What to Wear With Floral Shorts With My Color Recipe

So what is my color recipe? It’s a way to combine 5 different colors with any print items. I came up with it as part of my presentation about color to make it easier for others to have fun with their closet.

I know most of us tend to only pair colors that “match” to a print. That idea is a great way to start putting together outfits, yet there are other options too.

Here is the basics of my creative color recipe. And remember, just like in any cooking recipe, you can tailor it to fit your needs.

1-Pair it with a Neutral that is in the print

2-Combine it with a Neutral that is NOT in the print

3-Use a Color that is in the print

4-Style a Color that is NOT in the print

5-A creative way as seen in the blog post.

Neutral that is in the Print

The first step in the recipe for color combinations with your print piece is to wear a neutral that is in the print itself. I opted for a white button down blouse.

I was inspired to pair a blouse like this with shorts. It’s a great way to add a classic piece to the shorts.

Neutral that is NOT in the Print

The second color combination for the create color recipe would be to wear a neutral that isn’t in the print of the clothing. The most widely known neutrals are white, black, grey, brown and beige. You could also include denim as a neutral.

Gray is a neutral that goes with more than you think!! Try it.

Insider tip: Remember even neutrals have many different shades and come in warm and cool options.

Color that is in the Print

Now the recipe for what to wear with floral shorts calls for color. Choosing a color that is already in the print is something I’m sure you are all very comfortable doing.

I wore this short sleeved chambray shirt. Denim could be considered a neutral since it really goes with everything, but for this example, I’m calling the chambray shirt the color blue.

Details of the Outfit

This blouse was from my Trunk Club online styling box. While I have regaled the advantages of a chambray shirt in the past, I never thought about finding a short sleeve one for the summer. It’s definitely getting a lot of use.

Color that is NOT in the Print

The next two parts of the create color recipe could be the hardest. But I’ll walk you through my thought process. Now is the opportunity to wear a color that isn’t already in the print item. Why? Because it’s a modern look and allows you to wear more of your clothes.

How I decide which color to combine with my print is I look at one of the colors in the print. For this example, I thought about the blue that is in the floral. Then I asked myself what color looks nice with blue? And I chose pink.

Another example that would look nice is yellow. Remember there are MANY versions of every color, so experiment with what you have.

The last option I experimented with can be seen in the blog post!! It's the most fun and creative option in my opinion.

What to Wear with Floral Shorts and Why?

Why should you try different color combinations with the items you have in your closet? I consider it smart for a couple of reasons. One because as a brain coach once told me, this activity is good for your brain health. And two, you are making the clothes you already have more versatile.

I tried not only show my creative color recipe as what to wear with floral shorts, but also a variety of tops. Shorts tend to fall into the category of casual wear, yet they can be dressed up also.

Also notice that instead of tucking in all of my tops, or just leaving them hanging out, I used some knotting techniques. I discussed these techniques in a YouTube video. Using these tips gives you a more polished look than leaving your top untucked if your top has a straight hem.