What to Wear if You Hate Shorts: Cool, Stylish Alternatives for Summer

What To Wear Instead of Shorts

Here are five stylish alternatives to shorts, along with current trends and shopping suggestions to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

1. Dresses

Dresses are one of the easiest alternatives to shorts because they’re truly one-and-done—no coordinating required. I don’t wear dresses much in the fall and winter, but I definitely like to have a few options on hand for summer, especially for those days when shorts or jeans don’t feel quite right.

strapless maxi dress (M) // Sam Edelman Camille (8) // straw clutch

Style trends to watch for:

• Maxi and midi dresses are everywhere right now, especially flowy silhouettes and minimalist tubular styles.
• Minis are also having a major moment this season. If you’re hesitant about the length, styling them with flat sandals or sneakers can help balance the look.
• Knee-length dresses remain a timeless option, although they’re a little harder to find at the moment.
• Shirt dresses in crisp poplin or breezy linen are especially popular right now, along with feminine details like ruffles and tiers.

linen swing dress (M) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet

A few of my personal favorites:

#3. Linen & Palazzo Pants

Wide-leg pants are coming in strong this spring, and they’re a great way to stay cool while still looking polished. Linen, gauze, and lightweight cotton fabrics are especially good options for hot weather, since they’re more breathable than denim or chinos.

Frank & Eileen Tuscany Getaway Set c/o (S) // Paul Green Hadley Platform Sneakers (8)

Style trends to watch for:

• Wide-leg silhouettes are everywhere right now. They’re relaxed, airy, and perfect for warmer days.
• Matching sets are trending too—a fun, modern way to style linen pants.
• Tailored waistbands are replacing elastic styles that were popular for so long. I like how they add more structure and polish to linen pants.
• Tie-waist styles and supersoft denim options offer an easy, beachy vibe that’s perfect for everyday wear. They pair best with shorter, fitted tops and tanks.
• Neutral colors like white, gray, and mocha are especially popular for a versatile, chic look—but fun prints are out there too if you want something a little more playful.

KUT from the Kloth Topaz-Wide Leg Linen Pants (6) // similar jacket // EVEREVE Sarina V-Neck Tank (S) // similar flip flops // Rebecca Minkoff raffia bag

A few of my personal favorites:

#4. Skirts & Skorts

Skirts are another a good option if you’re looking for a casual alternative to shorts in warm weather. They’re just as cool and comfortable—and they’re definitely having a moment this year.

old Sanctuary sweater vest // similar denim maxi (29) // similar slingback flats (8)

I’m not much of a skirt girl myself, but I do like to keep a denim one in my spring and summer wardrobe for those times when I want to look a little more pulled together but still keep that casual denim vibe. Of course, if you really want to stay cool, there are tons of lightweight fabrics out there that feel even breezier than denim.

Style trends to watch for:

• Midi and maxi lengths are still going strong and are easy to style for everyday wear. Flowier A-line shapes and tiered skirts are especially popular for a relaxed, summery vibe.
• Mini skirts are very much still trending, especially when styled casually with sneakers or flat sandals for a laid-back look. Straight and slightly structured minis feel the most current.
• Knee-length skirts are a little less on-trend right now, but they can still work if the style includes modern details—think a sleek column silhouette, fresh tailoring, or updated fabrics like linen or lightweight denim.
• Matching sets are trending big time in the skirt category too, with coordinating tops and skirts creating an easy, polished look for summer.
• Soft denim, breezy cotton poplin, and gauzy linen blends are all popular skirt fabrics this season. Eyelet is also having a moment.

KUT from the Kloth Holly Denim Skirt (8) // LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // adidas Samba (8)

A quick tip for skirts and dresses:

If you deal with chafing in the summer, Thigh Society Cooling Shorts are an awesome solution to wear under dresses and skirts. And if you prefer a little more coverage and ease of movement, skorts are another great alternative.

Summer skirts to shop:

#5. Jorts & Culottes

Splendid Lounge Denim Jorts // Beckham Crochet Sweater

If you’ve sworn off shorts entirely, this trend may still not be for you—but longer denim shorts and culottes are definitely having a moment right now. The newer styles are much more relaxed and polished than the super-tight cutoffs of years past, with longer inseams, looser fits, and more tailored silhouettes.

Style trends to watch for:

• Dark washes and clean finishes feel a little more polished and wearable than heavily distressed styles
• Longer inseams are dominating right now, especially Bermuda and knee-length styles.
• Relaxed fits look more modern than tight or clingy cuts.

Jorts and culottes to shop:

I hope this post is helpful! What are your favorite alternatives to shorts?

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