Fashion Guide: How To Style Swim Shorts as Regular Shorts
Here's a little known fact, the best women's swim shorts are actually incredibly similar in cut and style to the trending regular shorts women already wear! At Citra Swimwear, we didn't design our women's swim shorts in a vacuum—we based our Tangerine Tease collection on the iconic silhouettes of seventies and eighties hot pants and dolphin shorts. You know, those vintage cuts that made women look absolutely incredible and celebrated every curve?
Because we drew inspiration from styles that were already proven to look amazing and emphasize a woman's assets, our swim shorts are incredibly versatile. They work seamlessly as regular shorts, and honestly, most people can't even tell the difference! The form-fitting cut, the way they hit at just the right spot on your hip, that perfect inseam length—it's all designed to flatter, whether you're poolside or strolling through the city. Can you wear swim shorts as regular shorts? Absolutely—and we're about to show you exactly how to make it look intentional and effortlessly chic.
So let's dive into exactly how to style your Tangerine Tease swim shorts for every occasion. Trust me, once you see how versatile these beauties are and learn our swim shorts styling tips for women, you'll be wearing them way beyond beach days.
The Art of Matching: Think Like a Stylist
Before we jump into specific looks, let's talk about the fundamentals of how to make swim shorts look fashionable. The key is thinking about four elements: shape, texture, color, and accessories. Since our Tangerine Tease shorts have that fitted, form-hugging silhouette reminiscent of vintage hot pants, you want to create interesting contrast and balance with your other pieces. Shape-wise, play with proportions—if your shorts are fitted, try an oversized top, or balance them with a flowy blouse for contrast. Texture is where you can have fun: pair the smooth, athletic fabric of the shorts with chunky knits, soft cottons, or structured denim. Color coordination is your secret weapon—each of our four colorways (orange, turquoise, white, and navy) works as either a statement piece or a neutral base. Finally, accessories can completely transform the vibe: sporty sneakers keep it casual, while strappy sandals instantly elevate the look.
Think of your swim shorts as the foundation—they're doing the heavy lifting of creating that amazing silhouette, so everything else is about enhancing and complementing that shape while expressing your personal style. This approach to styling swim shorts for everyday wear is what separates a thrown-together look from genuine swim shorts fashion inspiration.
Five Ways to Style Your Swim Shorts
Casual Daytime Look
The Vibe: Effortless weekend energy that says "I woke up like this" (but make it intentional).
Top: A cropped graphic tee or fitted tank top—something with a bit of personality that complements the sporty-chic aesthetic of your Tangerine Tease Swim Shorts in Orange.
Footwear: Classic white sneakers or sporty sandals that can handle whatever your day throws at you.
Accessories: A denim jacket tied around the waist (hello, nineties nostalgia!), a crossbody bag for hands-free convenience, and sunglasses because you're basically a movie star.
Why it works: The inherently sporty vibe of the swim shorts pairs naturally with relaxed, casual staples. The orange adds that perfect pop of color that makes even the most basic outfit feel fresh and fun. This is one of my favorite swim shorts casual outfit ideas because it's so effortless yet put-together.
Streetwear Inspired
The Vibe: Urban cool with an athletic edge—perfect for running errands or meeting friends for coffee.
Top: An oversized cropped hoodie or boxy t-shirt that creates interesting proportions with the fitted shorts.
Footwear: Chunky sneakers or high-top Converse that lean into that street-style aesthetic.
Shorts: Tangerine Tease Swim Shorts in Turquoise—this color is having such a moment and looks incredible with neutral tones.
Accessories: A mini backpack (because practicality is cool), a baseball cap for that sporty touch, and hoop earrings to add some feminine flair.
Why it works: The shorts' athletic-inspired cut makes them a natural foundation for street-style looks. The turquoise acts as your statement piece while everything else keeps it effortlessly cool. These swim shorts street wear looks prove that athletic wear can be seriously fashionable.
Elevated Summer Chic
The Vibe: Polished but approachable—perfect for brunch, shopping, or any time you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
Top: A flowy off-shoulder blouse or lightweight button-up shirt (half-tucked for that perfectly undone look).
Footwear: Strappy sandals or espadrilles that add a touch of elegance without being too formal.
Shorts: Tangerine Tease Swim Shorts in White—because white is timeless and works with literally everything in your closet.
Accessories: A woven tote bag for that summery texture, layered gold necklaces that catch the light, and a wide-brim hat for both style and sun protection.
Why it works: This look balances the sporty edge of the swim shorts with breezy, feminine pieces. The white provides the perfect neutral base that lets your accessories and top be the stars. It's the perfect example of how to dress up swim shorts without losing their casual comfort.
Nautical Summer
The Vibe: Coastal elegance with a timeless appeal—think yacht club meets modern woman.
Top: A striped navy-and-white boatneck tee or off-shoulder top that channels that classic maritime aesthetic.
Footwear: Espadrilles or flat strappy sandals that feel both comfortable and sophisticated.
