While browsing a few websites online one afternoon, these belted linen-blend shorts caught my eye. I was drawn to them because of the high-waisted cut, belt, and subtle pleating. I did not have anything similar in my closet, and wasn’t sure if they would flatter my shape. I decided to drop my kids off at my parents house and head to the local store to try them on.

It was honestly a glorious little bit of time that I had away, to myself! After trying the shorts on, checking in with my husband and a couple friends for their opinions, and contemplating getting them, I decided to go for it.

I brought them home and started putting together outfits and immediately, I loved them so much. I found them to be incredibly versatile, comfortable, and a nice departure from my beloved denim cut-off shorts. They pair well with a lot of items in my closet, and I will definitely be wearing them a lot throughout the rest of the summer.

Let’s look at five ways I have styled these shorts, to give you a few ideas if you are considering getting these shorts for yourself. Or, if you already own something similar, these outfit ideas can work with what you already have.

For the first outfit, I grabbed a white, puff sleeve top and tan leather oxfords. The puff sleeves make this feel girly. The color scheme is light and neutral from head to toe. I tend to mix different styles so an outfit doesn’t feel like too much of one thing. Here I balanced the girly top with a more masculine pair of shoes. Overall, this feels a bit dressed up. If we were leaving the house right now, I would wear this to church, brunch with friends, or a gathering like a baby shower.

Click the photos below to shop this outfit.

The second outfit has a summery, laid-back vibe. I styled the shorts with a yellow crop tank, (a slight pop of color but still pretty neutral), and white sneakers. I also tried an optional add of a white button-front, short-sleeved shirt (fully un-buttoned). I rarely layer in the summer because of the heat here in the south, but this shirt works and is currently my favorite summer layering piece. This is an everyday look for me, but it makes me think of shopping with a friend, or going to a backyard summer bbq.

Click the photos below to shop this outfit.

In the third outfit I added more color contrast with a simple black tank, tucked in. These shorts are super high-waisted, and the belt helps each outfit feel complete and put together, even if the top is a bit more plain. I added my favorite cheetah mules to balance out the simple top. I love the cheetah print because it is still neutral and can be worn with so many things, but the print adds visual interest.

Click the photos below to shop this outfit.

Outfit number four is a puff sleeve, printed blouse with the belted linen-blend shorts. This one tips back towards dressy, and like outfit number one, is something I would wear to church, some sort of event, or on a date night. The printed top brings contrast to this outfit and is a nice difference from the previous outfits.

Click the photos below to show this outfit.

The fifth and final outfit is the most casual of the bunch. I grabbed my favorite plain gray tee, and easy, strappy sandals to make another everyday look. Overall this is simple, but the details of each item are just enough to make this outfit feel complete.

Click the photos below to shop this outfit. My sandals are old, so I have linked the updated version from the same brand. I linked my tee, but in a different color. You can find the exact tee in the color I am wearing on the American Apparel website – it’s called the track tee.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my outfit ideas for these belted linen-blend shorts! I hope this can help give you outfit ideas that can work for you, in your summer wardrobe. Would you wear these shorts? If so, which of these outfits feels the most like your style? The second outfit feels the most like me and is my favorite. How would you style these shorts? I would love to hear your ideas!