Summer is the time to take off layers and show off these legs, so what better way to do that than with some stylish shorts? They are incredibly versatile, suitable for most, if not all, warm-weather occasions. We researched 50 timeless pairs on Target, and found the styles we'll be wearing to the beach, the park, and everywhere else this summer.
The best part is that all of our picks are priced under $50, so you can afford to score more than one pair — whether you like your shorts tailored or relaxed, printed or solid, long or, well, short. Do you live in denim? We've got those, too. Prefer something classic you can wear for years? Done and done. You get the picture. So without further ado, get ready to slip into these adorable (and affordable) shorts when you click on.
— Additional reporting by Melody Nazarian
You'll feel at ease all day when wearing these H&M High Waist Shorts ($13).
Style these Wild Fable High-Rise Frayed Hem Jean Shorts ($19) with your favorite tee for a relaxed look.
These A New Day High-Rise Tie Waist Shorts ($20) will turn any top into an elevated look.
These Wild Fable High-Rise Frayed Hem Jean Shorts ($15) come perfectly worn-in already, so there's no need to distress them.
These A New Day High-Rise Paperbag Shorts ($25) are the perfect lightweight and breezy picks for warm weather.
These H&M High Waist Denim Shorts ($20) are an easy-breezy pick for city days spent pounding the pavement.
Brace yourself for that sweaty cardio workout in these Core 10 Midweight Onstride High-Waist Biker Shorts ($26).
If you're eyeing fresh white shorts for summer, these Zara Frayed High Rise Denim Shorts ($36) are it.
There are so many ways to dress up A New Day High-Rise Paperbag Shorts ($25) this spring, but heeled sandals are practically a must-do.
Your summer closet just isn't complete without a pair (or two) of High-Waist Denim Shorts ($25).
You can style these Madewell High Rise Cuffed Denim Shorts ($45) in so many ways, with sneakers, chunky boots, or slide sandals.
These ELOQUII High Waist Shorts ($39, originally $65) are cut for a sleek and modern silhouette.
These Zara High Rise Denim Shorts ($36) are going to be staples in your wardrobe. Style them with a breezy linen shirt.
If you like a looser yet still put-together silhouette, these Zara Belted Baggy Denim Shorts ($40) will have you covered.
If you're a fan of animal prints, then you'll probably like these Onzie High Rise Bike Shorts ($48, originally $54).
Cutoffs are always a good idea, and you'll wear these Zara ZW The High Waist Shorts ($40) over and over again.
These A New Day High-Rise Tie Waist Shorts ($20) feature functional pockets and a decorative bow, in addition to being comfortable.
These vibrant Zara High Waisted Shorts ($40) are begging to be taken on a vacation.
Upgrade your spring and summer bottoms with these A New Day High-Rise Shorts ($20).
Don't abandon the tie-dye trend with these Zara Tie Dye Denim Shorts ($40).
Think pink in these fun Zara Solid Color Straight Cut Shorts ($40).
We're very into the whimsical, multicolored print on these Persit High-Waist Print Workout Shorts ($23).
You can't go wrong with this pair of Old Navy High-Waisted Button-Fly O.G. Straight Black Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($35), and we find this style's short length and frayed edges cool.
For a more polished pick with no fraying, these Old Navy Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Jean Shorts ($15) jumped out at us.
Swap out your basic blues for a colorful, statement-making pair of Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Tie-Dye Button-Fly Jean Shorts ($35, originally $40) this summer.
When you don't like shorts that are too constricting, opt for a pair of these super-relaxed Old Navy High-Waisted Slouchy Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($35, originally $40).
We couldn't possibly name just one favorite from the three soft shades of Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Straight Mineral-Dye Jean Shorts ($12, originally $35), each created with all-natural dyes.
Fans of super-dark denim get summer wishes granted with these sleek Old Navy Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Bermuda Jean Shorts ($25, originally $30).
These Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Gray Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($35, originally $40) would look chic with a crop top, too.
The Old Navy Mid-Rise Distressed Button-Fly Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($25, originally $30) bring vintage flair with a super-light wash and exposed buttons.
These long Old Navy Mid-Rise Ripped White Bermuda Jean Shorts ($28, originally $35) look nice with tucked shirts and ones that blouse out above as well.
These Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Straight Floral Button-Fly Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($25, originally $35) bring a bouquet to your bottoms and pair so nicely with solid blue tops, too.
You could also dress these Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Cuffed Black Jean Shorts ($25, originally $40) up for a night on the town (when it's safe).
Slip on the cuffed Old Navy Mid-Rise Distressed Green-Color Jean Shorts ($12, originally $30) with a flowy printed top, or tuck in something neutral instead.
How cute are the bandana-printed pockets peeking out from these Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Exposed Pocket Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($30, originally $35)?!
We love the lived-in look of the Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Ripped Light-Wash Jean Shorts ($30, originally $35) with a solid tee and sneakers all weekend long.
We can't decide if we like these better in the dark Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Sky Hi Black Button-Fly Jean Shorts ($25, originally $40) or a traditional denim Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Sky Hi Straight Button-Fly Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($22, originally $40) . . . what say you?
The Old Navy Mid-Rise Distressed Boyfriend Beige-Color Jean Shorts ($15, originally $30) look equally cute with a tucked tank during the day as they would with a lightweight sweater at night.
Why not try patterned denim this summer, like a pair of these Old Navy Mid-Rise Button-Fly Multi-Stripe Jean Shorts ($12, originally $30) with a subtle pattern?
When you want shorts that are both long and high-waisted, opt for a pair of Old Navy High-Waisted Cuffed Bermuda Jean Shorts ($28, originally $35) this season.
The rich blue Old Navy Mid-Rise Ripped Medium-Wash Boyfriend Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($35) really pop next to a bright white shirt.
For an athleisure vibe to take you all around town, we like these casual Wild Fable High-Rise Dolphin Shorts ($12).
This was the very first style of Levi's jeans, so why not tap into that iconic and timeless look with a pair of high-rise Levi's 501 Original Jean Shorts ($35)?
These Universal Thread Mid-Rise Tie Waist Utility Shorts ($20) are perfect for beach days.
These A New Day High-Rise Pull-On Shorts ($17) were designed for all-day wear, thanks to the relaxed fit.
You can't beat the price of these Wild Fable High-Rise Bike Shorts ($7), and they come in eight colors from lime to olive.
If you're looking for a longer denim option, we'd recommend the Denizen From Levi's Mid-Rise 9" Bermuda Jean Shorts ($22) with a fitted leg and finished cuff.
These Wild Fable High-Rise Frayed Hem Jean Shorts ($15) look playful and fun.
These 100-percent-cotton Universal Thread High-Rise Pull-On Shorts ($15) makes for a breathable pair that you'll feel comfortable wearing all day.
Yes, these Universal Thread High-Rise Slim Fit Jean Shorts ($18) will make you look and feel good. Pair them with a t-shirt and some low sneakers for a cool off-duty look.