I Initially Thought Pairing These Shoes with Shorts Was Embarrassing—But It Turns Out This Combo Is the Height of 2025 Fashion.

I Initially Thought Pairing These Shoes with Shorts Was Embarrassing—But It Turns Out This Combo Is the Height of 2025 Fashion.

      Throughout the summer, we've been tracking the trend of varying inseam lengths. Bermuda shorts and even culottes have become the preferred short styles among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities. While shorts in general have been trending longer, there has also been a notable rise in shorter styles. For Gen Z, particularly, micro-shorts are in vogue—seen on everyone from Sabrina Carpenter in her distinctive bloomers to Olivia Rodrigo in her $53 Nordstrom shorts. What’s particularly striking about the popularity of these tiny inseams alongside longer options is the footwear choices people are making.

      Typically, the advice for such barely-there trends is to keep the overall look classic. However, instead of opting for predictable footwear like sandals, many are choosing boots. I used to think that pairing shorts with boots was a style "blunder" due to the shoes not being traditionally flattering, but I might be changing my mind after seeing numerous outfits that execute this combination quite stylishly. Below, you'll find various ways that celebrities and fashionistas are successfully pairing tall and mid-calf boots with their shorts.

      (Image credit: XNY/Star Max/GC Images/Getty Images)

      In the look featuring Olivia Rodrigo: Edikted Twyla Polka Dot Shorts ($53); Frye Campus Knee High Boots ($498)

      Olivia Rodrigo's trendy polka-dot shorts are made even better when styled with sleek black knee boots for a NYC outing, giving the shorts an urban twist.

      Reformation

      Dusk Stretch Knit Top

      EDIKTED

      Twyla Polka Dot Shorts

      Frye

      Campus Knee High Boot

      (Image credit: Backgrid)

      In Dua Lipa's look: Martine Rose T-shirt; Courrèges Americana Boots ($906); Chanel 25 Bag ($6000); Re/Done 90S Frayed Organic Denim Shorts ($288)

      Denim shorts haven't been my primary focus this summer, but seeing Dua Lipa pair hers with mid-calf moto boots made me realize the importance of shoe choice. Her boots elevate the cutoffs far more than the typical flip-flops or sneakers I usually reach for.

      Sporty & Rich

      Health Script Cotton Graphic T-Shirt

      AGOLDE

      Parker Long Shorts

      Coconuts by Matisse

      Autumn Engineer Boot

      This summer is all about an outdoorsy-chic wardrobe, whether in the English countryside, Provence, or the Hamptons. Embrace the off-grid vibes by styling wellington boots with short shorts and a classic knit.

      J.Crew

      New Jackie Cardigan in Premium Ultra-Fine Cotton

      FAITHFULL THE BRAND

      Lila Mini Shorts

      Hunter

      Original Waterproof Rain Boot

      If everyone's favorite It girl, Devon Carlson, embraces this outfit idea, it's only a matter of time before others follow suit. I'm drawn to this more somber checkered print look, which has me excited for fall fashion.

      LIBEROWE

      Hetty Oversized Checked Bouclé-Tweed Shirt

      LIBEROWE

      Madeline Checked Bouclé-Tweed Shorts

      PAIGE

      Ansley Kitten Heel Knee High Boot

      This laid-back summer style showcases a beloved closet staple: lace-trimmed shorts. The addition of Western boots makes this simple ensemble truly stand out.

      Skims

      Soft Smoothing Seamless T-Shirt

      Steve Madden

      Stetson Suede Western Boot

      We've entered the peak of boho, and one way fashion aficionados are channeling this free-spirited vibe is through the integration of Western-inspired boots with airy, smocked pieces.

      Damson Madder

      Tula Smock Cami

      Reformation

      June Low Rise Linen Short

      Steve Madden

      Riggs Knee High Boot

      Don’t forget that your favorite knee-high boots from the fall and winter can also be stylish in the summer. Pair them with relaxed shorts and a tee for a trendy look.

      Shopbop

      Anine Bing Randy Oversized Trench Coat

      COS

      Oversized Boxy T-Shirt

      Pistola

      Denim Felix Shorts

      Vince

      Martell Knee High Boot

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I Initially Thought Pairing These Shoes with Shorts Was Embarrassing—But It Turns Out This Combo Is the Height of 2025 Fashion.

An apology is necessary.