I’m always down for trying out something new. And right now that is apparently long camo cargo shorts. Who knew? But I saw a very chic British woman a few months back try cargo shorts on with equally chic over-the-knee boots (I think they were YSL) and I was obsessed.
Because it was winter and all, this outfit idea went off my radar for a bit, until I ran across these Gap cargo shorts in the men’s section of the site recently. Gap is an easy commitment so I ordered up and guessed my best guess at sizing (I haven’t worn any non-vintage men’s clothing in a while to base sizing off of.)
Thankfully, they worked. And so started my journey styling up cargo shorts for Spring…and I’m having a blast.
Vest (M) | Shorts (33) | Similar Booties or These | Bag
If you’re not down with camo, this pair comes in a few solid colors, too. These from Madewell in solid green might be a good women’s fit alternative. I honestly like the shape of the men’s shorts better than women’s though, so I’d go with these if you want to make sure they have the same vibe as the pair I’m wearing. Ooh, and just found one more pair at Nordstrom if you want longer/wider. These look pretty rad! And they’re reasonable, too, for trying out the trend.
How To Style Long Shorts This Spring
I obviously had to first start with my tallest pair of boots with the cargos, just like my inspiration outfit had. Granted, mine aren’t YSL but they are nice and tall. I tried another pair of knee boots below, too, but didn’t stop there.
You’ll see I tried a few different shoes with these shorts to check their versatility. It’s not often we want a one-hit-wonder in the closet and as I’m working on downsizing right now, I definitely don’t.
And if this look isn’t for you? Cool! There are lots of other articles here to click over to if you need (I got a couple real ‘nice’ comments on this outfit below on my last article and phew. Ain’t nobody got time for that!) If you do think this is fun, let’s goooo!
Styling Tip 1: Try Tall or Over-The-Knee Boots
I quickly realized these looks were the easiest to pull off proportions-wise and the most elevated. There’s just something so chic about a tall boot…
1 | With Over-the-knee Boots
Shirt (M) | Shorts (33) | Boots
This button-down shirt and cargo shorts was the first outfit I tried here and I love it. Next time I’ll add my shirt jewelry (similar to wearing a necklace like this over the buttoned collar) and find a bag to finish the look. (Probably something like this.) I got distracted by how much I liked this combo though!
Shirt (M) | Shorts (33) | Boots
I threw in a side angle with this look because I love how it reads from the side. Where would I wear this? Hmm. I’m honestly considering it at a conference this week or to brunch, shopping with friends, any semi-casual fun event.
2 | Black Knee Boots + A Sweater
Sweater (M) | Shorts (33) | Similar Boots
I definitely had to give black knee boots a whirl and I like this combo, too. They are a little heavier on bottom, so I think maybe a darker sweater or even just a taupe or tan might work even better.
Also, a really oversized sweater would be fun here, but I do think I like something that hits at the waist or would be able to tuck to show the waistline. I think that’s important on my shorter frame with the longer shorts.
3 | With A Blazer
Similar Blazer | Shirt (M) | Shorts (33) | Similar Boots
I was unsure of this combo at first but after staring at it again I actually love it. I think maybe I’d like a different color button down underneath? …but the concept works. It’s layered and fun and a mix of business and party? LOL.
Styling Tip 2: Shorter Boots Can Work…But It’s Trickier
I wanted to try some other boots I’m wearing on repeat right now with the cargo shorts. The thing is with shorter boots and shorts, the proportions can get a little tricky. The taller boots feel so fun and elevated, but the shorter boots tend to read more casual.
1 | With A Vest + Booties
Vest (M) | Shorts (33) | Similar Booties or These | Bag
This combination might be more appropriate for where my conference is in Palm Springs. This vest and shorts outfit was actually the last look I tried out and it wound up being a favorite. The western booties add a little fun to the mix that I wasn’t expecting. I’m not typically a booties + shorts gal, but because the shorts are longer, I’m liking it.
