How To Wear Paperbag Shorts In Summer: 9 Outfit Ideas
Paper bag waist shorts have been hot for a few years now. I happen to love the trend and have figured out how to wear them with just about everything.
Today I’m sharing the best ways to style paperbag shorts for those of you who just can’t seem to make them work.
Whether you’re headed to work, out for coffee with friends, or just need a comfy weekend outfit, I’ve got you covered!
What are Paperbag Waist Shorts?
Paperbag shorts are a high-rise style of shorts with a pleated/cinched waist detail. The cinching falls at the smallest part of your waist making them extremely flattering, just like paperbag pants.
They come in all different styles, fabrics, colors, and prints and work for just about every body type.
Additionally, they pair well with a wide variety of tops, although a more fitted top is generally the best option.
How To Wear PaperBag Shorts
With a Floral Top
Pairing paperbag shorts with a long sleeve top is a great option for the summer-to-fall transition.
This pair is a personal favorite of mine because they’re lightweight, stretchy, a great length, really good quality, and incredibly affordable.
Additionally, these shorts come in many different colors.
This outfit would be great paired with a pair of wedges for a summer night out and would also work well with flat sandals for a more casual look.
If you love floral prints, you can shop my long sleeve top HERE.
Additionally, if you have your own belt that you want to wear you can swap this removable belt out and use your own instead.
Paperbag Shorts With A One Shoulder Top
Faux Leather Paperbag Shorts | Shop Cropped Top
This is a great date night outfit!
These shorts are of incredible quality and look so much more expensive than they are. I love them paired with this top but you could also style these with a sweater for the cooler months.
The ruffled waistline adds a girly twist to the edgy faux leather material and makes these shorts suitable for many types of tops.
Black ankle strap stiletto heels would be the perfect shoe for this outfit.
With a Tank Top Bodysuit
Shorts | Bodysuit | Sandals (run 1/2 size small)
This pair of paperbag shorts is the same as the pink pair above.
I love them so much that I went back for more colors. A great way to style these shorts for hot summer days is with a simple tank bodysuit and flip-flops.
As A Matching Set
Striped Paperbag Shorts Set | Sandals
Here’s a cute set to beat the summer heat! I knew I had to have it the second I saw it.
It is so comfortable and it fits true to size. The top has a pretty bow in the back and pairs well with sandals and flats.
You could also swap out this top for a simple white cami or bodysuit if you prefer.
If you’re looking for another top style to pair with your high-waisted shorts, try a snug top in a strapless style.
This actually came as a set as well, but you could swap out this tube top for any other black one that you prefer.
This set is very lightweight and comfortable and is perfect for a summer night out on the town.
Bold Prints
Leopard Shorts (similar) | Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Do you love leopard? It seems to be one of the fashion trends that just never goes out of style.
Pair the always-trending print with a simple top in a solid color for an attention-grabbing outfit perfect for day OR night.
I wore this outfit for a daytime event but you could easily swap out the wedges for black leather booties for a night out.
This paper bag shorts outfit can also be worn through fall and winter by throwing on a pair of tights with booties and a chic moto jacket.
Striped Shorts With A Simple Cami/Tank/Bodysuit
Shorts (similar style) | Bodysuit
If you’re wondering what to wear with linen paperbag shorts you should know that the same style rules apply.
Any fitted top that matches with the print/color of your shorts is a great choice.
This combination above is one of my favorite summer outfits.
I am wearing a white bodysuit but you can easily swap that out for a fitted tank as well. I have this one and love it!
Solid tank tops and bodysuits are a closet staple that I keep stocked all year round for outfits just like this.
As the weather cools off just throw on a denim jacket over top.
Finish off this look with your favorite sandals for a fun and put-together look.
With A Crop Top
High Waist Paperbag Shorts (similar) | Crop Top (similar)
Another way to style your black paperbag shorts is with a crop top.
I wore this outfit while on a tropical vacation because we were in the hot weather and the outfit fit the destination!
When you opt for solid colored shorts you can wear tops in bright colors, more muted tones, or even something with some print.
For nighttime, add a cute little cropped jacket if the weather gets a bit chilly.
Denim Paper bag Shorts
Denim Paperbag Shorts | Bodysuit | Sandals (run 1/2 size small)
The great thing about these shorts is that they are similar to your basic jean shorts but much more comfortable.
This denim pair of paperbag shorts can be styled with any color or style top, and while they’re super casual, they have the added bow-front detail.
These flats are my all-time favorite. They are super comfortable and classy and they go with just about anything.
This is a classic look that will never go out of style and is a great alternative to regular denim shorts.
If you’re still on the hunt for a good pair of paper bag shorts here are a few we love!
FAQ’s
Are paperbag shorts flattering?
YES! Paperbag shorts accentuate your waist at the smallest part because of the cinched/pleated high-waist style.
What shoes do you wear with paperbag shorts?
As you can see from my outfits above you can pair your paperbag shorts with just about any shoe.
You can dress them down with flip flops, dress them up with wedges for summer, with heels for date night, or with tights and booties as the weather gets cooler.
How should paperbag shorts fit?
Paperbag shorts are meant to have a looser fit throughout with a tighter fit at the waist.
The cinching should fall at the slimmest part of your waist.
Are paperbag shorts comfortable?
Paperbag shorts are considered one of the most comfortable styles to wear because of the elastic waistband.
What top do you wear with paperbag shorts?
As you can see from the outfit ideas above there are several styles of tops that work well with paperbag shorts.
Since paperbag shorts have a loose/flowy fit they tend to look best with a fitted top for a well-balanced look.
Are paperbag shorts in style 2023?
Yes! The paperbag short trend is still going strong in 2023.
Conclusion
Overall, there are a ton of different ways to style paperbag shorts. Whether it’s for more sporty or feminine looks, they can be a great addition to your closet.
I hope you’ve found a look you love and have gotten some inspiration for outfit ideas.
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