** This post is sponsored by Gap Factory and Collective Voice. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
I’m always getting requests for summer shorts alternatives, and Gap Factory has some really nice options right now. Plus, they’re all 50% Off + Extra 10% Off during their Friends & Family Event. (Use code GFFRIEND at checkout. Exclusions apply.)
Pocket T-Shirt Dress (S) // Icon Denim Jacket (S)
Casual Dresses
A t-shirt dress is always my go-to when I need a casual alternative to shorts, and this stripe version hits all the right notes. It has some nice details, with the folded cuffs on the short sleeves, a patch pocket at the chest, and a seam detail up the back.
The fabric is a cool and comfortable slub jersey knit, and it has a straight silhouette with an easy fit that’s designed to hit just above the knee. I paired it with white leather sneakers to keep the look casual and sporty.
This dress also comes in a black stripe as well as some solid colors; and most are available in regular, petite, and tall sizes. I’m wearing the regular size small, for reference.
If it gets chilly, the Gap Factory Icon Denim Jacket is the perfect topper for a casual t-shirt dress. It has a straight and easy fit, and it’s made of 100% cotton, so there isn’t a lot of give to it, but it does soften up with wear. I have the medium wash in a size small.
When you want to level it up a bit, this Sleeveless Splitneck Mini Dress is a great option. I actually have this from last summer, and I was thrilled to see they brought it back. I wore it a couple of times in Italy for dinner out.
Sleeveless Splitneck Mini Dress (S)
I love the feminine tiers and split neck with ruffle detail. This dress also comes in a few prints, and it’s available in regular, petite, and tall sizes. I’m wearing the regular size small.
White Denim
White jeans are another good alternative to shorts on milder summer days. Here in Philadelphia, we get quite a few of those.
These Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans are made of a soft white low-stretch denim (99% Cotton, 1% Elastane). They have a mid rise and an easy fit through the hip and thigh, with a slightly tapered leg, but they still read as a straight leg style. They’re true to size; I’m in the 29.
Relaxed Gauze Popover Top (S) // Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans (29)
I topped them off with this pretty gauze popover top in Light Peony Pink. The boxy fit and split neck with relaxed collar is right on trend, and it’s cool and comfortable to wear when the weather is anything but. It also comes in white and black and a pretty sage green.
Linen Pants
Finally, linen pants are lightweight and breathable and exude a breezy summer vibe. This pair has on-trend cargo pockets and a drawstring waist. These pants have a mid rise and a 29″ inseam, and they come in four colors. Some are also available in petite and tall sizes.
Linen Blend Wide Leg Cargo Pull-On Pants (S) // Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt (M)
I chose the Laurel Wreath Green, and I paired them with this black ribbed crewneck t-shirt. This is such a good basic; I also have it in the white and the navy white stripe. I sized up to a medium for a little extra wiggle room, since it has a body-con fit.
I like to pair wide leg pants with a more fitted top, so I don’t lose my waistline in all of the fabric. I did a front tuck and pulled the sides out a bit to avoid creating a horizontal line across my midsection.
Light neutral sandals and a light colored neutral bag keep the look light and summery, despite the darker colors in the pants and top.
Shop these and more of my Gap Factory favorites below, and don’t forget to use code GFFRIEND at checkout for an additional 10% off!