Have you ever wondered if your comfy shorts can be styled for semi-formal occasions as well? Well, with the right topwear and footwear choice, yes! From classic polos to chic button-downs, find the right option to style your shorts.
This guide will help you explore the 29 best ways to wear your shorts for semi-formal events and spice up the fashion game like a pro!
29 Semi-Formal Casual Summer Shorts
1. Classic Chino Shorts
For a semi-formal casual outfit with shorts, opt for classic chinos, preferably in lighter colors. Complete this smart look with sneakers or loafers, and you’re all good to go.
Shirt: A white tee shirt offering a simple and elegant look, making the outfit perfect for semi-formal wear.
Shorts: A pair of chinos shorts complement the whole outfit in lighter shades.
Footwear: White sneakers complete the outfit, uplifting it while adding beauty and sophistication to it.
2. Linen Shorts
Select lightweight linen shorts in lighter colors such as beige, cream, or white. Pair these cozy shorts with a relaxed shirt and complete the outfit with espadrilles or boat shoes.
Shirt: A linen button-down shirt offers much-needed comfort and ease in the scorching heat of summer afternoons.
Shorts: A pair of linen shorts with a light color perfectly complements the overall outfit in light shades.
Footwear: A pair of soft-shaded espadrilles offer ease and comfort while also maintaining the style and class of the outfit.
3. Polo Shirt and Shorts
Choose a fitted polo shirt for a refined look this summer. Pair this cool shirt with tailored shorts and complete the stylish look with sneakers or espadrilles.
Shirt: A fitted black polo shirt complements the wearer’s build and establishes a stylish front.
Shorts: Black shorts complement the overall dark shades of the outfit, making it perfect fo semi-formal wear as well.
Accessories: A sleek wristwatch, chic sunglasses, and a fancy bracelet add the final touches to this classy look.
4. Printed Shorts
Go for printed shorts this summer for a casual yet interesting look. Choose interesting patterns or tropical prints for an appealing look. Complete the look with canvas sneakers or running shoes.
Shirt: A plain black tee shirt adds to the refinement of the outfit, offering a trendy appearance.
Shorts: A pair of camo shorts add an interesting and appealing look to the whole outfit while also balancing out the plain look of the wearer’s tee.
Footwear: A pair of white canvas sneakers make the outfit smart and add an element of sophistication to it.
5. Denim Shorts with Hoodie
Choose a pair of denim shorts and pair it with a basic tee, or for a bit of refinement, go for a chic hoodie. Complete this trendy look with canvas sneakers or running shoes for a fantastic look.
Shirt: A basic hoodie in a darker shade offers a laid-back look, making it perfect for casual wear and semi-formal wear as well.
Shorts: A pair of tailored denim shorts with an exciting pattern perfectly balances out the plain appearance of the wearer’s tee.
Footwear: A pair of black sports shoes offer a trendy and chic look, complementing the overall outfit.
6. Striped Shorts
Opt for a soft appearance of striped shorts in a light color palette, such as white and black or white and blue. Pair these shorts with a linen shirt and sandals or sneakers for a complete look.
Shirt: A plain white v-neck shirt offers a cool appearance with a laid-back vibe.
Shorts: A pair of black and white striped shorts balancing out the plain topwear of the wearer perfectly.
7. Tailored Shorts
Choose tailored shorts in a unique and versatile color for a semi-formal look this summer. Pair these shorts with a button-down shirt, and add the final touches with a minimalistic sneaker or comfy slide sandals.
Shirt: A plain white button-down shirt adds to the elegance of the outfit, making it perfect for casual as well as semi-formal wear.
Shorts: A pair of tailored shorts in an unapologetically bold shade, balancing out the light hue of the wearer’s button-down shirt.
Footwear: Slide sandals in a shade similar to the wearer’s shorts, complementing it perfectly.
8. Seersucker Shorts
Select seersucker shorts in a light color. Pair the classy seersucker shorts with an Oxford shirt for a refined look, and complete the stylish and unique fit with leather sandals.
Shirt: A plain white Oxford shirt offering a high-class look, perfect for semi-formal wear.
Shorts: A pair of seersucker shorts with an interesting pattern, balancing out the plain nature of the Oxford shirt perfectly.
9. Cargo Shorts with Graphic Tee
Choose a funky pair of cargo shorts and pair them with a graphic tee for a trendy and cool appearance. Complete this look with boat shoes or sneakers.
Shirt: A plain white tee with a minimalist pattern, adding to the soft look of the outfit.
Shorts: Cargo shorts in neutral tones perfectly complement the shades of the white tee.
