Fashion This Flattering Shorts Trend Somehow Looks Good With Every Kind of Top High-waisted is here to stay — and these 11 outfits are proof. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha has been working in media for over a decade and joined InStyle's team as the Senior Fashion Editor in 2019. She previously held roles at Coveteur, POPSUGAR, Refinery29, and Men's Fitness, covering both fashion and celebrity/entertainment. In her spare time, she enjoys performing sketch comedy with her friends, watching Love Island, and endlessly scrolling through social media. She is originally from Staten Island, but currently resides in Brooklyn (and sometimes, Schenectady!) with her fiancé J.T., their dog Poppy, and way too many clothes. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Rider University. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on May 20, 2020 Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images So, summer as we once knew it is currently canceled, but that doesn't mean we have to miss out on all the best trends of the season. We're still able to lounge around in wallpaper dresses and accessorize with daisy details. And, as far as influencers are concerned, high-waisted shorts — whether they're of the denim variety or include a bit of spandex — are still a must-have. It's just one of those items that looks great on everyone, can be worn anywhere, and mysteriously pairs well with any kind of top. 8 Ways to Wear Overalls Without Looking Like an Overgrown 5-Year-Old We've already done a little research as proof, rounding up 11 different outfit ideas to try with your own high-waisted pair. Whether you enjoy ruffles and prints, or prefer to keep things simple and laid-back, you'll likely find a little something that'll suit your specific style. Go With the Classics Jean shorts are the one trend that comes back around each and every year. When styling your high-waisted pair, don't overthink it. Opt for a classic color combination and pair your denim with a white top. Whether you go with puff-sleeves or a button-down, it'll always look crisp, clean, and timeless. Shop similar: $49; urbanoutfitters.com Suit Up Once summer rolls around, we're all about easy, which is why we're big fans of pre-planned outfits. High-waisted shorts suits and sets require very little prep time, and there are plenty of ways to dress them up or make them more casual. If you leaning toward the latter, skip a shirt and wear a bralette or bikini top instead. Shop similar: $35; hm.com Pull Some Old School Moves People out there lovingly refer to this trend as 'mom shorts,' so why not pair them with your 'dad shirt,' otherwise known as a polo? Vibrant colors and bold prints will make this pairing a bit more modern, but there's nothing wrong with choosing khaki bottoms and going full 1990s. Shop similar: $35; urbanoutffiters.com I Can't Stop Watching Outer Banks, and Now I Want to Dress Like the Pogues All Summer Swap Out Your Shoes Strappy sandals, sneakers, and even heels are all great footwear choices to wear with high-waisted shorts. However, we love the look of longer lengths styled with boots, which is an unexpected combination. Bonus: more skin coverage will keep you warmer on cool summer days. Shop similar: $75; madewell.com Stick With a Color Scheme We constantly rely on the monochromatic trend when we're in a jam — a single-colored outfit is not only something that's quick to put together, it also comes across as sleek and elevated. This summer, play around with incorporating prints and texture, too. A little bit of gingham and ruffles can really make an ensemble pop. Shop similar: $138; revolve.com Lounge Around Unsurprisingly, we've been spending most of our days wearing PJs, sweats, and leggings, but the good news is, high-waisted shorts are a loungwear trend, too. We love bright, ruched, and ruffled pairs, which will no doubt look cute with your oldest, frequently worn graphic tee from high school. Shop similar: $38; freepeople.com Think Big Sometimes, we feel inclined to balance out baggy, oversized shorts with tighter shirts or crop top, but this outfit have convinced us to go a different way. An oversized sweater or sweatshirt — especially one that's a similar color to your shorts — works just as well, and also happens to be very comfy. Shop similar: $79; stories.com Dress 'Em Up Yes, it's possible to make these shorts look super fancy, too. If you're not in the mood for throwing on a button-down and a blazer, choose a ruffled top or something one-shouldered, which will surely help you make a statement. Then, you can add a pair of heels to make it a full outfit. Shop similar: $35; asos.com Pile On the Extras Bike shorts are definitely a summer 2020 staple, and they happen to pair well with every type of tank or tee. However, if you're hoping to make things a little less basic, make use of accessories. Add a fun hat, hoops, ankle socks, or even a scarf. A leather jacket will also turn this look street style ready. Shop similar: $25; prettylittlething.us Say Yes to the Sexy Cardigan Or, pull the same trick with a denim jacket or a button-down shirt. Simply leave a few buttons unfastened to show off your midsection — and, in this case, your high-waisted shorts, too. Shop similar: $145; goodamerican.com Embrace Current Trends Let's not forget about hight-waisted, faux leather shorts, which have return as a major trend for 2020. They're extremely vesatile, but one way to wear them is with a loose muscle tank, which will help you stay cool in the summer heat. Shop similar: $47; boohoo.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit