There are a few tricks you can use to elevate an outfit: adding a pop of jewelry, spicing things up with a glamorous handbag, or donning your treasured vintage scarf.
But what about when the weather gets hot? Can you wear dress shoes with shorts? Indeed, you can.
From Oxfords to loafers, there’s an endless array of dress shoes to pair with shorts when temperatures rise. In this article, we’ll explore how to balance patterns and dress shoe colors so you can walk confidently through your day.
Keep reading to find out how to showcase your personal style while wearing dress shoes with shorts and feel confident, no matter the occasion.
Can You Wear Dress Shoes With Shorts?
Just because temperatures start to heat up doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style. By pairing shorts with an elegant loafer or casual dress sneaker, you can stay cool and look chic, using patterns, colors, and clean lines to enhance your look and elevate your summer style.
Easy to dress up or down, dress shoes can become the most versatile item in your closet. While you may be used to pairing them with a pair of slacks or formal skirts, the reality is that the styling sky’s the limit.
Whether you’re a fan of mid-length tailored shorts or a classic denim pair, you can complete your look with a pair of flats, dress sneakers, or loafers. Understanding which styles and textures complement each other can help you create long lines and a cohesive outfit that’s ready for any summer outing.
Balancing Colors and Patterns: Complementing Dress Shoes and Shorts
As with any ensemble, the key to pairing shorts and dress shoes is to create a cohesive look. Here are some aspects of your outfit you may want to consider when styling your outfits this summer.
Creating Balance Within Your Look
When pairing shorts with dress shoes, creating a cohesive look can ensure you look elegant and chic. The key to creating a balanced ensemble is to focus on what part of the outfit you want to highlight.
This means you may want to shy away from pairing shorts that feature bold patterns with brightly colored shoes since they’re both eye-catching pieces. Instead, focus on making one component of your outfit more subtle, using neutral tones or textures, so the details you want to highlight really stand out.
For example, you can pair a subdued indigo denim pair of shorts with a more intricate dress shoe, like an Oxford or a fun-colored heel. Or, if you want to wear your favorite pair of printed dress shorts, select a more subtle black or cream-colored flat, such as the Cheryl II Loafer.
Pairing Patterns
It’s no secret that adding a funky pattern to your outfit can level up your look—not to mention it’s a fun way to highlight your personal style.
When it comes to dress shoes and shorts, it’s important to balance patterned pieces with more neutral items to ensure you look stylish and sophisticated. Whether you’re a leopard-print lover or a fan of classic polka dots, there are plenty of dress shoe options you can don to complete your look.
If you’re headed out to a summer picnic or more casual day out with friends, you can even explore your style horizons and pair multiple patterns together. Dress shoes come in a variety of patterns, from stripes to subtle prints, and can be worn with other patterned shorts for a dynamic look.
Choosing Complementary or Contrasting Colors
Color is another key element to consider when pairing shorts and dress shoes. Consider consulting a color wheel, which features primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, to match and contrast your garments.1
When deciding which colors you want to include, a color wheel can help you understand which shades pair well together. Pair two or more contrasting colors together to stand out from the crowd, or select a classic 70:30 color ratio for a more polished, balanced look to wear to the office or a family dinner.
Simply put, the color wheel is a tool you can use to help broaden your selection of colors when choosing dress shoes to wear with shorts—but it’s only the springboard to opportunity. Express your personal style in the color of your shorts and dress shoes, and you can’t go wrong.
Dress Shoes for Diverse Occasions with Shorts
Whether you’re headed to an outdoor concert or a stroll through the farmer’s market, an outfit featuring dress shoes with shorts can be the perfect look for a variety of occasions.
When you’re attending a more formal event or meeting, consider shorts made from heavier materials to create sleek lines and a shoe that can elevate your look, like a kitten heel or classic flat. Consider shoes like wedges or platform sandals with a pair of shorts when you’re off to a picnic or dinner party to add some elegance to your summer look.
