Dad shorts are sweeping our social media and Pinterest pages. They’re one of the hot items of the summer, but how do you wear them? Many of us have been wearing short shorts or cutoffs for so long we don’t know the styling possibilities for these hot new shorts. Never fear, dad shorts are incredibly versatile and an easy piece to work into your closet! We’ve gathered inspo for all styles and aesthetics to help you figure out the best way to integrate dad shorts into your wardrobe.
Notes before we get started: consider material, color, length, and style when buying or styling your dad shorts. This will impact the items that you choose to wear them with. Denim is the most popular choice by far, but don’t feel limited to that! Also think about raw hems versus finished, each will bring a different vibe.
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1. Monochromatic outfit
Monochromatic outfits give everything a refined and put together feel, even dad shorts. The light blue shirt bleeds into the blue denim to create a cohesive look that is more elegant than the sum of its parts. Nude heels complete the look, adding a classy touch and elongating her legs.
2. Graphic tee
For a more laidback look, pairing your shorts with a graphic tee, ankle socks, and your favorite stylish sneakers will keep you cute but comfortable. This is a great option for days with a lot of walking, errands, or when you want something you can just throw on!
3. Comfy tomboy
Dad shorts are a tomboy staple, they pair perfectly with polos and bowling shirts to make a carefree but stylish look. A baseball hat completes this outfit, adding some color interest and leaning into that tomboy, masculine vibe.
4. Black denim
Black denim can be rebellious, chic, or grungy, depending on the styling. This outfit takes black denim dad shorts and elevates them with understated heels, a crisp white button down, and black and white accessories. Suddenly this is a look you could wear on a night out!
5. Dainty ballet flats
Ballet flats contrast the visual weight and straight lines of classic dad shorts, creating a look that is refreshing and unexpected. A black tee knits the whole thing together, but lets the statement bag take the main stage.
6. Simple tank
Euro summer is upon us and something about this look gets us in the mood for travel visas and the bustle of ancient city streets. It’s a simple look: a solid black tank, light wash dad shorts, a straw bag, and strappy black sandals. But it’s cute, easily personalized, and chic through its ease and simplicity.
7. Layered sweater
Dad shorts aren’t just for summer! Rock these bad boys in the spring and fall with layers of slouchy tops. Here an oversized sweater sits atop a white tee, ankle socks (probably with tennis shoes), and a tote complete the look. It’s perfect for days at the farmer’s market, running errands, or any day you want to feel cute with minimal effort.
8. Delicate top
We are back on the topic of contrast with this lacy white top balancing out the tomboy nature of dad shorts. Each element is on the opposite side of the spectrum so they come together to create a balanced and dynamic look. The combination of loafers with frilly socks repeats this pattern, the socks adding lightness and femininity to the heavy loafers.
9. Pleated khakis
Dad shorts aren’t limited to denim! If jeans aren’t your thing, try khakis. We love that they’re a neutral color, and they always look crisp and clean when paired with white for the summer.
10. Baseball hat
Hear us out, sometimes outfits are just better with a third element. If you took the hat away, this outfit would be cute but maybe a little basic. Adding the hat adds some interest and is a way to show off your style! Don’t limit yourself to khaki, try a leopard print, a bright color, or even a bucket hat. Do something to mix it up a bit.
11. Striped long sleeve
Another great option for spring and fall. The striped long sleeve shirt has that classic French feel that never goes out of style, and it plays well with the androgynous lines of the dad shorts. If there was one thing we’d change, we’d swap out these shoes for chunky loafers to play on that classic look while keeping the proportions.
12. Cowboy boots
So these shorts might be a TINY bit short to be considered dad shorts, but can you see the vision? Cowboy boots add a fun twist to your look and are perfect for summer. However, if you don’t want to look too country, make sure to balance the boots with a shirt that is not stereotypically “country”.
13. 90’s flair
A sporty knit halter neck top and dad style New Balances take these dad shorts back to the 1990’s and we’re obsessed. This is another case of using contrast to amp up the look, but by swapping out the shoes for something more elevated this look takes on a whole new vibe.
14. Sleek blazer
Take your dad shorts to work with a sleek, slim fitting blazer and heels. If heels feel a bit much, dress down the look by swapping the heels for sandals or loafers (or sneakers if you’re bold) and you’re good to go!
15. Crop top and overshirt
A tried and true combo: crop top and overshirt. This combination works with just about every type of bottoms to create a laidback and stylish look. Here they play on the dad shorts’ carefree feel to make an outfit perfect for brunch or shopping.
16. Classic white button down
Bring dad shorts to the next level with a classic white button down. Even with sneakers, the look is elevated in an effortlessly cool way. To add some interest, experiment with your accessories. Try different colors and elements, this is the perfect blank slate to showcase your taste.
17. Slouchy sweatshirt
An oversized graphic sweatshirt and tee play on the vintage feel of dad shorts to create a timelessly cool look. Check out your local thrift stores to find unique options for sweatshirts and tees, looks like these are best when they’re uniquely you!
18. Statement boots
This is another case where the shorts shown in the photo are probably not technically dad shorts, but the outfit combo would still work regardless. Statement boots, in this case moto boots, sit front and center, with the shorts and tee sitting back. You could try this with riding boots, gogo boots, or even thigh highs!
19. Chic vest
Rough up your look with Doc’s, a belt chain, and black vest. Or don’t! There’s tons of vest options out there that would look great over a white tee to spice up your outfit, find one you love and make it work! Some of our favorite vests are on eBay, there’s so many high quality and vintage options. Just be sure to use the filter to only see pre-owned!
20. Just the vest
In a similar vein, just wear the vest! No shirt required. It’s such a cute look for summer and feels to put together while being so easy. The loafers keep that clean, preppy look going but you could also try this with sandals, sneakers, or boots.
21. Cute and casual
This is pretty much the same recipe as the graphic tee outfit, but just another option to inspire you. It’s a minimal look, but the details all work together. Black accents on the shirt and shoes, the black bag, the sunglasses. It’s cohesive, and that makes all the difference.
22. Statement jewelry
If you keep getting caught in a rut where your dad short outfits look boring, try adding statement jewelry. Gigi Hadid uses layered necklaces, but bracelets, earrings, or rings could work as well.
23. Pop of color
Take the classic button down formula and add some spice to it with a feature color. Or colors! Bright pink turns this outfit electric, accented by kelly green shoes for a vibrant and chic look. You’ll still look elevated, but now with some flair.
24. Strappy heels
Class up your outfit with some strappy heels, here accompanied by a chic halter neck top and gold accents. Only using black (ahem, monochrome) brings elegance to the dad shorts along with the pieces themselves. Together all these aspects makes this a look ready for an event or date.
25. Accent color
Maybe this is obvious, but the accent color here is black. The hat, the bag, and the boots all coordinate, making black a common thread throughout the outfit. The leather on the boots and bag and the statement earrings lend the look a classy feel, breathing new life into the white tee and dad shorts.
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