Green shorts are a versatile staple every woman should have in her summer wardrobe. Whether you prefer a bright Kelly green or a more muted olive tone, green shorts look flattering on all skin tones. The key is choosing the right top and accessories to complement your shorts. With so many options, it can be tricky to create a cohesive outfit. This comprehensive guide will teach you what to wear with green shorts for any occasion.
Opt for Neutral Tops
A neutral-colored top is an effortless way to make green shorts the star of your outfit. Pairing a white, black, gray, or tan top with green shorts creates a classic, polished look.
White Tops
A crisp white top is a perfect canvas for green shorts. Tuck a fitted white t-shirt into your shorts for a casual vibe. Or try an oversized white button-down shirt knotted at the waist for a beachy feel. A sleeveless white top or tank looks chic and highlights your shoulders. A long-sleeved white thermal or turtleneck sweater adds a modern contrast to cooler weather.
Black Tops
Edgy black tops give green shorts a more daring, fashion-forward look. A simple black T-shirt or tank looks relaxed and sophisticated. Try pairing a loose black crop top with high-waisted shorts. For a night out, choose a black cami or off-the-shoulder top. A black bodysuit or fitted black sweater also complements green shorts perfectly.
Gray Tops
From heather gray to charcoal, gray nicely complements all shades of green. Wear green shorts with a gray athletic tank or T-shirt for an active outfit. A lightweight gray hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt keeps the look casual. Or go with a pretty lace gray cami for a daintier vibe.
Tan & Beige Tops
Earthy tan and beige tops bring out the natural tones in green shorts. Tuck a simple beige t-shirt into your shorts, or try a sleeveless tan top for a laidback look. Flowy beige blouses or tanks work well, too. Pair forest green shorts with a neutral beige or tan dressier top for dressier occasions.
Choose Colorful Tops
While neutral tops are easy to style, don’t be afraid to get creative with bright and colorful tops, too. Complementary or contrasting hues allow you to make a bold fashion statement.
Red Tops
Red is striking against green. Make your shorts pop with a fiery red cami or tank. For cooler weather, try a red sweater or pullover. Bold red plaid or buffalo check shirts complement Kelly’s green shorts. Or pair olive shorts with a rust or burgundy top.
Pink Tops
Feminine pink tops look darling with green shorts. Soft pink shades flatter most complexions. Try a basic pink tee, button-down shirt, or tank. Ruffle details, off-the-shoulder styles, and cropped cuts look extra girly and fun. Neon and fuchsia pink tops make more of a sassy statement.
Orange Tops
Vibrant orange tops energize forest or khaki green shorts. Bright tangerine and coral shades of orange look especially pretty. For a cute casual look, wear an orange graphic tee or tank. Flowy orange blouses add a dose of color. Burnt orange and rusty shades give off an earthy, fall vibe.
Yellow Tops
Sunny yellow tops instantly light up green shorts. Pair Kelly green shorts with a lemon or daffodil yellow top for a color-blocked effect. Soft, buttery yellows complement olive green tones. Try a yellow cami or cross-back tank for a bright summer style.
Purple Tops
Regal purple looks rich with earthy green shorts. Lavender and lilac purple tops lend a soft, romantic vibe. Pair jewel tones like amethyst and emerald green for an opulent, exotic look. Metallic purples, like heathered plums, also accentuate green beautifully.
Blue Tops
Cool blue tops contrast vibrantly with warm green shorts. Lightweight chambray shirts and denim button-downs match well with any green shade. Try a pretty cornflower or powder blue cami to soften bold Kelly greens. Navy blue Breton striped tees or sweaters add classic nautical flair.
Sweaters, Cardigans & Kimonos
Pair your green shorts with a cute sweater or cardigan for cooler temperatures. This allows you to wear shorts into the spring and fall seasons. Lightweight open knits work well with shorts.
Oversize cardigans in neutral solids or pastels look particularly chic over a simple tee and shorts. Drapey, long-line cardigan sweaters complement flowing shorts. Cropped cardigans ending at the waistband show off your shorts.
Fluttery kimonos in soft jersey or lace add gorgeous flair over tanks and shorts. Keep patterns and colors minimal so the kimono acts as an accent piece.
Footwear for Green Shorts
Now that you’ve chosen a fab top complete your green shorts outfit with shoes and accessories. Footwear makes a significant impact on your overall vibe. Consider these footwear options to match any style.
Sandals
From barely-there straps to sporty designs, sandals epitomize a carefree summer style. With shorts, you can show off pedicured feet. Neutral leather or metallic sandals work with any top. Try pops of color like orange, yellow, or turquoise to complement a colorful top. Flat, minimal sandals keep things simple. Go bold with wedge or platform soles to add height.
Sneakers
Sneakers paired with shorts continue to be a top footwear trend. Wear green shorts with white, gray, black, or metallic sneakers for an active look. Retro classic Adidas, Keds, or Vans styles look fun and youthful.
Distressed or two-tone sneakers combine edgy and feminine vibes. Pastel sneakers like blush pinks and sky blues lend pretty contrast. High-top Converse sneakers add a sporty, collegiate touch.
Ankle Boots
Transition your green shorts into fall with a pair of ankle boots. Neutral black, brown, or tan ankle boots balance bright shorts. Distressed dark denim ankle booties toughen up any ensemble. Western-inspired boots with embroidery or cut-out stars feel southwestern chic with flirty shorts.
Wedges & Platforms
For a leg-lengthening effect, opt for wedges or platform shoes. Espadrilles, cork, and denim wedges work well with casual shorts. Metallic platform sandals make shorts party-ready for a night out. Floral or tropical printed wedges enhance a vacation mood.
