Which of these 5 outfits is yours depends on what else you’re wearing: button-downs dress the shorts up slightly, athletic tops keep them sporty, and the white tee version is the basic weekend choice.
The list runs from a striped button-down that dresses the shorts up to a blank white tee that needs no thought.
Color choices matter most in how you combine the top with the shorts, and a few pairings show up more often than others.
1. Blue Shorts with Button-Down Shirt
A striped button-down with denim shorts works because the shirt does the dressing up and the shorts keep it relaxed. Wear it untucked, with the hem ending around mid-fly so it doesn’t swallow your legs.
Blue stripes on blue denim stay calm since both sit in the same color family. For shoes, tan clogs like these lean casual; leather loafers or clean sneakers make it a bit sharper.
Push the sleeves to the forearm and leave the top button open.
2. Blue Shorts with Athletic Tops
Gym days call for shorts that move, and navy athletic shorts are the easiest base. Pair them with a plain tee in a light neutral, and the outfit reads clean without any thought.
Choose a tee that fits through the shoulders and doesn’t hang past the shorts’ waistband by more than a few inches. A baggy hem makes the whole look sloppy.
Navy hides sweat and wear better than lighter blues, which is why I’d pick it for training.
3. Black with Blue Shorts
Black on top and light blue below gives the strongest contrast of any combo here. A black tee with light denim shorts and black sneakers looks deliberate, and the light wash keeps the black from feeling heavy in warm weather.
Match the black of the shirt and shoes as closely as you can, because a faded tee next to fresh sneakers shows. A plain tee does the work.
This is my pick for a casual evening out, such as dinner or a walk downtown.
4. Color Combinations
White, gray, olive, and light pink all sit well against navy shorts, and white is the safest.
Dark blue shorts are easier to match than bright ones, so start there. Choose shirt colors that are clearly lighter or clearly different from the shorts, never a near-miss navy.
More color belongs in one piece only, usually the top.
5. White T-Shirt and Blue Shorts
White tee, light blue denim shorts, white sneakers: this is the combination I’d hand to anyone who wants zero guesswork. Three pieces, all easy to buy, and every one goes with the rest of your closet.
Pick a tee that is opaque enough not to show skin through, and keep the fit close but not tight. Washed-out white sneakers undercut the whole look, so wipe them clean.
A graphic on the tee, as here, adds personality; a blank one is the cleaner option.
