Tired Of Basic Denim Shorts? Try Sweatshorts For Summer

Summer is all about wearing less. Sometimes, that means you need to get a little bit creative with your everyday styling if you still want to look chic. If you don't care much for skirts and dresses, a pair of shorts of some sort is a must-have item for your summer wardrobe.

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Denim shorts are a relatively versatile piece that you can dress up or down for different occasions, and styling your favorite pair for summer doesn't have to be a hassle. Still, they're honestly kind of uncomfortable, especially when that scorching summer sun hits.

If you're on the hunt for the perfect pair of summer shorts that will provide comfort while still being stylish, look no further than sweatshorts. No, it isn't going to look like you're wearing your old sweats if you go about styling them right. Even though it might not seem like it, sweatshorts don't always have to elicit sportswear vibes. They're actually a wonderfully easy piece of clothing to work with, all while staying comfy.

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The sweat short set

Make your sweatshorts the star of your outfit by pairing them with a matching sweatshirt or hoodie top. If it's a hot summer day and you still want to match, wear a basic top and tie the top part of the set around your neck. For an elevated everyday look, opt for a color like a neutral forest green or a muted purple. Your accessories should complement the sweatshort set — not take the spotlight away from it — so go for dainty jewelry. Casual sneakers and a shoulder bag in a neutral color should finish the look off perfectly.

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Don't be afraid of color

When summer finally appears around the corner, it's time for some color. A sweatshort set in a warm, bright color like pink or orange can be your new best friend for the season. It's a fun way to translate all the summer feels into your outfit for the day. Depending on the set's color, match your accessories accordingly while still staying playful. For example, if you have an orange sweatshort set, match it with pink or blue accessories. To create balance, opt for a neutral-colored shoe.

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Neutral color blocking

If you prefer a more toned-down look when it comes to colors, try styling your sweatshorts in a color block. Choose a darker-hued pair of sweatshorts, like black or brown ones, and work your way around them. Go for lighter-colored items for the rest of the outfit to create contrast. The great thing about this approach to styling sweatshorts is that they can be dressed up or down as much as you feel like it. For a more casual look, wear sneakers or slides; if you're looking for a classy touch, opt for some leather sandals.

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The basic tee

The beauty of sweatshorts is that they work with the most basic clothing pieces everyone owns. Pair yours with a basic T-shirt of your choosing, and you've got yourself the perfect "running errands" outfit. Depending on your style, the T-shirt in question can be simple, like a basic white tee, or you can go for a fun graphic one. If you want a monochromatic feel, color coordinate your accessories with the clothes, but make sure to create some depth with one of the add-ons in a different shade.

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Accessories as stars of the show

The accessories you choose can make or break any outfit. With sweatshorts, paying attention to details can really elevate the look to another level. Opting for a neutral-colored sweatshort set will allow you to focus on your accessories here. Colored-lens sunglasses can be the unexpected detail that steals the show in this styling. For a still-sporty vibe, go for some cool sneakers. If possible, match them to your sunglasses to knock this look out of the park. Also, don't forget jewelry. Some chunky earrings would work great here.

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Get inspired by celebs

Celebrities are an inexhaustible source of inspiration when it comes to styling everyday looks. They work with the best of the best in the fashion industry on a daily basis, so why not get some styling ideas there? Hailey Bieber's style often includes wearing sweatshorts but with an interesting twist — an oversized leather jacket. While that might be too much for a regular summer day, leave this cool girl fit for those temperature drops after a rainy day, or simply rock it throughout the night for some extra warmth.

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Evoke classy vibes with a white button-down

The classic white button-down is an unparalleled staple piece you need in your wardrobe. It works with basically any other clothing item, including sweatshorts. Although it may be an unexpected duo, they complement each other perfectly. If you want to feel comfortable during the day but still don't want to give up a put-together vibe, this styling pair is perfect for you to try. Opt for lighter-colored sweatshorts to create a homogenous look, and then create some contrast with darker-colored accessories. Stick to a leather bag and sandals to complete your elegant summer fit.

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White button-down but make it athleisure

The white button-down styling options don't have to be restricted to a classic vibe. You can pair your sweatshorts with a white button-down and still manage to look super casual. Simply wear the shirt unbuttoned, with a sports bra or an athleisure top of your own choosing showing underneath. Your shoe and bag selections will round the look off — go for cute sneakers and a crossbody bag. You can also play with smaller pieces like jewelry, socks, and headpieces to elevate the look.

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The perfect outdoor wear

Sweatshorts are the ideal piece of clothing to wear for an outdoor venture of almost any kind. Whether it's a hike or a simple hangout in nature, they will work perfectly for a hot summer day. A functional outfit doesn't need to be boring. Go for neutral colors here and incorporate layers; you never know what nature has in store. Pair your shorts with a sports top or a cropped hoodie, and add a cool windbreaker for practical purposes. Your shoe choice will be dictated by the occasion, but make sure to stay in a similar color palette.

