What Color Shirt With White Shorts? (Outfit Ideas)

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While white shorts are iconic for women, they might not be as popular among men, as not everyone feels confident rocking them during the summer. I do appreciate white shorts for certain occasions, such as a stroll around the beach or a barbeque. If you’re confident about wearing white shorts, the next question is often: what color shirt with white shorts?

What Color Shirt Goes With White Shorts?

The shirt colors that best complement white shorts are blue, pink, orange, yellow, red, and green.

I’d like to clarify that this article primarily focuses on chino and cargo shorts, excluding other styles. However, the recommended colors should complement any short style. Additionally, regarding shirt styles, I’ll suggest various options such as casual shirts, polo shirts, and t-shirts to offer a diverse range of choices.

You can technically pair white shorts with any color since white is a neutral tone that complements everything. A white polo shirt is a fantastic choice for a full white ensemble, ideal for occasions like an all-white boat party.

The only color I steer clear of pairing with white shorts is black, as I don’t find the high contrast appealing, and black is often associated with formality. It’s also not the most suitable color for summer, given the abundance of other options. However, some men enjoy this combination, so feel free to give it a try and judge for yourself.

White Shorts With A Blue Shirt

My go-to choice is a blue short-sleeved casual shirt paired with white shorts. This ensemble exudes a summery vibe and offers a sharp and polished look, perfect for outings with friends and family. Blue shades look great with pale and fair skin tones. A blue shirt is also a great choice with red shorts.

White shorts are versatile and pair well with any shade of blue since it’s a neutral color. I lean towards a light blue shirt with white shorts for a fresh, summery feel, ideal for spring or summer gatherings. However, a dark blue or navy shirt creates a striking contrast, making it perfect for occasions like beach parties or evening summer dinners.

You have two options for your footwear and belt. You can go for an all-navy look with navy loafers, a matching belt, and a navy leather watch, or choose brown loafers, a matching belt, and a brown (or navy) watch. It depends on what’s in your wardrobe.

White Shorts With A Pink Shirt

Now, this combination might make some men hesitant, as pink and white can be challenging for some. Personally, I lean towards a light pink shirt rather than a pink polo or T-shirt, as it exudes elegance and refinement. A light pink shirt looks great with brown skin tones.

I appreciate the subtle contrast between a light pink shirt and white shorts, especially for casual summer day outings. However, for evening events, I’d opt for a darker shirt color. Dark or bright pink shirts can create a striking look with white shorts if you prefer a more pronounced contrast.

You might consider navy loafers and a navy belt, but I find that brown loafers and a matching belt offer a smart yet casual look. Burgundy loafers and a belt in the same color could also work. As for the watch, navy, burgundy, or brown would all be suitable choices. And don’t overlook the sunglasses for an extra touch of style.

White Shorts With An Orange Polo Shirt

One of my top picks for summer attire is an orange polo shirt, particularly when you have a sun-kissed glow. The warmth of the orange hue can accentuate the golden tones of a tan, lending an extra radiance to your skin.

I lean towards vibrant orange polo shirts when paired with white shorts, especially in the summer, as they bring out the lively essence of the season. While I’m not particularly fond of light orange polo shirts with white shorts, they can appeal to some guys. Alternatively, a dark orange polo shirt can provide an excellent contrast with white shorts, making it a solid option as well.

Brown loafers paired with a matching belt stand out as the top footwear choice. While navy and white sneakers can also complement the outfit, brown loafers add a distinctive appeal. A navy watch serves as an ideal accessory to contrast with your orange polo shirt, and remember to bring along your sunglasses for that final touch.

White Shorts With A Yellow Polo Shirt

I have a yellow polo shirt that I enjoy pairing with my white shorts, especially during day trips to new places. Some yellows can be quite vibrant, so you’ll certainly catch attention in the crowd. A yellow T-shirt is also an option, though I personally find a yellow shirt to be a bit too much for my taste.

