Huge thanks to JCPenney and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post
If you’re trying to figure out how to mix up your style in the summer when it’s too hot to rely on layers like cardigans and jackets, let’s talk! One of the fundamental but most significant things that will help maximize your summer wardrobe is to get shorts or pants in different colors, which you’ve heard me say before if you’ve been around PMT for a while. Well, when it’s too hot to layer like it is in the summer, this concept becomes even more key!
So, today I’m partnering with JCPenney and ShopStyle to share three types of shorts I always have in my summer wardrobe. They’re my must-have shorts for a versatile summer wardrobe, and JCPenney has some GREAT shorts at extremely affordable prices that I can’t wait to share with you!
In case you’re not already shopping at JCPenney, it’s one of the top places I recommend for being able to find good pieces—that are comfy!!—and affordable. In particular, I shop the most from the brand a.n.a because of their stretchy jeans, stretchy denim shorts, and soft, stretchy tanks, among other things. I also like Worthington and Liz Claiborne for workwear and nicer casual pieces. In addition to great finds, JCPenney also carries a wide range of sizes, including straight/misses, petite, tall, and plus. Last, JCPenney offers in-store and curbside pickup, which makes shopping there very convenient!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Denim Shorts
Of course, we have to start with denim shorts! I love these for super casual outfits for all the laid-back, summer activities with kids. But, you can also dress them up a little, which I’ll show below.
I’ve shared these shorts with you before, but in case you missed it, they are STRETCHY and COMFY with some give in the waistband. And they’re currently only $11.24!! These have a 4.5” inseam, so they’re not super duper short, but not close to Bermuda length either. I’m wearing the color Medium Road Trip, which is darker in person than it appears on the product site. The color is truer to what it looks like in my pictures. Find the shorts HERE. I wear size 8. Size 6 fit around my waist but was a little more snug around my legs than I prefer. I believe the high-rise version is HERE. And, THIS pair is a little darker with no distressing. It’s equally as stretchy, and I wear size 11.
This tank is very soft, stretchy, and comfy. If you’re looking for some good, basic tanks, give these a shot. They’re available 13 solid colors and 10 prints, and they’re currently only $5.99!! Check out all the colors HERE. I wear size S.
Shop the Look:
Tank: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size S)
Shorts: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size 8)
Sandals: (super similar, similar)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar, similar)
You can also dress up denim shorts a little with a top in a casual material that has extra details, like this peplum top. A top like this one keeps you comfy because it feels just like a t-shirt, but the extra details elevate your outfit and up your style game—without you having to try harder! I love when clothes do the work for you! This top is on the shorter side, so unless you have a short torso (like I do), plan to wear it with bottoms that have a higher rise. It comes in this pale yellow printed version and a solid light green version. Find them HERE. I’m wearing size S.
If you want a longer pair of denim shorts, try a 9” pair like THESE. They are comfy with a good amount of stretch in them. I wear those in size 6.
Shop the Look:
Top: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size S)
Shorts: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size 8)
Sandals: (super similar, similar)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar, similar)
2. Olive Shorts (or Black or Grey)
Next up is olive shorts, but you could go with black or grey shorts as well. I really like olive because it’s a pseudo-neutral and a nice change from typical neutral colors, so it makes outfits look pretty different. And, as a pseudo-neutral, olive goes with a lot more colors than you’d think!
Here, I’m pairing olive shorts with a super comfy black tank. It’s the same tank as the one I’m wearing above with yellow stripes. I loooove pairing black and olive, but like I said, olive goes with lots and lots of other colors, too. Pair it with pinks, purples, blues and aquas, and yellow. It works with so many colors!
This particular pair of olive shorts is pretty unique. They are thin and EXTREMELY lightweight, but, they have soft, built-in underwear type of lining so that you feel a little more secure.
This pair of shorts is really great for super hot days. They’re really comfy and read more like shorts for super casual style, like for the beach, pool, or to be comfy and cool at home. And, they’re just $18.74! Check them out HERE. I wear size S.
Last, these braided sandals are nearly identical to a pair I’ve owned for years. They’re my go-to summer sandals because they elongate your leg line and work with basically everything. The are very affordable at just $14.99, and they’re fairly comfy with soft, flexible straps and slight cushioning in the footbed. They’re available in 2 colors, HERE. I wear size 9.
Shop the Look:
Tank: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size S)
Shorts: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size S)
Sandals: (exact—wearing size 9; similar)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar, similar)
3. White Shorts
Last is white shorts! White shorts are great for creating elevated casual summer outfits that are still comfy and casual. There are so many cute summery tops that pair effortlessly with white. And, white lightens up outfits and instantly gives you summer vibes. This pair is very stretchy and comfy! They are slightly off-white instead of bright white, plus, they are thick, so they aren’t see-through like some pairs of white shorts can be. Plus, they are only $13.49! Find them HERE. I wear size 11.
If you ever feel nervous about white jeans, I hear ya. FWIW, I feel way less worried about white shorts compared to white jeans. Shorts have way less material to worry about getting dirty or spilled on compared to jeans.
There are endless possibilities for tops that you can pair with white shorts, and if you’re looking for some, this blue and white striped top is a great one! (Works well for upcoming 4th of July parties, too!) It is fairly lightweight and comfy to wear, but it does hold a tiny bit of structure instead of clinging to every lump and bump. The ruffled bell sleeves are a cute touch, and this is another top that is comfy but looks stylish thanks to its special details. It comes in 4 colors and is only $13.49! See all the colors HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Also, these tan sandals are a great, affordable find. They’re only $14.99, but they’re fairly comfortable with a flexible upper and decently soft footbed. Find them HERE. I wear size 9.
Shop the Look:
Top: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size S)
Shorts: c/o JCPenney (exact—wearing size 11)
Sandals: (exact—wearing size 9)
Bag: (similar)
Necklace: (similar, similar)
There you go! Those are the three types of shorts I always have in my summer wardrobe. All of them go with tons of different tops and take care of so many summer style needs!
In the widget below, I’ve rounded up a few more summer shorts options to check out. There’s a mix of mid-rise versus high-rise and different inseam lengths. Scroll through the widget and click to shop!
There’s still a LOT of summer left, and it’s not too late to get a cute, versatile summer wardrobe together! If you want a small but strategic capsule wardrobe for everyday casual looks, check out the Summer Starter Kit Wardrobe Guide! It comes with a shopping list + links to shop and help you put together your capsule wardrobe, plus 35+ outfits from just 9-15 pieces! Check it out HERE!
