Style your favorite summer shorts for Fall
Hidden in the Kids' Section: A Fall Look Built Around Thrifted Striped Shorts
I was in the kids’ section at Goodwill looking for back-to-school clothes for my son—he just hit one of those overnight growth spurts where nothing fits. I wasn’t shopping for myself.
But while flipping through the racks, I spotted a pair of striped shorts—clearly not a kid’s size. They were a size 2, adult cut, and very much hidden like someone was hoping to come back for them. Naturally, I tried them on—and they fit perfectly.
So here we are: styling a pair of summer-weight shorts for fall, because when something fits, you make it work.
Styling Summer Shorts for Fall
These 2013 striped shorts from The Limited are mid-rise, tailored, and neutral-toned—perfect for fall layering. They aren’t too short, and thankfully, they aren’t high-waisted either.
Here’s how I styled them:
- Top: Vintage Cable Girl purple ¾ sleeve shirt with sewn-on floral details.
- Outerwear: Black Banana Republic peacoat, with a small brown leather bag looped through the belt.
- Accessories: Charcoal gray paperboy hat + chunky brown beaded necklace.
- Shoes: Hunter rain boots—practical and polished.
- Scent: Prada Paradoxe Intense to finish the look.
The Best Part?
This whole outfit came from mixing forgotten pieces in my closet with one hidden gem from the thrift store. That’s the fun in getting dressed—it doesn’t have to be expensive or new, just expressive.
To whoever hid those shorts at Goodwill: sorry, they’re mine now.
