15 Trending Hairstyles for Top and Shorts Outfits – Best Summer Hair Ideas for Women in 2025

When summer hits and your wardrobe revolves around chic tops and shorts, your hairstyle should match that effortless yet trendy vibe. The best hairstyles for top and shorts outfits are those that balance coolness, practicality, and polish. Whether you’re going for a coffee run, a brunch date, or a night at the boardwalk, your hair can be your best accessory.

At Hairobatics.com, our salon pros have handpicked 15 trending hairstyles for women who love the laid-back, confident look of top and shorts combinations. Each style comes with in-depth technique, pro tips, outfit and makeup pairings.

What’s Best for You:
Choose a hairstyle that complements your hair texture, the neckline of your top, and your face shape. For summer, opt for styles that keep you cool, hold up to humidity, and enhance your features—think braids, ponytails, buns, or breezy waves. Don’t forget to play with color and accessories to make the look uniquely yours.

1. High Bubble Ponytail

The high bubble ponytail is playful and dynamic—perfect for those lively days spent in crop tops and high-waisted shorts. Multiple “bubbles” are created by placing hair ties down the length of a high ponytail, giving both texture and bounce. This look keeps hair off the neck, adds youthful energy, and stays secure even during the busiest outings.

How to Cut/Style:
Works best on medium to long hair, straight or wavy. Brush hair into a high ponytail and secure. Add clear elastics every 2–3 inches down the tail, gently pulling at each section to create rounded “bubbles.”

Time to Attain:
10–15 minutes for styling.

Tools Required:
Brush, elastics, shine spray, tail comb.

Maintenance Tips:
Adjust and fluff the bubbles throughout the day for maximum volume. Use a touch of serum for frizz control.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 16–35; great for oval, heart, and round faces. Ideal for brunch, shopping, or summer festivals.

Best Outfits:
Crop tops, graphic tees, high-rise shorts, platform sneakers.

Best Makeup:
Glowy foundation, bold brows, clear gloss, peach blush.

Popular Color Shades:
Caramel ombré, golden blonde, mocha brown.

Pro Tips:
Wrap a strand of hair around the first elastic for a polished finish.

2. Messy Half-Up Top Knot

The messy half-up top knot is the ultimate cool-girl style. By tying only the top half of the hair into a loose, high knot, you keep your face open and accentuate your cheekbones, while the rest of the hair flows free. It’s relaxed, fun, and ideal for casual summer adventures.

How to Cut/Style:
Best on medium to long, layered hair for added texture. Gather the crown section into a high bun, secure with pins or a scrunchie, and leave the rest down. Loosen pieces around the face for softness.

Time to Attain:
5–10 minutes to style.

Tools Required:
Elastic or scrunchie, bobby pins, texturizing spray.

Maintenance Tips:
Refluff and mist with texturizer for all-day volume. Refresh face-framing pieces as needed.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 18–40; best for oval, square, and long faces. Perfect for coffee dates, campus days, or road trips.

Best Outfits:
Ribbed tanks, paperbag shorts, sandals, oversized sunglasses.

Best Makeup:
Natural skin, peachy blush, feathered brows, and a pinky-nude lip.

Popular Color Shades:
Sandy blonde, dark brunette, soft balayage.

Pro Tips:
Pull out extra wisps near the ears for an even more effortless look.

3. Low Fishtail Braid

The low fishtail braid is both elegant and practical for summer. It keeps hair under control while adding intricate detail and elongating the neckline. The braid sits low over the shoulder, working especially well with sleeveless tops and off-the-shoulder shorts combos. This look is secure for busy days but can be dressed up for evenings out.

How to Cut/Style:
Best for medium to long hair. Split hair in two, take a small section from the outside of one and cross to the other, repeating down the length. Secure with a clear elastic and gently loosen the braid for fullness.

Time to Attain:
15–20 minutes to style.

Tools Required:
Tail comb, clear elastic, light hairspray.

Maintenance Tips:
Mist with light spray to hold the braid. Refresh any flyaways with serum.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 18–45; flattering for round, oval, and square faces. Perfect for day dates, sightseeing, or rooftop evenings.

Best Outfits:
Off-shoulder tops, belted shorts, strappy sandals.

Best Makeup:
Dewy foundation, bronzed cheeks, gold shimmer on the eyelids, and a peach gloss.

Popular Color Shades:
Sunlit blonde, cinnamon brown, chocolate lowlights.

Pro Tips:
Weave a ribbon or thin scarf through the braid for a boho touch.

4. Loose Beach Waves

Loose beach waves capture the essence of summer—effortlessly undone, bouncy, and perfect for pairing with airy tops and distressed shorts. The style is flattering for almost every face shape and creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. It’s the go-to look for pool parties, picnics, or any day you want to look sun-kissed and carefree.

