Fashion

5 Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Spring Shorts

by Mary Avant

Spring is such a fabulous season for style. Not only is it full of floral-print pieces, pretty pants, sleek stripes, brilliant beauty products, amazing accessories, and brightly colored and lightweight spring jackets, but it’s also the first chance we get in months to show off the sexy skin that’s been in hiding all winter long. That means donning lots of flirty, feminine dresses; marvelous midi and mini skirts; and everyone’s go-to spring staple: shorts.

But rather than sticking with your plain khaki, black, and sometimes pastel-colored cotton shorts for laid-back, daytime-only occasions, why not try something a little different — and a lot more exciting — this spring by picking shorts-centered outfits that are not only totally comfy and casual, but also stylish and sexy enough to take your spring ensembles to the next level?

I don’t blame you if you’re sitting there thinking, “That’s not possible!” But it’s time to think again, because even the most fashion-conscious celebrities — including Beyoncé, Olivia Munn, Kate Upton, and more — have been taking spring in style with their patterned pieces and lacy looks that are dressy enough for days in the sun and girls' nights out. And now you can, too, with these five ways to spice up your shorts game this spring.

1. Stick with a simple romper

Joe Scarnici/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Perfect for days when a dress is too dressy but casual shorts are too casual, a romper — like the pleated, navy blue Valentino version Munn donned at this year’s Wondercon event — is the ideal in-between ensemble for spring. Keep it minimal for a clean, sophisticated look, but give it a little life with a bold necklace, bright lip, or statement shoes. If you'd rather have some fun with a patterned version, leave hair and makeup natural and accessories to a minimum for an effortlessly chic look.

2. Go sexy with an all-black ensemble

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The easiest way to make shorts date-night or night-out ready: by matching a tailored black pair with a sultry black blouse, like The Americans star Keri Russell did at Wondercon 2014. Stick with a high-waisted pair with lots of structure for a fashion-savvy look, and pair it with a blouse that’s subtly revealing thanks to details like small cutouts, a plunging neckline, or a sheer fabric.

3. Pair a slouchy, embroidered short with a matching top

If you want a daytime-friendly ensemble that’s comfy enough for an all-day shopping excursion but glamorous enough for a sun-drenched, boozy brunch with friends, make like Beyoncé and match white, loose-fitting embroidered shorts with a slouchy top that shows just the slightest bit of skin. While retro sunglasses, a chic high bun, and embellished sandals are encouraged, bunny ears are optional.

4. Show off your girly side with a pretty print

Araya Diaz/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Patterned shorts — and lace shorts, at that — are nothing new, but your spring ensemble will look a whole lot cuter when you choose a pair of shorts that are both printed and lacy, like Kaley Cuoco’s Tory Burch version. Complement them with a slouchy knit sweatshirt for a sporty look, or keep it uber-girly like Cuoco with a collared, lace top.

5. Give your look a tailored edge

Caroline McCredie/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

For an outfit that’s almost office-ready (and definitely date-night appropriate), follow Upton’s lead by pairing a structured short with a simple-but-sleek blouse and perfect-for-spring white blazer. Go ultra sleek with a swept-back updo and pair of pointy-toed stilettos, or dress it down with loose ways and simple flats. Either way, you’ll look timeless and polished in the most modern way possible.

Image: Beyonce/Instagram