pants

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You can find this type of shorts in a denim short, black shorts, or even yoga or legging style short shorts. They are sexy, sleek, and some are even designed to list your butt. You can pair them with just about any type of top or even a bralette for an even sexier look and style. You can wear them with a pair of sneakers or high heels, depending on the occasion and they are great with a cute pair of sandals for a great beach outfit idea. The denim versions are made just like high waisted jeans only much, much shorter.

High Waisted Bike Shorts

For Women:

IUGA Workout Shorts for Women with Pockets High Waisted Biker Shorts for Women Yoga Shorts Running Shorts Black

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For Men:

CompressionZ Compression Shorts for Men - Pro Support Athletic Underwear (Black, L)

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Both men and women can rock a pair of bike shorts that have a high waist. You can not only wear them for cycling but also for jogging, running, yoga, aerobics class, or even to the local department store. They look great with other workout style clothing, including crop tops and T-shirts. Some of the women’s styles offer tummy control while the men’s version sometimes offered a compression style to help them have more movement while exercising or cycling.

High Waisted Linen Shorts

SESERAGI Short Airy Shorts Women's Bow Summer Cotton Linen Pants Short Paperbag High Waist Shorts Kawaii Clothing Black L

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High Waisted linen shorts come in every color you can think of and many have a pleated or drawstring style waist. They are more for women than men and look great with a button-down blouse, a crop top, or a tank top. You can dress them down for a more casual look for opt for fancier top and tshowo dress them up for a more special occasion or to head to your office job.

You can even pair this type of high waisted shorts with a blazer to dress them up even more and given them a look of a suit. Linen is a great material for summer since it is a cooler fabric that offers a crisp and clean look and feel.

High Waisted Denim Cutoffs

Sexyshine Women's Casual High Waist Distressed Cut Off Ripped Jeans Denim Shorts Blue,XL

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High waisted denim cutoffs a great pair of high waisted bottoms that you can pair with a cute top. They may even become your favorite pair of casual shorts since they are the perfect pair of high waisted shorts to wear on the weekend to a party, a cookout, or just to hang out with your kids. You can throw on a pair of comfy sneakers or a cute pair of sandals to wear with them.

High Waisted Chino Shorts

For women:

Amazon Essentials Women's 7" Inseam Solid Chino Short, Bright Blue, 10

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For men:

Tansozer Men's Shorts Casual Slim Fit Chino Shorts Dress Shorts (Black, Size 36)

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High waisted chino shorts are a longer pair of shorts for men or women that are comfortable and can be worn to a variety of places. Some even have pockets which makes them super convenient when you are wearing them while doing errands, riding bikes, or hanging out at the ball field with your kids. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion in which you are wearing them.

Camouflage High Waisted Shorts

U/D Women's High Waisted Yoga Shorts Tummy Control Workout Camouflage Shorts for Women

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Camouflage high waisted shorts come in a variety of color options, including purples, military green, black, gray, pink, and more. Some are shorter versions while others are longer. They can be paired with a matching crop top, polo shirt, or solid color dark or pastel shirt. You can throw on a pair of tennis shoes with them or even opt for a pair of short boots or combat boots. They are available for men or women for a fun, unique high waisted look.

FAQs About High Waisted Shorts

Do high waisted shorts make you look slimmer?

Yes because they make your legs look longer and slimmer but be careful if you have a shorter torso since they can make your torso look even shorter.

What length is best for shorts for women over 40?

Medium length shorts can be great for women over 40, including high waisted mom shorts, Bermuda shorts, or walking or biker shorts. Keep in mind though, that women over 40 have more than earned their right to wear whatever length and style of shorts that they want to and should not be limited in their choices.

Medium-length shorts are just a good rule of thumb to follow, depending on where you are going and on what occasion you will be sporting a pair of shorts. Medium-length shorts usually have an inseam of about five to ten inches and strike your leg a few inches above the knee.

How are you styling your denim shorts this season?

Depending on whether your preference is high-waisted, cuffed, cut-offs, distressed or just plain denim shorts in blue, black, or white, denim shorts are always are great basic yet stylish and trendy piece of clothing to keep in your summer wardrobe. You can dress them up this season by adding a blouse or button-up shirt and heels or sandals, or keep them casual with a T-shirt or crop top and pair of sneakers.

Want some ideas for your beach party outfit?

From strappy sandals with a pair of high-waisted denim shorts and a bikini top to or a pair of mom shorts with a scarf around your neck and a cute blouse, there is a variety of options you can wear to the beach this summer. The choice is ultimately up to you.

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