Trendy And Timeless: Styling Paperbag Shorts Like A Pro

Key Takeaways
  • Paperbag shorts effortlessly combine comfort with sophistication, making them perfect for a casually elevated look.
  • Experiment with different tops and accessories to play with proportions and create a stylish, well-balanced outfit.
  • From casual outings to semi-formal occasions, paperbag shorts offer versatility, allowing you to transition seamlessly between different settings.
  • The paperbag waist design highlights and accentuates the waist, adding a flattering touch to your overall silhouette.

“According to Fashion Maven, paperbag shorts bring a touch of casual sophistication to any outfit, effortlessly blending comfort and style.” 

Fortunately, it is the art of styling paperbag shorts to blend comfort and sophistication perfectly.

From emphasizing the waist to experimenting with proportions, these shorts offer great options for various occasions.

Best Ways To Style Paperbag Shorts

Unleash your creativity as paperbag shorts become the canvas for expressing your unique style, seamlessly transitioning from casual outings to semi-formal events.

Prepare to redefine casual chic with the perfect ensemble of paperbag shorts and complementary wardrobe pieces.

In contemporary fashion, paperbag shorts have emerged as a versatile and trendy wardrobe staple, adding a touch of casual elegance to every ensemble.

With their distinctive cinched waist and relaxed fit, these shorts offer a perfect canvas for self-expression.

Join us on a style journey as we delve into the art of effortlessly donning and accessorizing paperbag shorts, unlocking the potential to elevate your casual looks with a hint of chic sophistication.

Let’s explore the nuances of styling that transform these shorts into a fashion statement, seamlessly blending comfort and flair.

We all know that when we look our best we feel our best so clearly how we dress is very important.

Whatever you choose to wear there are always countless ways to wear it so you should always try to figure out the best way to style it up. 

What About Shorts?

What About Shorts

Shorts are a staple fashion piece that belong in every wardrobe. They come in many different styles, lengths and colors.

Whatever style of shorts are your favourite there are countless ways to style them up. Shorts are often quite plain but there are always ways to make them pop. 

Before You Get Started

  • Choose a Paperbag Shorts dress that complements your body shape for a flattering look.
  • Enhance your outfit with accessories like a stylish belt or statement jewelry to elevate the overall look.
  • Ensure the Paperbag Shorts fit well at the waist to accentuate your curves and provide a comfortable feel.
  • Explore top options like tucked-in blouses or crop tops to find the perfect pairing for your Paperbag Shorts.
  • Select shoes that match the dress’s vibe – from casual sneakers to chic sandals or heels – to complete your stylish ensemble.

What Are Paperbag Shorts?

What Are Paperbag Shorts

One type of shorts that are growing in popularity are the paperbag shorts.

The name might not make them sound like the most stylish piece on the market but they are actually really nice. Paperbag shorts get their name from their shape and style.

Each leg fits similarly to a paper bag, it is usually quite loose and gradually gets looser the lower down the leg you go.

The main way that they achieve this ‘paperbag’ look is by having a scrunched waistband.

The waistband closely resembles the top of a crumpled paperbag. Paperbag shorts come in a range of colors, materials and styles. The most important thing is that the waistband is scrunched. 

How To Make Paperbag Shorts Even More Stylish?

Paperbag shorts look effortlessly fashionable but if you want to make them look even better then we have some hints and tricks for you.

Some of the best ways to make paperbag shorts look even better include:

Effortless Elegance: A Quick Guide to Styling Paperbag Shorts

  • Ensure the waistband sits comfortably on your natural waist for a flattering look.
  • Experiment with tucking in or leaving out tops for varied styles.
  • Choose the right shoes – heels for a dressy vibe, sneakers for casual chic.
  • Follow care instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your paperbag shorts.

Add A Belt

How To Make Paperbag Shorts Even More Stylish

Adding a belt to some paperbag shorts can really help to complete the look.

There are many different styles of belet, you could go for a traditional leather belt or for a more modern material belt.

Try to go for a color that will compliment the shorts.

For instance if the shorts are a plainer and more reserved color then adding a bright belt could really help to make them pop.

Similarly, if the shorts are really bright then adding a plain belt could help.

You could also get a patterned belt. It is most important to go with your gut instinct and to try to pick a belt that you love and will feel comfortable and confident wearing. 

