How to Style Paperbag Shorts, According to Stylists

A little baggy, a lot cool.

On the list of fashion trends I’ve seen floating around Pinterest for summer 2023, paperbag shorts may be my favorite. There’s something about the pleated aesthetic that keeps me curious; it’s playful yet sophisticated, and can be dressed up or down with a change of top or accessories. But if you aren’t quite sure how to style paperbag shorts IRL, you’re not alone (and before I wrote this, I was right there with you). The goal is to piece together a paperbag shorts outfit that looks as elegant and chic as they do in the photographs peppering our feeds. How, you ask?

According to stylist and fashion resale expert Emily K. Schwartz, because paperbag shorts cinch at the waist, they give the wearer an hourglass silhouette, and the ones that have pleats offer an elongated illusion. “Essentially, you've got two visual wins with one simple piece,” Schwartz tells InStyle. Once you understand the geometry, then you can style accordingly by creating a visual balance.

Related: What Style of Shorts You Need for Summer, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

“Because we've got a little action going on at the waist with a leg that flares out slightly, I generally recommend keeping things close to the body up top,” Schwartz explains. “For example, I really love the look of paperbag shorts with a long sleeve bodysuit or a tucked-in button-up blouse. "Tucked-in" is the key here – we want to keep things close throughout the waist and torso and let our shoulders and hemline serve as the frame of the hourglass.”

If you’re still stumped on how to style paperbag shorts, don’t stress. We asked stylists to break down how they’re styling the trendy shorts this summer. Check out their ideas below.

Pay Attention to Your Proportions

Sustainable fashion expert Mary Fellowes tells InStyle that counterbalancing the silhouette is key. Choose something linear, streamlined, with a smooth texture when styling paperbag shorts, otherwise you risk the finished product looking disheveled.  Her go-tos? “An oversize narrow blazer, totally close-fitting, bejeweled tank or T-shirt or another encrusted and embellished top underneath, and low, fierce-pointed kitten heel slingbacks."

Opt for a Heel

Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us, tells InStyle that a heel will be your bestie if you're looking to achieve the “legs for miles” vibe when styling paperbag shorts.

Lean Into the Prep School Look

Stitch Fix Styling Team Leader Katie Merickel shares that according to Stitch Fix’s predicted trends for 2023, prep is in. “[It’s a] sweet, sophisticated take on preppy dressing for women featuring pleats, prim button-ups, and blazers,” Merickle explains, noting paperbag shorts fit into the aesthetic like a glove. To get the look, the stylist recommends her clients “complete the style with a ribbed tank, platform sandal, or leather flat.”

Keep Styling Simple with a Bodysuit

Because the proportions work so well together naturally, Ashlyn Greer, co-founder and owner of virtual personal styling service Fashivly, says bodysuits are a universal pairing for paperbag shorts. Not into the one-piece? She stresses “any crop tee or tank works well, too.”

Fully Embrace the Short's Silhouette

Lean into the "extra fabric" that gives the shorts their signature look. “Pair them with a billowy top and a longer oversize blazer or trench, with the top tucked in and cinched with a contrasting leather belt,” Greer instructs. “Add an oversize structured tote and sandals to top off the look!”

Make the Bow the Focus

International and celebrity stylist Ozuola Martins has a tip for anyone wanting to give paperbag shorts a try, but who also feels a bit tummy-conscious. “Pair your shorts with a top that loosely skims the body, or a silky button-down blouse with the sleeves ruched up — and most importantly use the front tuck technique for the top," says Martins. This will ensure that the area where the belt of the shorts ties into a bow becomes the focal point, “It will draw the eye in, and give the illusion of a narrower waist," explains the stylist. Done, and done.

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Read the original article on InStyle.