How to style oversized shorts, according to 10 Australian creatives
Words by Ruby Staley
The bigger the better.
Last summer we saw the return of the jorts. Since then, shorts have only been getting longer, baggier, looser and all the more popular – and I’m here for it. As someone who has (mostly) come to terms with my fluctuating body, I tend to err towards comfy, less restrictive styles – especially when it comes to my bottom half. So investing in an oversized pair of shorts felt like the right move for me.
We’ve been seeing the oversized shorts trend worn in just about every way possible. It’s paired with oversized tees for a classic boyish skater look, with corsets, bows and ballet flats for something a little more coquette and with skimpy singlets and plenty of jewellery for the grungy grown-up Y2K vibe.
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To provide a little inspiration for my sunny weather outfits, I asked some of my favourite local creators who’ve embraced big shorts to show me how they make this trending piece their own.
Shamaya Reynolds, she/her, model and DJ
A friend of mine back in Perth/Boorloo gave me my first pair of Butter jorts, so I knew that wearing jorts made me feel comfortable, happy and confident (which is always a fashion green flag). I was looking for a longer pair in length so I could really tap into that Adam Sandler/blokecore aesthetic, but I struggled to find a pair that also fit me well around my waist at the same time. Plus, I knew I wanted to buy a pair secondhand.
I finally found these vintage jorts from So Famila in Newtown and loved them! I’ve styled them with my Aries balaclava top and my Diesel puffer vest – which I bought in Singapore last month – and gumboots which I also thrifted in Newtown. It’s a silly little fit but it feels so me and I can feel my inner child come out feeling happy, playful and fun when I wear it which is what fashion is all about for me!
Von Le, he/they, artist and model
For a night out I styled my longline sweat shorts with some bright undies, a flimsy crop top, leg warmers and my beloved Booker & Co tabis. It’s soft-sporty with some ballet sleaze flavour and all/mostly black which is very me. I love jorts for the way they let you play with proportions and highlight parts of your body. I had my low waist moment whilst still having the lengthening effect of the high waist panties.
Funnily enough, I originally bought these shorts because I needed some bottoms to wear to dance class that can accommodate leg warmers underneath. The vision was there from the start! They were immediately promoted from activewear to my ‘look cute’ rotation and are my go-to for castings.
Lara Severino, she/her, content creator and social strategist
Not to be dramatic but denim shorts in the past have left me feeling traumatised. I thought I swore them off entirely, but about two years ago I was introduced to jorts. I won’t lie my first impression when it came to jorts was that it was giving 12-year-old boy. But ever since I copped my first pair from Thrills, I’ve been converted.
The oversized look and feel of them make me feel so comfortable and confident whenever I style them. No camel toes, no dreaded tightness around the thighs or booty. I honestly reach for them at least once a week, because they are so effortless and easy to style different outfits around. My go-to is a baby tee with either sneakers or loafers and a fun bag to pop! Equally, I love pairing my jorts with an oversized cardi for ultimate comfort and chic vibes.
Indy, they/them, Spiraro owner and fashion designer
These shorts are part of the Barcelona collection I released last year through my label Spiraro. I collected typography from the art nouveau signage of Barcelona and collaged it into a screen print. The whole collection is upcycled from pre-existing denim which keeps the process exciting and every piece unique. These Spiraro shorts are on constant rotation in my wardrobe. Because of the length, they can be worn all year ’round; with a tank and bare feet in summer or layered over trousers and woolly socks in winter.
I love wearing a black tee with these shorts to make the print of the trousers the star of the show. Of course, I had to accessorise with a bag made from fishing wire (and a spiral keychain I made), my Bleach Jewellery necklace and a tartan sailor hat.
Mary, she/her, model and actor
In the realm of fashion inspiration, Pinterest, my style oracle, has introduced me to the allure of oversized shorts, affectionately known as ‘jorts’ and it’s where I find a wealth of fashion inspiration. Currently, my fashion identity gracefully marries the ’90s aesthetic with the enchanting universe of balletcore. My jorts, accessorised with ribbons adorning my hair, are now part of my ballet-inspired ensemble, featuring soft hues of pink, blue and white that evoke a sense of feminine elegance. And, naturally, ballet flats complete my look.
The resurgence of jorts, reminiscent of the late ’90s and early 2000s, brings back a wave of nostalgia. For someone who appreciates simplicity in fashion, balletcore offers a seamless transition into elegance and grace. Exploring this style has led me on a delightful journey of discovering pieces that make me feel like a ballerina on a casual day – and that’s an inspiration I’m eager to share.
Elizabeth Cao, she/her, content creator
I bought these shorts at the Glebe Market for just $15 and the way I styled this outfit remains faithful to my tried-and-true formula of little top, big bottoms. It has become my go-to outfit choice for a carefree but still ‘put-together’ look. I love the way that oversized shorts flare out and flatter my figure, it makes me feel so empowered to feel cute and comfortable at the same time. If you don’t own a pair of oversized shorts or jorts, I highly recommend going to your local thrift store to find a pair – run, don’t walk!
Inas Elashiry, she/her, content creator
Incorporating comfort into my looks is always super important to me and I love to experiment with different aesthetics. I styled this handmade lace cami from Tasha Kroussov Intimates with dark wash jorts from Dakota501, both Naarm-based brands. Together they are a blend of angelic innocence and ’90s grungy style which I’m obsessed with.
As a Libra, I’m naturally indecisive, so I’m never glued to one specific style which is why I find fun in styling jorts as it allows me to test my creative flair and merge aesthetics. But the biggest winning point of jorts is just how comfortable they are! And most importantly the pockets! Women’s clothing has always been made with the inconvenience of tiny pockets, which is why we have handbags. But I can fit my keys, small wallet and phone in my jorts. More specifically, I styled this outfit for a music festival. Keeping it simple and practical is key!
Wayan Preston, she/her, teacher and Yani Yani and Lizandbetty designer
Oversized shorts have become a staple in my wardrobe, offering a unique blend of comfort and style. I own a couple of pairs, one from Marc Jacobs and another from the brand Erl, each with its distinctive charm. What drew me to them initially was the comfort they provided, paired with the ability to effortlessly infuse an androgynous touch into any outfit.
My styling approach often involves balancing the shorts’ loose fit with a form-fitting, feminine top. A personal favourite is a Rui piece adorned with beautifully hand-beaded floral work, evoking an island girl vibe. As a Balinese person, I take pride in supporting local designers like Rui, a clothing brand hailing from the island of Bali. This combination creates a striking contrast that resonates with my personal style.
To complete the look, I often opt for chunky footwear like my Givenchy wedges, adding an element of edginess to the overall look. The beauty of oversized shorts lies in their versatility, offering endless possibilities for experimentation and self-expression.
Charlie Rosenberg, she/her, social media freelancer
I love building unisex outfits. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe would typically be considered ‘men’s’ pieces and these jorts are no exception. The feeling of taking clothing that doesn’t traditionally belong to your gender and styling it to look cool is both fun and powerful.
There is so much versatility when styling jorts – so many choices. You could counterbalance the slouchy looseness of the jorts with a structured blazer or you can lean even further into the masculine energy – say, a business shirt – but choose the contrast of a feminine colour, which is what I’ve opted for here, a breezy apricot. For footwear, you could easily go with some flats, sneakers or boots and of course, a hint of skin is a subliminal reminder of the female form beneath.
Amy Diagne, she/her, model
I love this pair of jorts as it highlights my fun approach to fashion and really complements the bodysuit beautifully to create a chic look. The style is perfect for everyday comfort and can be elevated for a night out.
For more on how to style oversized shorts, head here.
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