A guide to formal high waisted shorts: tips and tricks

Adding high waisted shorts to your wardrobe is a stylish and versatile move, especially for those of you who can’t live without the farmer-tan look; that low-rise shorts and pants give you. High waist shorts can be paired with any summer top from your closet to immediately create a chic outfit for almost any occasion. The most common vibe to go for when wearing high waisted shorts is probably a look that’s more polished than casual because the shorts themselves offer such a polished, elongating kind of silhouette.

Pairing high waisted short with other pieces for the office

Creating sophisticated and professional outfits with high-waisted shorts can happen, but there are a bunch of steps you can follow to make sure you nail the desired look down to every last detail. Pairing high-waisted shorts with more traditional office-appropriate wear like blouses, sweaters, and sleek shoes is a good start. 

High waisted shorts with a blazer and a satin shirt

A fashionable take on the office look pairs high waisted shorts with a blazer and a satin shirt. The outfit conveys a sleek and sophisticated appearance. It ascends to a level of luxury with the interjection of the satin shirt, which, thanks to its ties to formal attire’s rich history, allow the ensemble to signal the same sort of high-powered, serious intent for the wearer. That intent is reinforced, again by the serious professionalism of the blazer, which back in the ’80s was part of that era’s more masculine way of doing power dressing.

High waisted shorts with a soft trench coat 

Maintaining a professional appearance during the transitional weather often means putting together an outfit that mixes old and new, light and dark, warm and cool. A good way to do this is by pairing a soft trench coat with white high waist shorts. It is cool enough for the lengthening days of spring but substantial enough to maintain your dignity and a polished appearance. Choose a soft fabric for the trench coat, one with some heft to it. Lighter weight gabardine is a good choice, especially if you will be either going into an AC’d office or a very warm outside location.

High waisted shorts and high heels

Wearing high-waisted shorts with high heels is a classic and classy combination. It’s also a great one for lengthening your overall look. Why? Well, high heels, as we all know, add extra inches to your height. And pairing them with something that sits high on your waist like these shorts is a chic way to make legs look longer. This is a great combo for both work and after-hours scenarios. It allows for a little bit of fun but is still super polished. And an appearance that’s both fun and polished is never a bad thing, right?

Why are high waisted shorts a timeless piece of clothing for every working woman?

Timeless and versatile, high-waisted shorts are a must-have for every professional woman. They can easily be dressed up or down, and thanks to their high waist, they always look set when on. They make a refined statement that is always in style. The high waist serves to elongate the legs and define the waist, giving an altogether slimming effect. And there is nothing stuffy about high-waisted shorts either—many can even be a little on the sassy side, thanks to seaming and edgy hardware. Add in all the fabric and style options, and it’s not hard to see why they are a staple for so many.