Katie Sims
By this point in the year, the thick, woolly layers of winter feel like a distant memory and now that the sun is regularly rearing its head, it's time to celebrate in the only way we know how—through clothing.
Excitingly for us there are some fresh summer trends entering the rotation in 2025—including my new favourite trouser trend: long shorts. A pallet cleanser to the micro shorts that have dominated fashion crowds and runways for so long, this season, the laid-back long shorts trend is finally on the up and honestly, I don't think that shorts have every looked chicer.
Long shorts started to appear on our fashion feeds late last summer and so they're still fairly new to our wardrobes. As such, I've rounded up seven of the chicest shoe pairings that always look good with long shorts, in order to give you a head start on styling the trend. Read on to discover the seven best shoes to wear with long shorts below.
DISCOVER THE CHICEST SHOES AND LONG SHORTS PAIRINGS HERE:
1. MARY JANES
Style Notes: Adding a pretty and feminine edge to your daily styling, the mary jane shoe trend is a summer wardrobe staple. Giving the relaxed shorts a smarter edge, this clever combination makes for an elegant outfit that you can style throughout the working week and beyond.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND MARY JANES:
Style with the matching waistcoat or your favourite pretty top.
We're thrilled that Sezane have restocked their classic Paula Babies this season.
This sandy beige is easily one of my favourite colours for summer.
Zara have an impressive collection of Mary Janes this year.
2. BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: I'll always come back to ballet flats when I want to inject a classy edge. Leaning in to the elegant nature of the longer hemline, ballet flats and long shorts work together to give your outfit an ultra-polished energy.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND BALLET FLATS:
The butter yellow colour trend is taking off this season.
A classic pair that will never date.
Worn with the matching jacket, these are sure to make an impact.
The white is perfect for the neutral girlies, but these also come in fun green and pink shades.
3. THONG SANDALS
Style Notes: Lightweight, casual and perfect for hot summer days, thong sandals are the trending shoe silhouette that you can catch me in all summer long. Wear with long-line shorts for a breezy weekend look, and dress your style up with a boxy blazer or button down.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND THONG SANDALS:
I'm picturing these with many summer outfits, from day to night.
Reformation have these sandals in five other glorious shades.
Zara strikes again.
Easily the most comfortable flip flops on the market.
4. SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Slingback shoes are one of my favourite footwear trends of the year. Classy, comfortable, and so very elegant, the sleek silhouette delivers a graceful look every time. To style an outfit that feels both trendy and timeless, pair your favourite slingbacks with longline denim shorts and style with a white tee or shirt.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND SLINGBACKS:
Whistles always hit that sweet spot between quality and affordability.
Slingback kitten heels are such an easy way to dress up your favourite jeans.
For all your laid-back summer looks.
A chocolate brown style feels particularly on trend.
5. CAGED SHOES
Style Notes: If you're living out the summer months in a city, then the caged sandal trend is the one you need to know. More protective that a strappy sandal or mesh flat, these chunky shoes ensure a comfortable stride and a chic silhouette. Wear with long denim shorts for an easy ensemble you can feel comfortable in all day long.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND CAGED SHOES:
I love a frayed hem.
Expertly crafted, these are the ideal way to dress up a daytime look.
Low rise denim is a major trend this summer.
A comfortable way to spice up your outfit. They come in black, too.
6. COWBOY BOOTS
Style Notes: The summer months might be inching closer, but the cowboy boots trend continues to thrive. Styling so well with long cotton and denim shorts, the easy combination will keep you comfortable and cosy on those cooler summer nights.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND COWBOY BOOTS:
This affordable pair comes in light, dark, and cream denim.
The perfect pair if you want to get on board with the cowboy boots trend.
Mint Velvet do wardrobe staples so well.
I'm loving the chocolate-coated cherry, but these come in three other shades as well.
7. TRAINERS
Style Notes: Sporty shorts and chunky trainers are the unsung hero of my weekend wardrobe. Lean in to the comfortable energy and style with a roomy jumper on chillier days, otherwise throw on a cotton shirt or boxy blazer to dress up your look.
SHOP LONG SHORTS AND TRAINERS:
Wear these from the park to the pub.
These also come in chic white.
My new favourite activewear brand.
Lightweight and breathable, these are the perfect summer sneakers.
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