Instead, if you know you’ll be on your feet or walking for a long time, a more comfortable option like dress sneakers or loafers can help you take care of your feet while maintaining your signature style.
Perfecting the Fit: Shorts Lengths and Dress Shoe Selection
When you’re ready to shine in a new pair of shorts this summer, there’s an array of dress shoe styles to consider. Beyond color and pattern, you’ll also want to keep the length of the shorts in mind.
Here’s a look at some dress shoe styles you can pair with shorts, whether you want to create a refined and classic look or a unique ensemble all your own.
Oxfords
A classic dress shoe, Oxfords are a staple in any closet. Easy to dress up or down, Oxford’s elegant detailing and comfortable height make them the right fit for formal events, while leveling up the elegance at business casual affairs, too.
Pair the Alfina Oxford with a longer, knee-length short when attending a work event, or complete your look with denim shorts for a romantic weekend stroll. Because of their intricate features, consider pairing them with more neutral tones and textures to help them really stand out, no matter where you are.
Loafers
A timeless dress shoe, loafers make a comfortable and stylish addition to a pair of shorts, elevating your look and offering your feet the support they deserve. Pair them with linen shorts in hot temperatures for a breathable look to help you stay cool without sacrificing sophistication.
Roomy, high-waisted shorts are a timeless classic style, especially when paired with a chic pair of loafers, such as the Mizelle Loafer. Complete the look with stylish mid-calf socks for a trendier vibe, or wear them with no-show socks for a clean-cut look.
Ballet Flats
For comfort and style, ballet flats are a tried and true favorite. They come in an array of fun prints and bold colors, making them the perfect accessory when you want to showcase your personality and flair.
Flats work well with both loose and tailored shorts, depending on the event you’re attending, making them a versatile option for both casual outings and formal get-togethers.
Heels
Heels are another classic dress shoe, and for good reason. They’re not only able to flatter any length of short or trouser, but they also come in a wide variety of styles. You can choose kitten heels, like the Ziva Kitten Heel, for a more comfortable shoe, wedges for a laid-back look, or stiletto heels to make a grand entrance.
When it comes to dress shoes to wear with shorts, heels may not be the footwear that comes to mind for most people—but they should be. Even a short pair of heels can help make the legs appear longer, elongating your outfit and boosting your posture in any room. Opt for a short- or mid-length heel with shorts, and choose a more structured short that holds up to them.
The Confident Style: How to Confidently Pair Shorts with Dress Shoes
While you may be used to wearing dress shoes with jeans, longer pants, or dresses, don’t forget about shorts when temperatures start to heat up. Just because you want to keep cool doesn’t mean you can’t slip on your favorite pair of loafers or wedges. Here are some tips to help you feel confident as you strut in shorts and dress shoes this summer:
- Consider the length of your shorts – When you’re creating an upscale ensemble, keep the length of your shorts in mind. If you wear a shorter pair, you may want to opt for a lower heel, like a loafer, flat, or dress sneaker. On the other hand, when your shorts are on the longer side, try a wedge or kitten heel to create longer, more elegant lines.
- Prioritize your comfort – Those who feel good, look good. That’s why when you want to feel confident in your outfit, it’s important to prioritize your comfort, especially in high temperatures. Choose a shoe and shorts combo that not only highlights your exquisite taste, but offers the comfort and support your feet need.
Prioritize Comfort and Style This Summer With Vionic
Whether you want to dress them up or create a more casual look, shorts and dress shoes are a great way to stay cool and chic.
Gone are the days where you have to sacrifice comfort for style. At Vionic, we care about your foot health, which is why all of our dress shoes feature built-in orthotics, to help you take care of your feet no matter the occasion.
You can elevate your summer look with a pair of classic Oxfords or flats while beating the heat in your favorite pair of shorts. Whether you’re headed to work or off to brunch with your besties, step into a new era of footwear with Vionic.
Sources:
- “Colour Wheel.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/color-wheel
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