We’ve now hit that point in the summer where our shorts are getting far more wear than anything else in our closets. Yes, they’re the easy answer to rising temps, but they’re also the trend-forward pick, especially if they’re one of this summer’s coolest short styles. So it’s time to start discussing styling ideas with shorts and specifically, which shoe pairings to work well with them. You probably already know the shoe styles that work especially well with shorts, but there’s a handful of shoes with shorts that are, how shall we say, unconventional.

If you had asked me during any previous summer, I might have even advised you to avoid the four shoe styles on this list because they just don’t go. But (because there’s always a but) fashion girls are proving me wrong with these unconventional pairings because they’re making these shoes with shorts look fresh and modern.

Well, color me inspired. After seeing a few of these genius summer-shorts outfits, I’m officially motivated to try out the below shoe styles with them. Keep reading to see the looks and shop the pairings.

Denim cutoffs and a white tee are the casual combo we love to rely upon. Ballet flats make it feel instantly polished in an unexpected way.

Pretty flats make a trickier trend like denim culottes more wearable and easier to pull off.

Short-shorts and heels? Not for the faint of heart. Loose and long shorts, however, look so chic with sleek heeled mules.

Denim shorts get a chic upgrade with a button-down shirt and strappy heels.

Fashion girls are even venturing into previously banned territory, wearing tailored shorts with knee-high and chunky boots—and it works.

Pernille effortlessly married her denim cutoffs with winter’s biggest boot trend (chunky boots) thanks to a trench coat topper.

Shorts with oxford shoes, you say? Yep, the “ugly” combo works especially well with the addition of tall white socks.

Old-school oxfords give a sophisticated feel to otherwise casual summer shorts.

Next: I Just Bought a Pair of Bermuda Shorts and Have These 8 Outfits Saved to Try.