How To Wear Paper Bag Waist Shorts This Summer

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Paper bag waists are so popular right now! A few weeks ago I shared how to style a paper bag waist skirt, and today I thought it would be fun to share some tips on how to wear paper bag waist shorts!

Outfit Details: J.Jill Top (similar Amazon top), Above Able Shorts (similar here), Zaful Sunglasses c/o (similar here), Vintage Bracelets (similar here), Kate Spade Necklace, J.Crew Purse (similar here), Lauren Conrad Heels (similar here)

1. Pair Them With Your Favorite Linen Top

I’m not sure what these shorts are made of (similar here), but if you look closely they have a subtle texture that’s reminiscent of linen. That gave me the idea to pair them with my favorite linen top. I love pairing linen, or linen looking pieces together. Check out this this post for more tips on how to wear linen.

Not only do linen pieces pair nicely together, but linen is just so comfortable to wear in the summer heat.

I also love that linen is a stiffer fabric giving it a little bit of added volume. The volume of this top balances out the volume of these shorts nicely giving off a beautiful hourglass shape thanks to the cinched paper bag waist.

2. Pair Them With Heels

I’ve always loved the look of heels and shorts together, but it’s not always realistic or appropriate to wear in real life. Thanks to the added length and volume of most paper bag waist shorts (similar shorts) they will easily pair with your favorite heels! Wear them with a chunky heel, a pair of wedges, or some kitten heels.

3. Dress Them Up Or Down

I love paper bag waist shorts so much because of how versatile they are! Since paper bag shorts are dressy yet comfy you’ll find that you reach for them again and again.

Dressed Down: When dressing them down imagine styling them like you would any other pair of shorts (similar here) in your closet. Wear them with a t-shirt, tank top, crop top, or sweatshirt. This will keep you looking chic and comfortable while running errands, going on a picnic, or even walking the dog.

Dressed Up: When dressing them up imagine that they’re a skirt. I love how the volume and pleating in these shorts (similar here) makes them look like a skirt. Wear them with a blouse, cami, blazer, cardigan, or even a sweater. Add in some heels, jewelry, and a nice purse to complete the look. Style this look for work, church, or even a date night!

What To Do If You Don’t Like How You Look In Paper Bag Shorts?

I don’t always like the way I look in clothes, especially if its a trend I’ve never tried before! The first time I put on a pair of skinny jeans I thought they looked TERRIBLE on me, but really I just wasn’t used to seeing myself in them. I felt that way again when I purchased these paper bag shorts (similar here). I thought they were WAY too big and bulky and I contemplated taking them back (you can see my Insta Story about it here). I’m so glad I gave them a chance because now I LOVE them!

4 tips to help you decide if you should keep an item or not

1. Don’t decide on them in the store, take them home or order them online so you can try them on in the comfort of your own home.

2. Try pairing them with all your favorite tops to see how the shorts will incorporate into your wardrobe.

3. Search Pinterest by typing in “paper bag waist shorts outfit ideas” to see how other girls are wearing them.

4. And lastly, remember fashion is supposed to be fun! Wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and happy. The great thing about fashion is the more popular a trend becomes, the more options you’ll find available! I noticed that with skinny jeans. So many people said it wasn’t for them, but soon enough everyone was wearing them!

A Few More Tips

Always wear paper bag waist shorts with a belt to make your waist look it’s smallest. Also, tuck your shirt in to highlight the smallest part of your waist. For more tips see my post on styling a paper bag waist skirt here.

Let me know if you need any more help styling paper bag waists!