It's official, everyone is wearing sports shorts right now. Even if they're not heading to the gym. Actually, make that *especially* if they're not heading to the gym, by pairing the athletic staple with broderie anglaise blouses, oversized tailored blazers and footwear far from appropriate for tackling a treadmill.
So even if you've never stepped foot inside a Fitness First, there's no reason to rule this trend out as not for you. Or for me! I've always identified more as Posh Spice, with my football-playing, tomboy sister taking up the mantle of Mel C's Sporty persona, but this didn't stop me from envying the striped Adidas shorts she wore with a laid-back ease while we were growing up. A sentiment I instantly experienced again when I spotted photos of Zoë Kravitz out in New York last week wearing a slogan t-shirt with tiny black sports shorts.
Yep, I am just as captivated by the athleisure look in 2025 as I was back then. However, while any successful attempt at borrowing (read: smuggling out of her room without her knowledge) my sister's sports shorts never ended in me wearing them for fear I couldn't pull them off, this summer there's no shortage of style inspiration to curate the perfect sports shorts outfit.
I'm convinced the key to nailing the look lies in what shoes you style your gym shorts with. Whether you opt for black leather heeled mules à la Zoë, channel Hailey Bieber in her signature socks and loafers combo, or choose one of the endless number of sandal trends around this szn. Below, I've rounded up all the different outfit formulas worth replicating so anyone and everyone can pull off the sports shorts trend with ease! No need to thank me.
Sports shorts + flip flops
Flip flops are easily the shoe of the summer. Whether you elevate the look with a heeled style or stick to a more comfortable pair, we're adding this ‘fit straight into our summer holiday wardrobe.
Sports shorts + socks and loafers
A loafer instantly smartens up athletic shorts. And, when it comes to the generational sock debate, we're definitely all for the visible ankle sock look. Sorry, not sorry.
Everyone's clicking on...
Sports shorts + loafers
Sports shorts + kitten heels
Balance the masculinity of basketball shorts with uber-feminine kitten heels, like these OTT bow-adorned slingbacks. So cool!
Sports shorts + boots
Yep, we love introducing a little contradiction into an outfit. Take this frilly blouse and block-heel boot look paired with classic sports shorts. Again, don't overlook the accessories, from the scrunchie to the boho beaded necklace. Recreating ASAP!
Sports shorts + trainers
Of course, sports shorts still work with their obvious counterpart. We like how this Fashion Week attendee colour-blocked her shorts and trainers to keep it feeling fresh and interesting.
Sports shorts + ballet flats
Lean into balletcore – because yes, dance *is* a sport – with a pair of ballet pumps. Leg warmers, optional.
Sports shorts + sandals
Thought you couldn't wear sports shorts out to dinner and drinks? Guess again. Sticking to black gym shorts with a coordinating blazer and very evening-coded heeled sandals makes a chic AF outfit.
Sports shorts + slip-ons
For a more subtle sporty take, try some skater-esque slip-ons with an oversized denim jacket and a leather shoulder bag. Still cute, but a little bit edgy, too.
Sports shorts + wedges
Even if you do dress head-to-toe in athleisure-wear, an unexpected shoe like gold wedge sandals sets this look apart.
Sports shorts + cowboy boots
We're still loving cowboy boots and Western-core lovers will be pleased to hear they totally work with your sports shorts.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
