My Favorite Summer Shorts

So we all know how much you guys like Dressing Room Diaries (I do, too!), but I wanted to do a post solely dedicated to all the pairs of shorts that I absolutely love! Ones that left the store with me every single time, fit like a dream and keep me coming back for more, reaching for them each and every time I look toward the shorts section of my closet.

I’ll be the first to admit that shorts are a dicey category for me. In the summer I often opt for dresses instead for two reasons:

1. I have more of them, so it just seems easier

2. Shorts and I have a love/hate relationship. I have muscular legs, but a smaller waist, so typically what fits my waist doesn’t fit my legs. The phrase “sausage casing” comes to mind…and yeah – no thank you.

But in an effort to maybe help any other girl out there who also suffers from this – I wanted to break down what works for me! These are all Kait tested, approved and purchased.

J. Crew Factory Pull On Shorts – They have an elastic waistband and still look chic! I have them in several colors and prints and almost every time I wear them someone asks where they are from! Not the best photos below, but here they are on. They constantly have new colors, prints and styles so keep your eyes peeled! I have them in size 4 and they fit really well. Printed version here.

J. Crew Factory Scallop Hem Shorts – I was shocked by how much I liked these, considering I ordered them online without being able to try them on. I ordered a size 6 and while the waistband is slightly large, I LOVE how they fit on my legs. Plus, they come in seriously awesome colors.

J. Crew Factory Printed Chino Shorts – I have been wearing these printed shorts for years. Each summer, they come out with a few new prints and I try to snatch up a pair or two every time. This summer was especially awesome, because they had an Oahu print! I wear a size 6 in these and they are comfortable. The inseam is really short in these so I need that extra space for my legs!

Levi’s 501 Denim Shorts – Are these shorts I would wear to a family function? No. But honestly – they are my absolute favorites for a day at the beach or a casual day at home. They’re comfortable and the denim is soft. I did cut the sides to make them a bit more roomy, but the denim itself already had a distressed look to it, so it just added to the appeal for me, honestly. I wear a size 29 and they have lasted me 4 summers!

Levi’s High Rise Shorts – These are my go-to denim shorts for everyday wear. The are comfortable, the cuff gives them a clean/more polished look and they are perfect for shorter tops since the rise is so high! I wear a 29 in these as well.

And if I’m not wearing any of the above, you can 100% find me in gym shorts. My favorites are here, here and here. Whether you’re working out or exploring, they can’t be beat for fit, wicking or comfort!

Pictured above: Lululemon Speed Short

Now, tell me what your favorite summer styles are! I’m always on the hunt for more options, so feel free to drop links below 🙂