How to Cut/Style:
Best for medium-length hair with subtle layers. Mist hair with sea salt spray, scrunch, and air dry or diffuse. For more definition, wrap random sections around a curling wand and finger-comb.

Time to Attain:
10–20 minutes for styling.

Tools Required:
Sea salt spray, curling wand (optional), diffuser.

Maintenance Tips:
Refresh waves with texturizing spray. Sleep in a loose braid to maintain texture overnight.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 18–40; suits all face shapes. Ideal for picnics, park days, or summer brunch.

Best Outfits:
Tie-front crop tops, frayed shorts, straw hats.

Best Makeup:
Bronzed skin, glossy lips, and soft brown shadow.

Popular Color Shades:
Golden highlights, ash brown, sunkissed balayage.

Pro Tips:
Twist sections before drying for extra bounce and definition.

5. Braided Crown Updo

The braided crown updo is elegant and secure, ideal for when you want to elevate your top-and-shorts ensemble. Braids wrap around the head, creating a halo effect that highlights the face and keeps hair off the neck. It’s a beautiful solution for summer weddings or any occasion where you want your style to stand out.

How to Cut/Style:
Medium to long hair is best. Braid two sections from each side and pin them across the crown, tucking ends underneath. Loosen braids slightly for softness and pull a few wisps free.

Time to Attain:
20–30 minutes for braiding and pinning.

Tools Required:
Tail comb, bobby pins, texturizing spray.

Maintenance Tips:
Mist with light hairspray. Keep bobby pins on hand for touch-ups.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 20–50; flattering for oval and heart faces. Perfect for garden parties, brunch, or casual weddings.

Best Outfits:
Off-shoulder or ruffled tops, high-waisted shorts, espadrilles.

Best Makeup:
Glowy foundation, petal pink blush, fluttery lashes, and a soft pink lip.

Popular Color Shades:
Strawberry blonde, dark chestnut, warm brunette.

Pro Tips:
Add floral pins or ribbons for a whimsical touch.

6. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids offer a sporty, playful edge—ideal for active days in crop tops and athletic shorts. This classic style keeps hair neat and secure, withstands sweat and humidity, and lasts from morning errands to afternoon hikes. Dutch braids sit on top of the hair, creating bold definition, and look even better with a pop of color or ribbons woven through. They flatter a variety of face shapes and work for both casual and fitness-forward occasions.

How to Cut/Style:
Best on medium to long hair. Part hair down the center and braid each side tightly using the Dutch braid technique (crossing strands under, not over). Secure at the ends with elastics.

Time to Attain:
20–30 minutes for precise braiding.

Tools Required:
Tail comb, elastics, edge control, styling gel (optional).

Maintenance Tips:
Smooth flyaways with gel or edge control. Rebraid as needed for freshness.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 15–40; flattering for round, oval, and heart faces. Perfect for workouts, festivals, or amusement park days.

Best Outfits:
Graphic tanks, biker shorts, sporty sneakers, crossbody bag.

Best Makeup:
Matte foundation, tinted moisturizer, waterproof mascara, and a tinted lip balm.

Popular Color Shades:
Rich brunette, pastel streaks, sunkissed blonde.

Pro Tips:
Gently pull apart each braid for a fuller, more voluminous look.

7. Sleek Low Ponytail

A sleek low ponytail is clean, modern, and supremely versatile. It creates a polished silhouette that’s ideal for both dressy and laid-back top-and-shorts combinations. Hair is smoothed back at the nape and finished glossy—perfect for beating humidity and keeping cool. This style highlights your neck and jawline, works on almost any hair texture, and transitions from day to night with ease.

How to Cut/Style:
Best for medium to long, straight or slightly wavy hair. Part in the center or side, smooth hair back with a brush and a little serum, and secure tightly at the nape. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal.

Time to Attain:
10 minutes for styling.

Tools Required:
Boar bristle brush, elastic, shine serum or gel.

Maintenance Tips:
Smooth flyaways with serum. Keep ends trimmed for a neat finish.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 18–50; flattering for all face shapes. Ideal for patio dinners, shopping, or casual meetings.

Best Outfits:
Linen button-ups, tailored shorts, minimalist sandals, gold hoops.

Best Makeup:
Dewy skin, neutral eyes, sculpted cheeks, and a nude glossy lip.

Popular Color Shades:
Espresso brown, jet black, champagne blonde.

Pro Tips:
For a sophisticated look, tuck hair behind the ears and add bold earrings.