Yellow in any shade pairs excellently with white shorts, offering a range from subtle to striking contrasts depending on your preference. A light yellow polo shirt with white shorts creates a subtle contrast, while a darker yellow polo shirt offers a more pronounced contrast. Opting for a vibrant yellow polo shirt will make a bold and eye-catching statement with your white shorts.

For a polished appearance, go for navy loafers and a coordinating belt, or embrace a laid-back vibe with white sneakers (note that the belt won’t match the shoes in this scenario; consider a navy or brown belt). A navy watch will complement your yellow polo shirt perfectly.

White Shorts With A Red Polo Shirt

This is another combination I like a lot. Wearing a red polo shirt with white shorts creates a vibrant summery look that’s particularly striking during warmer seasons. Opting for a vibrant red shade adds an extra pop to the ensemble. While I tend to avoid red shirts personally, polo shirts and T-shirts in red work well with white shorts.

You’ve gathered that I’m drawn to vibrant colors in the summer, hence my choice of a vivid red polo shirt with white shorts for daytime gatherings. For evening outings, I opt for a darker red or burgundy polo shirt to elevate the look with a touch of sophistication while maintaining a slightly less casual vibe.

Choose white sneakers and a light grey belt to complement a vibrant red polo shirt, or burgundy loafers with a matching belt if you prefer a dark red polo shirt. A burgundy, brown, or navy watch would all pair well with a red polo shirt.

White Shorts With A Green T-Shirt

The type of green top you choose (be it a shirt, polo shirt, or T-shirt) works well with white shorts. Given the array of green hues available, you can select one that reflects your desired style. A green shirt, particularly, complements individuals with pale or fair skin tones.

I find that darker greens lend themselves to a smart-casual aesthetic, whereas lighter greens offer a more laid-back and casual feel. Personally, I favor khaki greens, army greens, or olive green shirts, especially when paired with white shorts. These hues create a refined yet understated look, making them perfect for achieving a polished appearance.

If you’re considering your options, think about navy, brown, or burgundy loafers with matching belts. However, if you happen to own a pair of green loafers or sneakers, this could be the perfect occasion to wear them. A brown belt will tie the look together seamlessly. Complete your outfit with a navy leather watch and don’t forget your stylish sunglasses.

How To Match A Shirt With White Shorts?

When choosing a shirt to match your white shorts, factors such as color coordination, contrast, pattern usage, skin tone compatibility, and dressing according to the occasion are all crucial considerations.

Colors

When selecting the perfect shirt color to complement your white shorts, consider the analogous colors of white, which share similar undertones and create a harmonious effect. Grey and black shirts work well in this context even if I didn’t choose them as my top 6 shades.

White, as a neutral hue, lacks traditional complementary colors, but you can achieve a monochromatic look by pairing different shades of white with your shorts and shirt.

Contrast And Patterns

Creating contrast with white shorts is simple; they go well with shirts of any color, whether light or dark. Dark shades will enhance the contrast more than lighter ones.

When choosing a patterned shirt with your white shorts, ensure the shorts are plain to maintain balance. Conversely, if your white shorts are patterned, opt for a plain shirt. Also, if your patterned white shorts feature a shade like blue, a plain blue shirt will highlight the color connection in your outfit.

Skin Tone

When selecting a shirt to pair with your white shorts, it’s crucial to consider not only the best color combinations for your overall look but also how the chosen colors harmonize with your skin tone, as the right colors can accentuate your natural features and complement your undertone, ultimately enhancing your appearance.

No need to worry if your skin tone doesn’t precisely match the ones in the image. You can simply choose the skin tone that you feel is most compatible with yours and select the colors that you believe look best (ensure that those colors look good with your white shorts).

Dress For The Occasion

Shorts are typically worn for smart casual or casual occasions. Tailored shorts and chinos suit smart casual gatherings, while linen shorts are ideal for relaxed events. Most materials work well for these settings, but avoid denim or linen at smart casual gatherings.

Similarly, short-sleeve shirts are often associated with smart casual attire, while T-shirts are the most casual option. Polo shirts fall between shirts and T-shirts, making them suitable for smart casual or casual occasions.