Wear With An Oversized T-Shirt

Wear With An Oversized T-Shirt

Some longer shorts can look really good with an oversized t-shirt and paperbag shorts are no exception.

An oversized t-shirt can complete that casual look and make it look like an effortless outfit.

Oversized t-shirts come in all sorts of designs.

You can get plain bland colored ones, plain bright colored ones, patterned ones, character ones and even slogan ones.

It is up to you what kind of top you are after and what look you are trying to create but just try to avoid a clash between the top and shorts. 

Keep In Mind

  • Opt for a balanced look by pairing paperbag shorts with fitted or tucked-in tops to maintain proportion.
  • Choose the right shoes to complement the style—heels for a dressier vibe, sneakers for casual, and sandals for a laid-back feel.
  • Enhance your outfit with accessories like a chic belt or statement jewelry to elevate the overall look.
  • Paperbag shorts come in varying lengths. Choose one that suits your body type and style preference for a flattering appearance.
  • Consider the fabric of the shorts—lighter fabrics for a breezy summer look and heavier fabrics for a more structured, fall-appropriate ensemble.

Wear With A Vest Top

Wear With A Vest Top

Totally opposing the oversized t-shirt idea, some people choose to wear a vest top with shorts especially at really warm times. A vest top could really help to complete that summer, beach look.

Depending on the color of the shorts you could partner them with a bright and colored vest top or with a plain vest top.

It is important to consider whether you want the top or the shorts to be the staple piece of this outfit. You could also go for a patterned vest top if the shorts are plain.

Partner With Some Vibrant Shoes

Partner With Some Vibrant Shoes

It might sound silly but after your shorts the next item down is usually your shoes. Therefore, wearing shoes that go well with your shorts is a big yes.

Depending on your own individual style you could go for trainers, sandals, boots or heels.

Trainers can be great for creating a more chilled and laid back look. Perhaps try some bright summer colored trainers like orange, yellow or pink.

Alternatively some nice summer sandals are always a win with shorts.

Pro Tip

Highlight the paperbag waist with a tucked-in top to showcase the stylish cinching effect.

Add A Brooch

Add A Brooch style paperbag shorts

Adding a brooch to plainer shorts can really help to jazz them up. For instance, if your shorts are a plain color like tan, black, brown or white you might want to add a brooch for that extra pop.

Brooches come in all sorts of styles and colors and you are sure to be able to find one that is perfect for you.

Perhaps consider a material colorful brooch to complete that summer look.

Think About Jackets

Think About Jackets style paperbag shorts

Regardless of the weather or the time of year it is always a good idea to bring some sort of jacket just to be safe.

Obviously, in the warmer months you are more likely to want to bring a lighter thinner jacket.

Jackets can compliment and add style to paperbag shorts really well.

One option could be to wear an open checkered shirt over your top as a jacket as this goes really nicely with the shorts.

Checkered shirts come in a range of colors so you will be sure to be able to find one to coordinate with your shorts and the rest of your outfit.

Alternatively, you could go for a thin cardigan or for a blazer. 

Add A Bag

Add A Bag style paperbag shorts

Accessories can really help to complete an outfit and this is especially true for bags. Bags such as clutches or small hand bags can really compliment an outfit.

Shorts are often complimented by a small color coordinated bag.

So, if your shorts are orange maybe consider an orange bag, if they are pink, consider a pink bag, and so on.

Also consider the style of bag that you go for and whether or not it will tie in nicely with the rest of your outfit. 

Did you know?

The paperbag waist style originated in the early 20th century as a practical feature of military uniforms. Over time, it transitioned into women’s fashion, becoming a trendy and versatile choice for shorts, pants, and skirts.

Final Thoughts

Paperbag shorts are traditional and modest whilst still being fashionable and stylish. These all rounds can go nicely for any occasion and can be styled in all sorts of different ways.

You can choose to dress them down with trainers and a vest top or to dress them up with a nice blazer and boots or heels.

It is important to remember that paperbag shorts come in all sorts of styles and colors and that the only defining factor is whether or not they have a scrunched waistband as this is what makes them paperbag shorts.

Be sure to choose some that match your own personal style and that you feel comfortable wearing.

Overall, it is important to bear in mind that shorts only make up one small part of an outfit and that you can style around them to create pretty much any look that you like. 

Brittney Adams
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