The Definitive Guide of What Shoes to Wear With Every Type of Shorts

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With Summer already in full swing, you've probably found your go-to pair of shorts, but you may be looking for some fresh ways to style them. While finding cute and summery tops to wear with them is key, getting the perfect footwear is equally important. Since wearing shorts puts your feet on full display, the right shoes can make or break your outfit.

Whether you prefer to rock long fitted Bermuda shorts or would rather show off your legs in itty-bitty short shorts, there's a shoe out there that perfectly complements every silhouette. Read on to see what shoes to wear with every kind of shorts, or jump ahead to your favorite style.

Tailored Shorts
Getty/Edward Berthelot/GC Images

Tailored Shorts

A stylish pair of tailored shorts will take you from your desk to happy hour in a snap. Keep them office-appropriate during the day with flat slides or loafers, and come 5 o'clock, swap out your work shoes in favor of options with whimsical accents like feathers or tassels. The fun, embellished footwear will help balance out the structured shorts outside the office.

Zara Slides
Zara

Zara Slides

Zara Slides ($20, originally $30)

Denim Cutoffs
Getty | Timur Emek

Denim Cutoffs

Since denim cutoffs are likely your go-to off-duty shorts, pair them with shoes that you can run around in. Sleek sandals and fancy flats will get you to backyard BBQs and outdoor soirées with ease. If you're headed to a music festival, wear them with cute chelsea boots to keep your feet protected.

Madewell Sandals
Nordstrom

Madewell Sandals

Madewell Sandals ($60, originally $98)

René Caovilla Flats
Farfetch

René Caovilla Flats

René Caovilla Flats ($565, originally $1,130)

High-Waisted Shorts
Getty/Edward Berthelot

High-Waisted Shorts

High-waisted shorts are great because they make your legs look long and lean. Elongate them even further with summery espadrille wedges or sky-high stilettos. Love the look of high heels but can't deal with the pain? Try a cute kitten heel instead.

Tibi Kitten Heels
Intermix

Tibi Kitten Heels

Tibi Kitten Heels ($219, originally $525)

Leather Shorts
Getty | Timur Emek

Leather Shorts

Leather shorts up the cool factor of any outfit. Dress them up with low-block heels or trendy mules. Or pair them with matching leather booties for a sleek, coordinated look.

Bermuda Shorts
Getty/Christian Vierig

Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda shorts are a popular silhouette because not only do they look chic and polished, but they're totally versatile too. Keep them casual with sneakers, or make them look more pulled together with ballet flats or lace-up heels.

Repetto Ballet Flats
Zappos

Repetto Ballet Flats

Repetto Ballet Flats ($133, originally $295)

Short Shorts
Getty | Timur Emek

Short Shorts

Do you love to show off your legs in short shorts? Make your pins look even longer by pairing the itty-bitty bottoms with modern pumps or flesh-toned heels. If flats are more your thing, ground the tiny shorts with a cool pair of chunky sandals.

Paul Andrew Pumps
Farfetch

Paul Andrew Pumps

Paul Andrew Pumps ($448, originally $895)

Biker Shorts
Getty/Gisela Schober/Getty Images for HUGO

Biker Shorts

Believe it or not, biker shorts are having a cool fashion moment this Summer. If you need a little sartorial inspo when it comes to styling them, just look to Kim Kardashian, who has worn them with shoes like thin-strap heels, dad sneakers, and PVC sandals.

Express Heels
Express

Express Heels

Express Heels ($42, originally $70)

Calvin Klein Sneakers
Selfridges

Calvin Klein Sneakers

Calvin Klein Sneakers ($127, originally $640)

Long and Loose Shorts
Getty/Matthew Sperzel

Long and Loose Shorts

The longer baggy board shorts you wore in the early aughts are popular again. Make them look sleek and modern by pairing them with a toe-ring sandal or a chunky heel. Or you can always toughen up the casual bottoms with a pair of lace-up booties.

Tod's Heels
Farfetch

Tod's Heels

Tod's Heels ($398, originally $795)