Shorts: Tangerine Tease Swim Shorts in Navy—the perfect foundation for any nautical-inspired look.
Accessories: A straw tote bag for that beachy texture, layered gold anklets that peek out above your shoes, and a woven fedora hat for that finishing touch.
Why it works: Navy naturally pairs with nautical stripes and summer textures, making the shorts feel classic and elevated. This combination never goes out of style and always looks expensive.
Sporty Luxe
The Vibe: Athleisure at its finest—polished enough for lunch dates but comfortable enough for your most active days.
Top: A fitted white racerback tank that shows off your shoulders and creates clean, athletic lines.
Footwear: Sleek trainers that blur the line between fashion and function.
Shorts: Tangerine Tease Swim Shorts in Navy—because navy and white is the most effortlessly chic combination ever.
Accessories: Gold hoop earrings for that touch of glamour, oversized sunglasses because they make everything look more expensive, and a sleek nylon crossbody bag that's both practical and stylish.
Why it works: This look fully leans into the athletic DNA of the swim shorts while still looking intentional and chic. It's the perfect example of how sporty can be sophisticated.
Transitioning Swim Shorts From Beach to Street
The beauty of truly well-designed swim shorts is their versatility. Our Tangerine Tease collection proves that you don't need a completely separate wardrobe for beach / street days —you just need pieces that work harder and look better. These shorts seamlessly transition from poolside to city streets because they're built on those timeless silhouettes that have been making women look incredible for decades.
The secret to successful transitioning swim shorts from beach to street lies in your styling choices. Swap those flip-flops for sleek sneakers, add a structured jacket over your tank top, or throw on some statement jewelry to instantly elevate your look. It's all about adding those finishing touches that signal intention rather than accident.
So next time someone asks if those are "real shorts" or swim shorts, just smile and tell them they're both. Because when something fits this well and looks this good, those distinctions don't really matter anymore. You've mastered the art of swim shorts fashion inspiration, and honestly, that's a superpower worth having.
Love,
Cassie @ Citra
Frequently Asked Questions
What tops look best with swim shorts?
Honestly, almost anything! Cropped tees and fitted tanks are your casual go-tos, while off-shoulder blouses and button-ups (half-tucked) instantly elevate the look. The key is playing with proportions—since swim shorts are fitted, you can go oversized on top or keep it sleek and form-fitting.
What shoes should I wear with swim shorts?
It totally depends on your vibe! White sneakers and sporty sandals keep things casual and comfortable. Strappy sandals or espadrilles add instant sophistication, while chunky sneakers lean into that street-style aesthetic. Avoid anything too formal—think comfort meets style.
How do I make swim shorts look more polished and put-together?
It's all in the details! Add structured pieces like blazers or denim jackets, choose elevated footwear over flip-flops, and incorporate intentional accessories like layered jewelry or a quality handbag. Half-tucking your top also creates that perfectly undone but purposeful look.
What's the best way to transition swim shorts from day to night?
Swap your casual tee for a silky camisole or fitted bodysuit, trade sneakers for strappy heels or sleek flats, and add statement jewelry or a structured jacket. A bold lip color doesn't hurt either! The beauty is that the shorts stay the same—you're just elevating everything around them.
What colors/patterns are most versatile for everyday styling?
White and navy are your ultimate neutrals—they work with literally everything in your closet. Our navy pairs beautifully with stripes and pastels, while white is perfect for adding pops of color with your tops and accessories. Orange and turquoise are more statement-making but so worth it for that extra personality!
How do I layer with swim shorts?
Think of swim shorts as your base layer! Tie a denim jacket around your waist for that '90s vibe, throw on an oversized cardigan for cooler evenings, or add a lightweight kimono for boho chic. The fitted nature of the shorts means you can layer pretty much anything on top without looking bulky.
What accessories work with swim shorts outfits?
The possibilities are endless! Crossbody bags and backpacks keep things sporty, while woven totes add summery texture. Baseball caps and sunglasses enhance the athletic vibe, but don't sleep on delicate jewelry, scarves, or even a cute belt bag for that extra style boost.
How do I style swim shorts for different body types?
The beautiful thing about our Tangerine Tease shorts is they're designed to flatter everyone! The compression fabric creates smooth lines and enhances natural curves regardless of body type. Focus on choosing tops and styling that make YOU feel confident—that's when you look your absolute best.
How can I tell if my swim shorts look too "beachy" for the setting?
It's really about your styling choices! If you're wearing them with flip-flops and a basic tank, that reads more beachy. But pair them with sneakers and a cropped hoodie, or sandals and a button-up, and suddenly they're just really good-looking shorts. When in doubt, add one structured piece to signal intention.
What length swim shorts are most flattering?
Our Tangerine Tease shorts hit at that perfect sweet spot—long enough for coverage and confidence, short enough to elongate your legs and show off your shape. our upper-thigh length bikini shorts are universally flattering and work for virtually every body type and styling scenario. It's honestly the Goldilocks of shorts lengths!
