How to Style Denim Shorts

A good pair of denim shorts will always be a summer staple, but it can be not easy to dress them up. Luckily, with the right outfit, they can look elegant and chic.

First, find a perfect pair of denim shorts for women that hold their shape and don’t fray after one wash. Then, top them with a cute third piece to pull the whole look together.

Oversized Graphic Tees

If you’re a fan of oversized graphic tees, you’re lucky because they’re one of the easiest styles to dress up or down. You can pair them with your favorite skinny jeans and sneakers for a casual Friday outfit, or you can wear them with joggers and high-top sneakers for an athleisure look. If you want to dress them up for work, add a vest or blazer over the top.

You can also turn your oversized tee into a cropped shirt without cutting it. All you need to do is gather the edge of the shirt and tie it up with a hair tie, and you’ll have a cute cropped tee that looks perfect with denim shorts or skinny jeans.

For those who love to lounge around the house in comfy style, you can wear your oversized tees with a cozy sweatshirt and high-top sneakers for a ’90s vibe. Or, you can go for a more modern outfit by pairing them with a plaid blazer and skinny jeans.

Button-Down Shirts

Although jean shorts only pair well with tank tops and T-shirts, they can also be worn with many other pieces. Button-down shirts can create an elegant outfit for a date night. For a romantic dinner at an outdoor restaurant, try front-tucking your shirt and adding a lightweight linen jacket for the perfect summer date outfit.

You can also make your jean shorts look chic and sophisticated by rolling the sleeves up to just above the elbow or “perfecting” your cuff. To do this, fold your sleeve so it hits right where you want the cuff to be, then roll it up again until it overlaps the cuff and sticks out at the bottom.

Sweaters

Winter sweaters are the seasonal staple that gives your outfits a style upgrade. You can take this look further by adding a layering piece like a kimono. You can also front-tuck a light sweater into your summer denim shorts to make it more dressier and perfect for dinner on a chilly evening.

You can also wear a sweater with jean skirts for a chic look that works well for casual occasions and running errands around town. Try a floral or black miniskirt with a neutral sweater for a fun combo.

If your sweater is oversized, a pair of knee-high or over-the-knee leather boots will help balance it out and create an effortless silhouette that’s great for a day out with friends. A couple of heels will also work if you’re trying to keep it more formal.

Popover Shirts

Adding a third piece to your denim shorts outfit can help your look feel pulled together and polished. This can be anything from a lightweight linen blazer to a loosely tied bandana around your neck. Another option is to add a hat, which can dress up a casual look and give it a retro vibe.

The popover shirt is a great style that blurs the line between casual and dressy. This pullover with a half-placket front was first made famous by Ivy League students in the ’60s. The name comes from the fact that you must “pop it over” your head when wearing it – it’s part polo and part classic button-down.

Cardigans

Cardigans are the perfect light outerwear layer to wear with your favorite denim shorts during warm weather. You can choose from styles, like shawl collars and rib knit long sleeves, to match your outfit. A striped ombre cardigan would look chic paired with a fitted black tank, wide-leg jeans, and edgy black sandals. You can add minimal gold accessories to complete this OOTD.

You can also front-tuck your cardigan into your shorts for a dressier look that will work well on a casual dinner date or even a beachside brunch. This will create a more extended look and visually slim your legs. Pair your cardigan with a cami or crop top instead of a tank to make this more casual.

While denim on denim isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, if you do like the look, try pairing your light-wash denim jacket with dark-wash jeans or shorts. This will help balance the brighter look and prevent it from looking too matchy-matchy.

Blazers

The classic blazer has long been a formal wardrobe staple, but this summer, the tailored jacket is reimagined as casual clothing. By slipping on a blazer over your favorite pair of denim shorts, you instantly create an outfit that is smart and elegant.

A good pair of high-waisted shorts is a must for any closet, and there are plenty to choose from. From a pair that hugs your waist like mom jeans to a cropped style, you can find jeans shorts that will flatter every body type.

For a casual lunch date, tuck a breathable camisole top into your denim shorts and complete the look with sandals. If you’re heading out for a night out, front-tuck a summer sweater into your jean shorts and accessorize with a kimono. This look will keep you cool and cozy when the temperature drops.