Create your next favorite outfit by using your new shorts
You’ve got a pair of black shorts and now you are wondering how to pair them to create the best outfit.
The good news is that black shorts work with many different clothes and look cute in all kinds of situations.
The perfect black frame
They are a perfect canvas for showcasing all the beautiful clothes and accessories you already have in your wardrobe. To get your creative juices flowing, I created 21 of the best black shorts outfit ideas.
Let’s take a look and see which one will end up being your favorite.
Black shorts + Graphic T-shirts + Favourite sneakers
Let’s start by being casual. Black shorts look especially good with any form of graphic T-shirt or band T-shirt. Complete the look with sneakers and a practical bag; you will be ready to get things done.
Black shorts + Asymmetric black top + Denim jacket
Create a slimming column by matching your shorts with a black top.
In this case, I chose an asymmetric top since you want to look fashionable watching your favorite band. To make the outfit even more interesting and add contras, I choose a denim jacket.
Note that any jacket will actually look cool in this outfit. You could wear a blazer or a printed jacket.
Black shorts + Silk blouse
Take your black shorts, and your love, on a date.
I love the chic combination of navy and black. But you could use a blouse in your favorite color. The blouse can be printed; black is great at showcasing both prints and other colors.
The trick to make this look work is to add feminine sandals and some jewelry.
Black shorts + Light blue shirt + Black accessories
This outfit is loved by those stylish Parisian girls you always see on Instagram. Unbutton the shirt a bit, and roll up the sleeves. Tie the look together by choosing your favorite black accessories.
Black shorts + Striped T-shirt + Leather jacket
This is such a classic look. I’m sure you have at least one striped top. Channel your inner Picasso. Here I also wanted to show that black shorts work with your favorite leather jacket.
Black shorts + White T-shirt + Tan accessories
Researching this post, I discovered that one of the most popular ways to create a black shorts outfit was to combine them with a white T-shirt. The look is fresh and minimalistic.
It is also an opportunity to showcase a couple of your favorite accessories. Black looks particularly chic combined with a couple of tan leather accessories.
Black shorts + White blouse + Straw basket
Take your beloved black shorts in a romantic direction. Combine them with a peasant blouse.
They look particularly good with a blouse with black embroidery. But you can use any kind of romantic blouse and get the same sweet result.
Black shorts + Printed blouse
Black shorts can also look edgy when combined with a cool blouse.
Most people would combine this blouse with a skirt or jeans.
The black shorts, on the other hand, give you that juxtaposition between masculine and feminine that is a signature of any epic outfit. If you want to learn what makes an outfit special, I did a deep dive into the subject What makes a great outfit?
Add your nicest accessories and create a look that will get compliments from both men and women.
Black shorts + White blouse + Linen Blazer
Ok, most people might not wear black shorts to a business meeting. But if the meeting is casual enough and if the shorts are long enough, this can absolutely work.
Regardless of how many business meetings you have lined up, combine your black shorts with a blazer to create a sharp outfit. If you want to dress down the look; switch the blouse to a white T-shirt.
Black shorts + Knitted top + White denim jacket
The knitted top is a big trend for this summer. It works particularly well with a pair of black shorts. Add a crisp denim jacket and a cute scarf and you will receive compliments from your brunch date.
This black shorts outfit hit that sweet spot between casual and stylish.
Black shorts + Top in your favorite color + Matching accessories
A pair of black shorts is the perfect excuse to wear your favorite color. The key to making this look work is to choose one or two matching accessories to tie everything together.
You can go grocery shopping, and you can also do pretty much anything else under the sun. This outfit will look cute in any situation. A bright color is such a treat.
Black shorts + White tank top + Shacket
Take the shacket trend for a spin.
This outfit is perfect for watching your favorite sport, or for watching your kids play their favorite sport. This outfit is both cute and fashion-forward. Make sure you try it.
Black shorts + A bodysuit + A leather jacket
Don’t forget about the possibility of combining your black shorts with your favorite bodysuit.
You will get a glamorous and streamlined look. Add a black leather jacket and you have a real winner.
Once again, this is a great canvas for showcasing some of your favorite accessories.
Compliments from girlfriends are guaranteed.
Black shorts + Cropped top + Denim shirt
When I’m on the metro or walking around Lisbon, I see cropped tops everywhere. It’s already the biggest trend of the summer.
They are usually combined with baggy jeans, but I actually think they would look better with black shorts.
If you, like me, are way too old for a cropped top, you get the same effect if you choose a form-fitting top with some interesting details, such as buttons or an interesting neckline.
I also added a white denim shirt so our girl can cover up if she gets cold.
Black shorts + Orange top + Statment accessories
Let’s take our unassuming, works-with-everything, black shorts and give them a fashion statement spin. Just pick a trendy top. Could also be in a Neon color. Check out my article Trendy summer outfits – Summer 2023 Edition, for more ideas.
Make sure all your accessories make a big splash. You will get noticed. This outfit would also work for a vernissage.
Black shorts + Olive top + Brown accessories
Don’t forget that black also works with earthy tones, such as brown and olive. For a quick mid-workday coffee run, a long-sleeved top looks great with your black shorts. I also love the rich color of chocolate brown. You could also combine your shorts with a brown top.
Black shorts + Hoodie + Vans
You will be surprised by how well your shorts work with a hoodie. Add a pair of sneakers and a practical bag. Casual, yet smart.
I also like the look of a hoodie with a zipper and a cute T-shirt underneath.
College sweaters are another big trend right now, and yes, they do look cute with black shorts.
Black shorts + Red cardigan + White T-shirt
I’m not sure if this is the ideal outfit for a road trip, but I wanted to show that black shorts also are a nice counterpart to red clothes. Wear yours with a red T-shirt, or as in the picture, with a red cardigan. Red is joyful and summerly and comes in a plethora of different shades so that you can find one that looks good on you.
Black shorts + Polo shirt
Black shorts can also look incredibly preppy; lean into this aesthetic by combining them with a polo shirt. Nice jewelry and casual accessories complete the outfit.
Wearing this outfit, you will impress anyone. The polo shirt can be in any color, but I love it in cream. It’s very on point for summer 2024.
Black shorts + Black T-shirt + Military style jacket
Don’t overlook the fact that a pair of black shorts also look good with utilitarian clothes like a military jacket or a denim shirt. The black T-shirt will be perfect for any kind of manual work. This outfit would also be perfect for volunteering or going to the plant nursery.
Black shorts + Black vest
One of the biggest trends for summer 2024 is a vest. If you have been wondering how to style this look, a pair of black shorts gives you the answer. This outfit works regardless of the color of the vest. That’s the magic of having a pair of black shorts in your wardrobe.
A Final Note on all the best black shorts outfit ideas
Black shorts work with a lot of different styles, depending on how you wear them, you can get outfits that are classic, preppy, sporty or even romantic. Ask yourself what kind of feeling you want to embody, whatever you desire. I’m sure a pair of black shorts can be the starting point for creating that exact outfit.
Create a capsule wardrobe
Black shorts are perfect when you ask how to start a summer capsule wardrobe, check out my article here Build your 2023 summer capsule wardrobe in 6 easy steps.
Go on an adventure in your black shorts
Now when you have all these outfit ideas, your black shorts will be a workhorse in your wardrobe.
Moa Ailert is the founder and editor-in-chief of Her Brilliant Friend.
She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and plenty of insight into human psychology from traveling and living in different places around the world.
Moa is currently based in Portugal where she has a guesthouse; Villa dos Irmaos.
She has various websites, among others Ericeira Insider, but Her brilliant friend is her true passion project.
