Can I wear this combo?

[Aibusadandhormonal]

And with what top?

Got a weekend away with DH. Want a nice relaxed smartish outfit for dinner in hotel.
Want to wear these shorts with black tights and these boots. Does this work? And what top?
Brain has given up on being stylish. I may be really off with this!

These boots are as sexy as a pair of granny bloomers. But yea, OP is either taking the piss or... I hope she's taking the piss!

That said, from the OP's shorts&boots and Keira's outfit, I'd choose OPs. Keira's is absolutely awful, looks like she's channeling Pirates of Caribbean in the worst possible way.

Please can you try on the combo and post a picture here, otherwise it's impossible to tell

Not spot on at all. Looks forced and too try hardy.

Just goes to show, if a waify beautiful KK can't pull it off, it's not a great look.

Well, I'll go against the grain and say I think it could work. Try it on and take a photo. Although, a smarter pair of shorts might be better. Don't go long, however. KK looks ridiculous in that photo.

OP hasn't been back. Make of that what you will.

@Aibusadandhormonal half a billion tourists strolled through Oxford in your proposed outfit over the summer. But those particular shorts would look comically unseasonal in any midwinter restaurant. Just find some in a heavier, dressier fabric.

Honestly Id forgotten I'd asked!

And you're all right. Don't know what I was thinking 🤣

😂

This, however, would be an epic dinner outfit:

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/satin-shirt-with-tie-back-detail-p04661185.html

😂 esp with my arse hanging out the back!

Seeing as we're going with putting totally random things together, I'd suggest a bustier, one knee sock and an eye patch to complete the look.

Are you Lara Croft? If the answer is yes, then yes, you can.

I love a shorts and boots combo and disagree they need to be knee length or baggy

but they do need to be a more interesting fabric suede, leather, sequin or tweed. I’d style them with with a blazer/jacket and probably do patterned rather than plain tights

these are all quite wintery and for dinner you’d want to swap out the knits for finer tops but you absolutely need the jacket layer

These are exactly the type of shorts that would work with those boots.

I wear boots with shorts (or short skirts) and bare legs often; I grew up in California and it’s a common combo that actually does make sense at certain parts of the year. BUT I think that your casual, outdoorsy shorts are a mismatch with your sleek, stylish boots.

I’d wear those shorts out to a very casual dinner with more rugged, rustic lace-up ankle (or just above the ankle) boots, maybe even hiking boots or similar, maybe with crew-length socks peeking out of the top. Or taller but more casual/outdoorsy/rustic boots. But I’d wear YOUR boots with something a little heavier - shorts or short skirt - and longer, maybe mid-thigh or fingertip-length or just a few inches above. OR something short and light but maybe a bit more formal. I think it’s the casual, outdoorsy vibe of these shorts - more than the weight, length, or colour alone - that makes them seem “off” with the boots. With slightly heavier, darker, longer “bottoms”, bare (or bare-looking) legs can be OK - but depending on the weather contrasting, neutral, or black tights can work well too.

Someone came to my grandfather's funeral in 1998 wearing an outfit very similar to picture 4, except the shorts were shorter. Everyone thought it was most odd attire for a funeral of an octogenarian Presbyterian office bearer.

Yikes, @Aibusadandhormonal , you might well find the hotel's dress code does not permit what you want to wear.

Ah, I love a shorts/boots combo! 😳
OP, I’ve just bought these brown boucle sequin ones from next. Planning to wear them to some meals out etc over the festive period. They might fit your bill.

I think you are missing the mark a little bit, that outfit says safari. I like the ones posted by @DancingNotDrowning