While I’ve always been a fan of fashion, taking risks isn’t something I do very often. There are so many looks that I’ve wanted to try but avoided because I thought they were only for the “tall skinny model” type. But, no more of that! While I do think that we ladies should choose styles that are most flattering for our particular body types, many looks can be adjusted to work for just about anyone.
One of the looks I’ve been dying to try is wearing shorts with tights, which has been around for quite a while.
I probably won’t actually sport this look until the temperatures are at least in the 40’s, but there’s no harm in experimenting for now.
First, you need the right pair of shorts. I got this great pair from H&M about a month ago (so they might still carry this style or similar ones).
The material and buttons lend to a dressy look, but they’re simple enough to be dressed down as well.
If you’re going for a more chic, professional look, I’d opt for shorts with a higher waist.
And then, get creative! I paired the shorts with a ruffled pink blouse, black tights, and camel-colored riding boots.
I added a simple black blazer (as seen in the last photo), which goes great with the shorts but isn’t too overwhelming.
To turn this into a nighttime look, trade out the boots for a pair of pumps. And for a more playful daytime look, you could wear a colored or printed tight.
The key is to make sure you don’t have too many prints or colors going on, though, because the shorts/tights look is attention-grabbing on its own.
Even more importantly is that if you’re going to wear the shorts + tights look, you’ve got to be confident and just rock it!
Is this a look that you would try? What fashion risk have you been wanting to take?
Haha I love your title.
I also think I need you as my personal stylist, since my fashion sense right now is seriously lacking (especially due to the cold… I just wanna wear sweatpants!). Move to Texas?
This look is sooo cute!!! But I am not much of a risk taker and the first “look” I get, I totally get scared and go back to my average outfit.
Cute look! I am generally NOT that fashionable (I live in sweats!), and I just love jeans and t-shirts so much!
But I might try this…
This is a style I’d love to try although I might do the more dressed down style. I’ve been on the lookout for some black lace patterned tights but haven’t found the perfect pair at the perfect price yet!
It’s super cute. I might try it if I was going somewhere by car, but since I live in the city and walk almost everywhere, I tend to try and dress a little warmer on my journeys.
Yes, I hear ya! Another option for chilly days is to wear cable-knit tights underneath.
oh i LOVE! i actually have some shorts similar to these.. or identical… seeing as i got mine from H&M too..!
So cute!!!! I want to try this look now!
I’ve been wanting to try this, but it is waaay too cold! When it gets warmer I am definitely trying this though, for now I’m sticking with warm pants;)
Love! Very cute!
This is too cute! I would TOTALLY rock that look! But I agree, temp needs to be above 40… Ahhh spring where ARE you!?!?
i love that shorts/tights look. i’d look like a damn fool. perhaps i shall try it…
Nooo it would look so cute on you!!
I love that look!
You look cute in them!
That look is so great for you!
You look SO good with that outfit! Honestly, the boots + the shorts = long legs!!!
I love the shorts and tights look
Wear it all the time. When I’m wearing boots I also like to switch it up with leggings instead of tights because they’re warmer in the winter cold!
I tried the same shorts on in H&M about a month ago! I may go back and get them now!
Where are your boots from?
Macy’s! They’re Etienne Aigner.
LOVE the look…I probably couldnt pull that off like you can but you look stellar!
Love this look!
You look so cute! I love those boots
Love it! This is a style that I’ve really been wanting to try, but need to work on the confidence part! I feel my legs are way too big to pull it off. I love the boots! I also want to try the knee-high or above-the-knee boots, but I never even have any place to wear these styles; my wardrobe basically consists of khaki’s and polos for work and running attire.
Hey Shannon! First of all, I’m sure your legs are HOT
You should totally grab a pair of knee high or over-the-knee boots! To keep the look casual, get boots without a heel, and wear them with leggings and a long top/sweater. It might not be work-appropriate for you, but it can be a comfy/stylish alternative for running errands, going out with friends, etc. 
I like this look! I really do love tights, Ive been rocking pretty floral design black tights with skirts ! I have chicken legs but I embrace them : ) lol
This look ROCKS! You seriously pull it off! And I totally agree with your last sentence, you have to ROCK IT! I tend to wear a little more crazy outfits (risk-taking fashion isn’t all that great in Kansas;) and everyone says “I could never pull that off!” Sure you can, you just have to have the right ATTITUDE to do so! It’s all about OWNING your look! WORK IT, GIRL!
I have to tell you…I LOVE shorts and tights. Actually I just love tights in general. Textured, color, opaque, I love them! You can absolutely pull off shorts and tights!! Looks great on you!
there’s something I really dig about the jean shorts/tights look. Perhaps it’s the contrast between grunge and chic. Not sure if I could pull it off though!
Yes…LOVE it with denims. You absolutely could pull it off. Please do!
You know what? This exact look (shorts and tights) is something I’ve been wanting to try but chickening out of. I think you might have just inspired me!
This is an absolutely adorable outfit that you nailed. Well done. You’ve inspired me to rock the look this weekend perhaps
Every girl around campus sports this look only with leggings, Nike shorts, and Uggs. In the middle of Winter!! I don’t see how they stand it lol. The tights/shorts is much cuter, too.
You are too cute. That is all!
Ive been rocking this look FOREVER! I loooove how it can be so casual yet so chic.
Check out my blog for a rocker take on the look
Really precious! I’ve recently discovered your blog and I love it!!! Thanks for the uplifting posts
Wow, thanks so much for this sweet comment, Mallory!! xoxo
Love the outfit! I’m a big fan of shorts + tights too.
I’ve always wanted to try wearing a menswear blazer, but because I’m only 5 feet tall, they tend to swallow me!
No, you could totally rock it!! You get that blazer, girl
You look perfect in the short-tight look!!
cute! i’ve done it once before. my mom thought it was weird, but whatevs!
You look so adorable, I love it! I’ve always kind of wanted to try this look…if I worked in an office where that kind of look was acceptable, I’d totally rock it!
You look so cute with this look! I’d like to say I’d try it, but I believe if you were old enough to rock a look the first time around (early - mid 90s), you should pass the second time around.
LOL and I totally agree.
BTDT, yep.
Let the youngsters try it this time around…haha!
LOL!
That’s a cute outfit! I know I am betraying ages here, but I still remember the previous time when knee-length shorts and opaque tights were in style…
Not a look for me personally but you wear it well!!!!
I am with Hangry Pants 2 comments above me. I am in her camp. BTDT in h.s.
I have to say that I wouldn’t do this, but that’s not to say that I don’t think it’s super cute on the right person. You, my dear, are that person!! I especially always love that look for evening with really high pumps…such a statement!
I have those same exact shorts from H&M! I wore them to like every Holiday party…they are awesome. I am loving this trend!
I have most definitely worn this combo and I would not call myself a skinny girl. I actually once wore really long socks (like above the knee) with yoga capri pants and ugg boots. Not quite high fashion. But it was comfy and kinda cute!
I LOVE shorts with tights, but I don’t have the right shorts for the look. I need to find some!
I love it, I love it, I love it! This is one of my favorite looks, although, I am NOT rocking it until it’s at least 38*F.
military rugged looking boots with a feminne floral or silky top with a scarf
This is late, but this is TOTALLY the look in Spain. I would probably not wear it in the U.S. (except if I were in a bigger city) but I would try it here.