You could try wearing blue denim shorts with a white tank too and bright coloured tights with a ling or big necklace x

Personally I prefer tights with skirts. I think the look is more natural. But it can work with shorts too. Avoid real baggy or loose shorts because they can make you look dumpy. Shorts that are cuffed and not ultra-short will look a little dressier. And pick your color combinations carefully, because some combos (like gray shorts and black tights don't look great. And your top matters too: I think a loose flowy blouse type top looks nice and dressy with shorts and tights. But for a more casual look a tee or a sweater is really cute. Sweaters and shorts look great together. These don't use tights, but they are really darling I think

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?id=65135065

As far as shoes go, I think ankle boots look fabulous with tights, maybe in a contrasting color that picks up the color of the shorts.

I think you could pull off a few gorgeous looks...like the ones below...