8. Tousled Shoulder-Length Lob

The tousled shoulder-length lob is casual, airy, and full of movement—ideal for those who love undone, effortless style. Layers create volume and texture that pair beautifully with relaxed summer tops and denim shorts. This lob works well for all hair types and is especially great for those growing out shorter cuts. It stays fresh through humidity and can be quickly refreshed with a spritz of spray.

How to Cut/Style:
Cut to collarbone length with long, subtle layers. Scrunch mousse or salt spray into damp hair and air dry, or use a large barrel curling wand for added definition.

Time to Attain:
15–20 minutes for styling.

Tools Required:
Salt spray, mousse, curling wand (optional).

Maintenance Tips:
Refresh with spray for extra volume. Trim every 6–8 weeks for shape.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 18–45; best for oval, heart, and round faces. Perfect for picnics, markets, or weekend brunches.

Best Outfits:
Printed tanks, ripped denim shorts, layered necklaces.

Best Makeup:
Light foundation, blush, highlighter, and a tinted gloss.

Popular Color Shades:
Bronde balayage, sandy blonde, soft caramel.

Pro Tips:
Twist hair in sections as it dries for natural waves with no heat.

9. Side-Swept French Braid

The side-swept French braid is romantic and practical, draping over one shoulder for easy elegance with top and shorts combos. The braid starts at the temple and incorporates hair across the crown, allowing face-framing pieces to soften the look. It’s secure, keeps hair off your neck, and works for both daytime adventures and evening get-togethers.

How to Cut/Style:
Best for medium to long hair. Begin a loose French braid from the side, sweeping across the back of the head and finishing over one shoulder. Tug gently at the braid for volume.

Time to Attain:
15–20 minutes for braiding.

Tools Required:
Tail comb, elastic, bobby pins.

Maintenance Tips:
Loosen braid as needed for volume. Tame flyaways with serum.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 20–50; flattering for oval, long, and heart faces. Great for date nights, boardwalk walks, or summer parties.

Best Outfits:
One-shoulder tops, pleated shorts, wedge sandals.

Best Makeup:
Soft foundation, shimmer shadow, fluttery lashes, and rose lips.

Popular Color Shades:
Warm brunette, cinnamon balayage, honey highlights.

Pro Tips:
Curl the face-framing tendrils for a softer, more romantic finish.

10. Space Buns

Space buns are playful, quirky, and perfect for fun summer days. This look features two buns placed high on each side of the head, keeping hair off the neck and face while adding instant personality. Space buns work well for festivals, beach trips, or anytime you want to channel a youthful, creative vibe. They pair best with bold or colorful summer tops and look especially cute with face-framing tendrils or temporary hair glitter for extra sparkle.

How to Cut/Style:
Works on shoulder-length or longer hair. Part hair down the center, create two high ponytails, twist each into a bun, and secure with elastics and bobby pins. Pull out a few pieces around the face for softness.

Time to Attain:
10–15 minutes.

Tools Required:
Elastics, bobby pins, tail comb, optional hair glitter.

Maintenance Tips:
Retighten buns as needed. Mist with hairspray to control flyaways.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 16–35; great for heart, round, or oval faces. Perfect for music festivals, beach days, or playful outings.

Best Outfits:
Neon crop tops, sporty shorts, platform sandals.

Best Makeup:
Glitter highlighter, colored liner, glossy lips, bold brows.

Popular Color Shades:
Platinum, pastel streaks, dark brunette.

Pro Tips:
Add temporary color or glitter to each bun for festival season.

11. Polished Deep Side Part

A polished deep side part delivers old Hollywood glamour to your casual summer wardrobe. The dramatic part creates instant volume and elegance, drawing focus to your eyes and cheekbones. This style works well with smooth, straight hair or with loose curls for added drama. It’s an easy upgrade for any shorts-and-top ensemble, especially when you want a look that goes from day to evening with minimal fuss.

How to Cut/Style:
Works best on blunt or slightly layered hair. Use a tail comb to create a deep side part, then blow dry smooth or curl ends under for polish. Tuck one side behind your ear and finish with shine spray.

Time to Attain:
10–15 minutes.

Tools Required:
Tail comb, blow dryer, round brush, shine spray.

Maintenance Tips:
Touch up with shine spray and smooth down any frizz or flyaways as needed.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 25–55; suits oval, square, or heart faces. Perfect for date nights, rooftop dinners, or professional events.

Best Outfits:
Silky camisoles, tailored shorts, heeled sandals.

Best Makeup:
Matte skin, cat-eye liner, nude lipstick, highlighter.

Popular Color Shades:
Espresso, deep auburn, pearl blonde.

Pro Tips:
Tuck the shorter side behind the ear and wear a statement earring for evening events.