Footwear: Clean, white sneakers uplift the outfit with their lively vibes and complete it with unmatched perfection.
10. Hawaiian Printed Shorts
Select shorts in a vibrant Hawaiian print. Offers refreshing vibes with shorts paired with a sheer fabric shirt, and complete this laid-back look with sneakers or leather loafers.
Shirt: An unapologetically bold, vibrant shirt offers a true Hawaiian vibe with unmatched beauty.
Shorts: A pair of Hawaiian printed shorts similar to the hues of the wearer’s topwear.
Accessories: Classy sunglasses, an exclusive wristwatch, and an elegant necklace add to the beauty of the outfit.
11. Bermuda Shorts
Opt for Bermuda shorts in classy colors such as navy or khaki. You can also go for denim Bermuda shorts, hitting just above the knee for a sophisticated appearance. Complete the unique look with espadrilles or sneakers.
Shirt: A plain white shirt offers a chic and elegant appearance, perfect for a casual as well as semi-formal day.
Shorts: A pair of denim Bermuda shorts perfectly complement the plain topwear.
12. Khaki Shorts
Select khaki shorts in a tailored fit for a sleek and sophisticated appearance. Pair the shorts with a lightweight shirt and complete the elegant look with suede loafers.
Shirt: A plain white tee shirt offering a graceful and stylish appearance.
Shorts: A pair of khaki tailored shorts go well with the plain topwear and complement the whole look.
13. Tropical Print Shorts
Wear vibrant tropical prints such as palm trees or playful floral designs for an elevated appearance. Complete the look with sneakers or leather flip-flops for a chic look.
Shirt: A polo-striped shirt offering a refined look with a relaxed fit, contributing to a stylish look.
Shorts: A pair of tropical-tailored shorts complement the overall shades of the outfit.
Footwear: Clean, white sneakers balance out the overall bold hues of the overall outfit like no other.
14. White Shorts
Choose a pair of white shorts for an elegant and sophisticated look. For topwear, go with dark shades and complete the unique look with canvas sneakers.
Shirt: A relaxed-fit dark-hued tee shirt offers a lively and bold vibe.
Shorts: A pair of white tailored shorts balance out the dark hues of the wearer’s topwear perfectly.
Footwear: Canvas sneakers add a touch of refinement while also elevating the whole appearance.
15. Athletic Shorts
Choose athletic shorts this summer for a sporty look and light workouts. Complete this chic look with sneakers and running shoes.
Shirt: A relaxed-fit tank top offers a sporty appearance while highlighting the wearer’s build.
Shorts: A pair of black athletic shorts complementing the lighter shades of the wearer’s tank top and elevating the whole look.
Footwear: A pair of white sneakers make the outfit perfect for physical activity while also allowing comfort and mobility.
16. Linen Shorts Suit
Opt for linen shorts in a light color and match them with a lightweight blazer for a semi-formal look. Complete this semi-formal outfit with sneakers and loafers for a refined look.
Shirt: A plain white tee topped with a lightweight blazer for a chic appearance, perfect for formal wear as well.
Shorts: A pair of linen shorts complementing the overall light-colored outfit.
Footwear: A pair of canvas sneakers maintaining a refined look with comfort and mobility, making it the perfect choice.
17. Plaid Shorts
Pair a plaid shirt in classic patterns like tartan or gingham, and pair these chic shorts with a plain tee or a button-down. Complete this unique look with boat shoes or sneakers for a laid-back appearance.
Shirt: A button-down in neutral tones offering a relaxed yet bright look, perfect for semi-formal wear.
Shorts: Tartan patterned shorts balance out the plain button-down shirt, ideally like no other.
Footwear: A pair of running shoes with hues similar to the topwear while also providing comfort and ease of movement.
18. Cotton Shorts
Select cotton shorts in a relaxed fit and pair them with a graphic tee for a chic appearance. Complete this trendy look with sneakers or espadrilles for an uplifted look.
Shirt: A smart black graphic tee offering a minimalistic vibe, perfect for semi-formal wear.
Shorts: A pair of dark-hued shorts maintain the dark nature of the outfit while also adding to its elegance with a minimalistic design.
Footwear: A pair of white sneakers uplift the outfit by adding a bit of shine to it.
19. Colorful Shorts
Choose shorts in a vibrant color for an unapologetically bold look this summer. Complete this chic look with neutral-toned topwear or matching shirts along with sneakers or leather sandals.
Shirt: A vibrant-colored tee shirt offering a lively vibe, much needed in the scorching heat of summer.
Shorts: A pair of vibrant-colored shorts that match the topwear creates a sense of harmony in the overall outfit.