2 | Giving Moto Boots A Try
Similar Shirt | Shorts (33) | Similar Boots | Similar Bag
I was hesitant to think that the moto boots would be as good as the tall knee boots, but for a casual look I love this!
…or mix it up with a hat and a black bag. I like the hat, but the bag? Eh. I think the tan would still work well here.
Similar Shirt | Shorts (33) | Similar Boots | Similar Bag
Styling Tip 3: With Regular Shoes – Does It Work?
Again, not wanting a one hit wonder in these shorts, I wanted to try them with a few flat shoes, too. For some reason, I’m drawn to mules when it comes to wearing flat shoes with shorts. I like the extra skin that shows and that they don’t cut off the length of my legs as much as closed-heel shoes do.
1 | With Sneakers + A Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt (M) | Shorts (33) | Sneakers
This look is just an easy daily go-to combination with the long shorts. I find a bit of an oversized top with some drape looks best here to balance them out. You could easily level this outfit up a little with an oversized sweater. I didn’t try a low profile sneaker but I’d like to. I typically like a chunkier sneaker with any shorts I wear though.
2 | With Black Mules
Black Vest (M) | Denim Vest (M) | Shorts (33) | Similar Mules | Similar Bag
These outfits aren’t too bad, but I think I can do better. It’s maybe the shoes + vests combo that isn’t very my style, even with the cargo shorts in the mix. The shoes actually work though, proportion-wise. An oversized sweater with this might read more my vibe.
I’m gonna try different pairs of sandals or flats and will report back. I think a breezy linen top and flat tan sandals might just work.
As always, I hope this was somewhat helpful if you’ve been thinking about trying longer shorts…or I hope it was at least a fun read! I think it’s good to mix it up a bit and get out of our norms. I know that’s what keeps me going most of the time…keeps me from getting stuck in a clothing rut.
Thanks for being here, friends. Appreciate you!
xo,
L
Would love for you to follow me + my stories over on Instagram…for comic relief, food appreciation, cute animal vids and more fashion… xx
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I thought April Fools’ came early this year. I have to get used to this trend big time. I appreciate your creativity and styling but I am not sure I will try it.
I LOVE these looks! Esp the stripe button down with the cargo shorts. I have liked cargo everything forever (I’m 55) so this try on was awesome to me. (Except the mules, but I have some black moto clogs that might work) Thanks for this one!
Sure thing! Thanks, Kim!
those look adorable on you and just when i was thinking “but what about styling for summer?” you jumped to the lower profile shoes…nice! just for sh*ts and giggles i’m wondering what would happen if you styled with a fancy flat in a fun color (not sure why but my brain is going pink and red) or maybe a gold sandal? have a great day!
Thanks! And yes totally. I saw Leandra wore some black flats with cargo shorts in her latest email and loved it. I don’t wear flats much but a gold sandal sounds great!
Okay, the look with sneakers and a sweatshirt is the Y2K resurgence look of my dreams. I would have worn it when I was 14 and I would wear it again now. So fun!
Haha YES same! Thank you!
I actually don’t wear shorts unless for running (my knees look like cauliflowers from arthritis and too many surgeries for the arthritis lol) but now I can’t unsee shoe combos…brain going straight to leopard…liberty prints…anything by Ganni hahahaha oh and another btw I know you never keep a haircut for long so I’m going to express some love for this one while it’s here because it’s sensational 🙂
You are the kindest. I’m so glad it’s fun. That’s always my goal!! xo
Laura, I keep thinking and thinking about these shorts and your outfit combos–so creative and so inspiring. Damn! I love how you styled them with tall boots AND with the more dressy shirt-and-blazer combo. And I NEED those shorts; like some other commenters, I have loved cargo and low rise (and men’s sizing that then makes them low rise) since I was in high school. I’m taking my son to GAP this weekend and I’m definitely picking them up. Thank you for your genius!
Thanks so much! It was a pretty fun little experiment here! 🩷