12. Braided Headband

The braided headband is a romantic, practical style that keeps hair off your face while adding a boho flair to summer looks. A braid is woven along the hairline and pinned behind the ear, blending seamlessly into loose hair or waves. It’s a lovely option for outdoor picnics, garden parties, or anytime you want something a little more whimsical with your shorts and tank top.

How to Cut/Style:
Best on shoulder-length or longer hair. Braid a small section along the hairline, then pin it behind the opposite ear. Leave the rest of the hair loose and tousled.

Time to Attain:
10–15 minutes.

Tools Required:
Tail comb, bobby pins, light hairspray.

Maintenance Tips:
Touch up pins as needed. Mist lightly with spray to keep the braid smooth.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 18–45; great for oval and long faces. Perfect for picnics, brunch, or summer parties.

Best Outfits:
Eyelet tanks, paperbag shorts, strappy sandals.

Best Makeup:
Glowy foundation, soft blush, natural lashes, and a peach gloss.

Popular Color Shades:
Honey blonde, chestnut, copper.

Pro Tips:
Weave in a thin ribbon for added boho flair.

13. Low Twisted Bun

The low twisted bun is polished and breezy, perfect for keeping cool while looking put-together in your favorite summer shorts and tops. This elegant updo sits at the nape, keeping hair off your neck and working especially well with collared or open-back tops. The twisted detail adds visual interest, and a few loose tendrils soften the look for daytime or evening events.

How to Cut/Style:
Best for medium to long hair. Gather hair at the nape, twist into a loose bun, and secure with bobby pins. Pull a few strands free around the face.

Time to Attain:
10–12 minutes.

Tools Required:
Bobby pins, light-hold hairspray, tail comb.

Maintenance Tips:
Check pins throughout the day for security. Mist lightly to control flyaways.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 25–60; best for oval, square, or heart faces. Great for casual dinners, summer dates, or patio lunches.

Best Outfits:
Linen shirts, high-waisted shorts, espadrilles.

Best Makeup:
Fresh foundation, rosy cheeks, defined lashes, and a classic coral lip.

Popular Color Shades:
Mahogany, chestnut, golden brown.

Pro Tips:
Add a hairpin or small barrette for subtle sparkle.

14. Side-Parted Sleek Bob

The side-parted sleek bob is the ultimate in modern summer chic. Smooth, glassy, and precisely cut to graze the jawline, this look draws attention to the neck and works with any style of shorts or trendy tops. The deep side part adds instant sophistication and is perfect for humid days or when you want a minimalist, elegant vibe.

How to Cut/Style:
Chin-length, one-length bob. Use a flat iron and shine serum for a mirror-smooth finish. Part deeply on one side for drama.

Time to Attain:
10–15 minutes.

Tools Required:
Flat iron, paddle brush, shine serum.

Maintenance Tips:
Use heat protectant and trim every 6 weeks to keep ends blunt.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 22–55; flattering for round, oval, and heart faces. Great for rooftop brunches, gallery visits, or evening cocktails.

Best Outfits:
Black sleeveless top, tailored shorts, strappy heels.

Best Makeup:
Dewy skin, bronzed contour, soft pink blush, and a nude gloss.

Popular Color Shades:
Jet black, platinum blonde, maple brown.

Pro Tips:
Tuck the shorter side behind your ear for extra polish.

15. High Volume Ponytail

The high volume ponytail is flirty and full of bounce—a classic for warm weather and sporty-chic outfits. Set high on the crown and teased for extra height, this style adds drama and swing to any casual summer look. It’s ideal for day-to-night transitions and can be accessorized with a scarf or scrunchie for extra fun.

How to Cut/Style:
Best on medium to long hair. Backcomb at the crown, gather into a high ponytail, and wrap a strand of hair or scarf around the base.

Time to Attain:
10 minutes.

Tools Required:
Elastic, fine-tooth comb, texturizing spray, optional scarf.

Maintenance Tips:
Touch up teased sections for height as needed. Use a light spray to set.

Suitable Age/Event/Face:
Ages 16–40; works for heart, oval, or square faces. Great for day outings, outdoor concerts, or fitness activities.

Best Outfits:
Sporty tanks, drawstring shorts, classic sneakers.

Best Makeup:
Sweat-proof foundation, highlighter, mascara, and a tinted balm.

Popular Color Shades:
Caramel, copper, ash brown.

Pro Tips:
Flip your head upside down to secure for extra lift.

Conclusion

Whether you’re rocking a crop top and shorts at a festival, on a brunch date, or relaxing by the water, your hairstyle should be as versatile and expressive as your outfit. These 15 trending, professional hairstyles from Hairobatics.com pair effortlessly with top and shorts combinations, offering style, comfort, and a polished finish for every summer occasion. Experiment, personalize, and always let your hair be your ultimate accessory.