Alright, let’s talk about lulu shorts. We all have them, or want them, or see them everywhere. Super comfy, yeah, but figuring out what to actually wear with them so you don’t look like you just rolled out of bed (unless that’s the vibe) took me a bit of trial and error. I’m gonna walk you through what I figured out, just from messing around in my own closet.
My First Attempts – A Bit of a Mess
So, I got my first pair. They were the Align shorts, super soft. My initial thought? Easy. Just throw on any old t-shirt. And I did. Grabbed a random, kinda baggy band tee. Looked in the mirror. Hmm. Not quite. It just looked… frumpy. The proportions felt off. The tee was too shapeless, the shorts are kinda sleek, it just didn’t click for me when I was trying to look a little put-together for errands.
Then I thought, okay, they’re athletic-ish, right? So I tried a super tight, technical workout top. Great for an actual workout, sure. But for just walking around, grabbing a coffee? I felt a bit like I was trying too hard, you know? Like, “LOOK AT ME, I WORK OUT.” Not always the look I’m going for when I’m just out and about.
Figuring Out the Tops – This Took Some Doing
This is where I really started experimenting. I realized the key was balance and occasion.
- For just everyday casual, running errands:
- I found that a slightly more fitted tee, not skin-tight, but one that had some shape, worked way better than my old baggy ones. A good quality cotton tee, maybe a crew neck or a v-neck.
- Then I discovered the magic of a front tuck or a side knot if I did want to wear a slightly looser tee. It just defines the waist a bit and stops the shorts from getting lost. This was a game changer.
- Tank tops are also a winner. Simple ribbed tanks, or even a slightly flowier one if the shorts are more fitted, like the biker short style. I personally like a tank that isn’t too long.
- For a slightly more “put-together” casual look:
- Believe it or not, a lightweight, oversized button-down shirt, worn open over a simple tank top or a fitted tee. Think linen or a soft cotton. Roll up the sleeves. It just elevates it a tiny bit.
- A clean, well-fitting sweatshirt or a simple crewneck sweater, especially if it’s a bit cooler. Not a bulky hoodie, more like a classic sweatshirt.
- For actual workouts or super sporty days:
- This is where the technical tops shine. A breathable workout tank or tee designed for exercise.
- And yeah, sometimes just a sports bra if I’m actually heading to a class or it’s super hot and I’m feeling it. But this is very context-dependent for me.
What About Outerwear?
This one’s pretty straightforward for me. If I need an extra layer:
- A classic denim jacket. Always works. Throws a different texture into the mix.
- A lightweight zip-up hoodie. Not the super thick, sloppy kind, but something a bit more streamlined.
- I’ve even done a light bomber jacket on cooler days, and it looked pretty decent.
Shoes Make a Big Difference
Don’t underestimate the shoes! This part was actually easier for me to figure out.
- Sneakers are king. Clean white sneakers are my go-to. Athletic trainers, lifestyle sneakers like Converse or Vans, whatever feels comfortable.
- Slides. For super casual days, beach trips, or just running a quick errand. Easy on, easy off.
- I’ve seen people do sandals, but for me, with most lulu short styles, sneakers just feel more natural.
My Key Takeaways From All This Fiddling
So, after all that trying things on, taking them off, and staring in the mirror, here’s what I’ve landed on for myself:
Balance is everything. If the shorts are a bit more voluminous (like some of their running styles), a more fitted top works well. If the shorts are sleek like biker shorts, you can get away with a slightly looser top, as long as you give it some shape (like that front tuck I mentioned).
Consider the fabric. Lulu shorts are usually a specific kind of athletic material. Pairing them with natural fibers like cotton or linen for your top can create a nice contrast if you’re not going for a full head-to-toe athletic look.
Keep it simple. Lulu stuff is pretty minimalist in design usually. Overly fussy tops or too many accessories can look a bit off, in my opinion. Clean lines generally work best.
And honestly, comfort. The whole point of lulu shorts for me is comfort. So whatever I pair them with also has to be comfortable. No point in wearing comfy shorts with a top that’s stiff or annoying.
So yeah, that’s my journey with lulu shorts. It’s not rocket science, but it took a bit of figuring out to find combinations that I actually felt good in, beyond just lounging at home. Hopefully, my little experiments save you some time!