Heels
Wear your green shorts with heeled sandals, pumps, or strappy stilettos. Bold citrus yellow and fire engine red heels make your shorts stand out. Nude and metallic heels elongate the legs. Have a black go-to heel on hand for dressier events.
Handbags & Totes
A chic handbag polishes any short ensemble. Consider carrying these stylish bags and totes with your green shorts.
Straw Bags & Totes
The natural woven texture feels right with shorts. Oversize straw totes in neutral tan or honey tones work with everything. Adorable mini straw handbags charm up casual short outfits. Giant straw beach bags carry all your poolside essentials.
Crossbody Bags
Hands-free crossbody bags let you move freely and enjoy activities while wearing shorts. Go for rich leather crossbodies in brown, tan, or black. Printed cotton crossbody bags inject color and pattern. Sleek metallic bags shine against neutral shorts. Compact mini crossbodies safely stow your small items.
Colorblock Bags
Make a bold style statement carrying a color block bag. Citrus yellow, punchy pinks, cobalt blues, and graphic black-and-whites energize green shorts when tone-on-tone. Clean color-blocked totes enhance understated outfits.
Backpacks
Backpacks infuse youthful spunk into your shorts look. Opt for durable nylon or canvas backpacks for active days out. Cool graphic prints like florals and paisleys give off hippie vibes. Metallic backpacks glam up any ensemble.
Statement Jewelry & Accessories
Jewelry and accessories provide the perfect finishing touch to complete your shorts outfit. Be creative and layer on your favorite bracelets, necklaces, earrings, hats, or belts. Here are some recommended accessory ideas.
Stacked Bracelets
Pile on bangle bracelets in contrasting metallics, like silver, gold, and rose gold, for free-spirited flair. Or go for an arm party mixing colorful embroidered cotton, beaded, and woven bracelets. Stacked bead cuffs work with casual shorts looks.
Choker Necklaces
Choker necklaces sit perfectly above green shorts necklines. Delicate gold bands, chainlinks, and pendant details add interest without overpowering your look. Try fabric chokers in vibrant colors or florals to complement your top.
Hoop & Statement Earrings
Draw attention to your face with fun statement earrings. Medium gold or silver hoops give off carefree vibes with short outfits. Wooden, embroidered, or beaded dangly earrings add artisanal accents. Don’t overlook funky earrings in your favorite colors or prints.
Straw, Felt & Baseball Hats
Hats lend a relaxed vacation attitude and protect your face from the sun. Wide-brim straw hats look chic with shorts. Floppy felt hats enhance bohemian flair. Sporty baseball hats emblazoned with graphic logos or prints rock an urban edge.
Skinny Belts
Cinch high-waisted shorts with a skinny belt. Neutral leather, plaited, rope, and chainlink belts work with most tops. Punch up your outfit wearing a belt in a contrasting bright or metallic shade. Knotted fabric obi belts create a flattering shape.
Styling Tips & Tricks
Keep these extra styling tips in mind when wearing green shorts for flawless outfits:
- Roll longer shorts a turn or two to show more leg.
- Cuff shorts hems for a laidback, undone vibe.
- Pair high-waisted shorts with crop tops to reveal some midriff.
- Create a shape with French tucked-in tops.
- Add a moto-chic edge with a black leather jacket.
- Incorporate pretty kimono cover-ups for the beach or poolside.
- Slip-on bike shorts underneath for active pursuits.
- Tie a flannel or denim shirt around your waist when it cools down.
- Layer with tights or stockings and booties during spring and fall.
- Accessorize with a crossbody or fanny pack for hands-free wear.
- Mix metals with earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and hair accessories.
- Show off fresh pedicures with cute open-toed footwear.
FAQs
What colors go best with green shorts?
- Neutrals like white, black, gray, tan, cream
- Earth tones like brown, blush, and nude
- Complementary colors like red and orange
- Contrasting colors like pink, purple, yellow, and blue
What tops look best with green shorts?
Neutral-colored tees and tanks in white, black, and gray. Bright and colorful tops in patterns and prints. Cropped tops like camis and crop tops.
Relaxed button-downs and flannels. Sweaters like cardigans and pullovers.
What shoes pair well with green shorts outfits?
- Sandals like flats, wedges, platforms
- Sneakers in white, black, gray, or colorful hues
- Espadrilles and cork wedges
- Ankle booties with heels or flats
- Heeled sandals and pumps
What bags and accessories complement green shorts?
Straw totes and mini bags. Backpacks in canvas, nylon, or leather. Crossbody bags in bright and neutral colors.
Choker necklaces. Hoop earrings and beaded statement earrings. Stacking bracelets. Skinny belts. Baseball hats and wide-brimmed sun hats.
What makeup looks best with green shorts?
- Neutral lips like nudes, pinks, corals, and peaches
- Bold matte lips in red, orange, fuchsia, or bright pink
- Coppery bronze and gold shimmery eye makeup
- Warm, smoky eyes in earth tones
- Espresso and black winged eyeliner
- Subtle peach or pink flushed cheeks
- Groomed eyebrows
Conclusion
Green shorts make a lively addition to any warm-weather wardrobe. By pairing them with tops, shoes, and accessories in neutral, complementary, or contrasting colors, you can create fashion-forward looks suitable for any occasion. Polo t-shirts are making a comeback to your wardrobe essentials; don’t be afraid to get creative by mixing patterns, textures, and layers with them. Use these styling tips to develop your signature way to rock versatile green shorts with confidence and flair!