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Dress the sweatshorts up

Pairing sweatshorts with a classy piece like a blazer can go downhill easily if not done right. To really nail this approach, choose one color and stick to it. Black is always a great option because there's only one shade, and it's hard to go wrong. A leather pair of shoes makes the most sense if you're dressing up, but you can go for a more casual pair like sneakers as well; just make sure they're still the same color as the rest of your outfit. Jewelry can elevate this look further — don't underestimate the power of hoop earrings.

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Stealth wealth

If you're not the type for flashy logos and showing off, sweatshorts can be the perfect piece to attain the quiet luxury look. For a classier vibe, go for a sweatshort set, but make sure the top is a polo or a collared sweatshirt, not a hoodie. Details like that are what stealth wealth is all about. To create a monochromatic look, stick to the same color palette with your shoe choice as well. Add dimension to the look with darker-colored leather accessories.

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A pop of color in an all-white outfit

White is the ultimate summer color, no doubt about it. Not only does it reflect heat away, but it also looks amazing. To channel some serious summer vibes, go all white. You don't necessarily need a sweatshort set to achieve an all-white outfit; any white top will do. Keep your accessories white as well — the shoes, the bag, and any headpieces you might go for. If you want a pop of color, throw on a colored button-down and keep it unbuttoned. That way, you're protecting your shoulders from the summer sun while still looking fabulous.

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White on color on color

If an all-white look is a bit much for you, let just your sweatshorts be white. For the rest of the outfit, focus on adding color for a super fun summer look. Make sure they don't clash and try to color-coordinate certain pieces. For example, match the color of your shoes to the color of your bag, and the color of your top to the color of your sunglasses. Adding a colored button-down is an option here as well, so why not go for it?

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The black button-down

The most underrated of all button-down colors, a black shirt can elevate sweatshorts instantly. It's also a great option if you're not feeling like staying in the same color palette as your sweatshorts. For example, pairing a lighter-hued pair with a black button-down will create contrast while still summoning elegance. To continue with the chic vibe, opt for all-black accessories. A black leather shoulder bag is the ultimate classy choice, so make sure to incorporate it.

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A cute sweatshirt is always a good idea

Sweatshort sets can sometimes get a little dull. If you want to switch it up a little bit while still staying in the same color scheme, consider getting a cute sweatshirt. The pairing is pretty easy, as both pieces are casual and have a sporty feel to them; just make sure you choose colors that go well together. Neutrals pair really well and are not hard to style. The same goes for accessories — there's no need to create contrast as all the pieces are essentially different colors, and that's what gives this outfit enough depth.

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Tie-dye is not over

Tie-dye had its comeback, and it never really left afterward. Every now and then, a tie-dye piece of clothing will pop out of nowhere to remind you it's still a fun trend to style. Why not try a tie-dye sweatshort set? It's a fun and easy way to incorporate some color and dimension into your matching sweats. You can choose any color and intensity of the tie-dye effect you like. If you don't want to go overboard, keep the rest of your look basic. Sneakers and a casual bag will fit in perfectly.

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Incorporate a pattern

The affair between button-downs and sweatshorts is still not over. If you prefer your sweatshorts to be plain, but would still like to somehow elevate your outfit for a casual outing, a patterned overshirt is the way to go. Choose whatever design suits you and your style best — it can be a checkered print, an animal print, a floral design, or whatever you might like. Put it over a fitted top that's in a similar color to the shorts, and keep it unbuttoned for a relaxed fit. For a classy touch, consider necklace layering.

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Channeling cowboy feels

Maybe the most unexpected way to style sweatshorts is to pair them with your favorite pair of cowboy boots. The success of this outfit greatly depends on the colors involved. Since it's such an odd pairing, try to have all your pieces be black if possible. For a loose silhouette, choose an oversized T-shirt or an overshirt as your top. For a pop of color, if you want one, adding colored-lens sunglasses and a denim bag would be a true fashionista move here.

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A cool top is all you need

When it's hot out, you don't necessarily want to wear multiple pieces of clothing. If sweatshorts and a top are all you're going for, make the latter as interesting as possible. Create balance by opting for a tighter-fitting top. A crop top would be a perfect choice here, but to make it a bit cooler, make the sleeves at least three-quarter length. Bonus points if it's patterned or striped. As for the shoes, if you're fashion-forward enough, opt for heeled clogs. They're making a comeback, so the timing is perfect.

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Trench coat weather

Not everyone lives in a super-hot climate where jackets don't see the light of day for months on end. If that's the case for you, don't worry because you don't have to give up your sweatshorts. If a leather jacket isn't your style, pair your shorts with something more feminine, like a trench coat. Let it be the star of the show by keeping the rest of the outfit minimal. Neutral colors are your best choice here to evoke those classy feels, as is a leather handbag. Loafers would be an amazing shoe choice, but sneakers work as well.

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