Footwear: A pair of white running shoes add a bit of elegance to the outfit perfectly.
20. Tailored Shorts with Vest
Pair your tailored shorts with a fitted vest for a relaxed summer look. This combination is also perfect for maintaining the outfit’s comfort and refinement. Complete this laid-back yet elegant look with sneakers or suede loafers.
Shirt: A fitted vest in a complementary color highlights the wearer’s build.
Shorts: A pair of white tailored shorts balance out the hues of the wearer’s topwear and uplift the outfit.
Footwear: White sneakers add to the comfort and refinement of the outfit perfectly.
21. Denim Cutoff Shorts
Pair your denim pants this summer with an oversized shirt for a simple yet elegant appearance. Complete this trendy look with canvas sneakers.
Shirt: A plain black oversized shirt offers a calm vibe while also presenting an elegant and trendy look.
Shorts: Denim shorts in a baggy fit complement the overall baggy outfit and add to its appealing nature.
Footwear: A pair of white canvas sneakers balance out the dark hues of the outfit, uplifting it.
22. Checked Shorts
Pair your classy checked shorts with a solid-colored top for balance. Add loafers or boat shoes to the outfit to complete this refined look, which is perfect for semi-formal wear as well.
Shirt: A chambray shirt topped with a plain white button-down shirt offering a refined yet relaxed look for summer.
Shorts: A pair of checked shorts with interesting hues balance out the plain topwear with perfection.
23. Drawstring Shorts
For a breezy summer look, opt for a linen shirt or a plain tee. For added comfort, complete this comfy look with sandals or espadrilles.
Shirt: A plain black tee offers a minimalistic look while maintaining the outfit’s elegance.
Shorts: A pair of drawstring shorts with neutral tones complement the dark topwear with perfection.
24. Cargo Shorts with Breton Striped Shirt
This summer, keep it casual yet trendy with a pair of cargo shorts. Complete this chic outfit with sneakers or boat shoes.
Shirt: A Breton striped shirt offers a fantastic appearance, perfect for semi-formal occasions.
Shorts: A pair of cargo shorts in light tones, complementing the patterned topwear.
Footwear: A pair of white sneakers add to the beauty of the outfit while also elevating the comfort level.
25. Suede Shorts
Go for suede shorts for a refined look this summer. Pair your suede shorts with loafers or suede sneakers, adding an element of sophistication to your unique outfit.
Shirt: A longline suede shirt maintaining comfort and refinement of the outfit, making it perfect for casual as well as semi-formal wear.
Shorts: A pair of suede shorts complete the outfit with unmatched perfection, adding to its beauty.
26. Patterned Shorts
Pair your patterned shorts with a polo shirt for a refined and classy look this summer. Opt for canvas sneakers or espadrilles for a complete smart look.
Shirt: A solid-colored chic polo shirt offers an elegant appearance that is perfect for summer semi-formal wear.
Shorts: A pair of patterned shorts complementing the solid color of the wearer’s topwear perfectly.
27. Sweat Shorts
This summer, keep a comfortable look with a hoodie paired with sweat shorts. Complete this relaxed fit with athletic sneakers or sandals.
Shirt: A dark-hued hoodie, maintaining comfort with an elegant appearance for semi-formal occasions.
Shorts: A pair of sweat shorts in light tones complement the dark hues of the wearer’s hoodie.
Footwear: White sneakers add a little life to the outfit with their bright hues and comfort.
28. Tie and Dye Shorts
Opt for a simple shirt paired with a tie and dyed shorts. Complete this chic look with sandals or sneakers for a laid-back appearance.
Shirt: A plain white tee adds to the beauty and elegance of the outfit.
Shorts: A pair of tie-and-dye shorts with attractive hues balance out the plain tee with perfection.
Footwear: A pair of flip-flops add to the comfort and relaxed nature of the overall outfit.
29. Golf Shorts
Pair a polo shirt with golf shorts for a complete sports look. Complete this adventurous outfit with sneakers or golf shoes.
Shirt: A plain white polo shirt offering a lively vibe, perfect for a fun summer golf day.
Shorts: A pair of golf shorts with mesmerizing hues complement the plain topwear perfectly.
Footwear: A pair of plain white sneakers makes the outfit perfect for engaging in sporty activities while maintaining comfort and elegance.
Conclusion
Shorts, with their comfortable quality, can be your go-to for semi-formal occasions as well. From neutral-toned shorts to more vibrant ones, find the perfect choice for you and rock this summer with perfection. With these 29 ideas to style casual summer shorts, offer a relaxed yet refined outfit with unremarkable perfection.