How To Style Denim Shorts

Truth be told, I’m more of a dress/skirt girl myself but so many of you said you need help when it comes to styling denim shorts. So, here I am ready to share five stylish ways to wear your favorite shorts this summer! I tried to put a trendy spin on the basics and hope you love what I came up with.

Going Graphic 

When I think of wearing jean shorts I instantly think of a graphic tee to go with. My number one tip is to choose one that’s fitted and has a slight crop to it. I prefer this style because it looks a bit more polished than your oversized Comfort Colors tee. However, if that’s more your style, stick with it and give it a little front tuck!

I settled on this cowgirl tee and it’s got the perfect fit to it. I’m pairing it with high waisted black denim shorts. When it comes to shopping for denim, I almost always buy from Express. They fit me the best and are such great quality for the price. I also like to grab a pair of white, black, and regular blue denim when stocking up for the season, this way I have a wash that will pair with everything. These are an awesome length and have a paper bag style waist that looks great with tees.

Belts are an inexpensive way to spice up your outfit— not only do they make your outfit look more polished but a big buckle belt like this one will make such a statement. I’m throwing on a few simple gold accessories and my black cowboy hat to give this outfit some spunk.

I’m sure the average person would choose white sneakers to complete this look but I decided to reach for studded slip-on mules instead. These are super comfortable and match the aesthetic of this look a bit better. Wear what you feel comfortable and confident in; I cannot stress that enough!

Outfit Details— tee: SheIn, shorts: Express, belt: SheIn, shoes: ARider Girl, hat: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, watch: Fossil, bracelet: Mantra Band

Pop Of Color 

While I definitely prefer sticking to the basics when it comes to buying shorts, I thought adding a pop of color to my wardrobe would be fun! I’m not usually a purple girl but this light lilac is so trendy right now that I thought I’d put it to the test.

When reaching for colored denim, it’s important to keep the rest of your outfit rather simple. I’m toning things down a bit with a simple black tank top and matching lace-up sandals. These shoes really elongate the legs and yet they are falt making them really comfortable for walking around.

Similar to the last look, I’m adding a belt to slim the waist and polish the look. For some coordination, I am reaching for floral statement earrings in the same color as my shorts. This is a subtle way to bring that purple back out!

Outfit Details— tank top: Zaful, shorts: SheIn, shoes: SheIn, earrings: Walmart, belt: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelet: Mantra Band

Kick Back Casual

This is hands down the easiest way to style denim shorts; keep things casual and pair yours with just a simple cropped tee and platform sneakers. A basic outfit like this one can work for just about anything! These shorts are one of the few pairs I have from SheIn. They are a softer, much cheaper feeling denim. However, for a style that I don’t reach for quite as often, the price is right.

Outfit Details— tee: Boohoo, shorts: SheIn, sneakers: Steve Madden, earrings: Icing, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelet: Mantra Band

White Denim 

White denim is definitely my most reached for in the summertime. I’ve had these shorts for quite some time now and I wear them all the time. Not only does white pair with just about everything but it makes your tan pop big time!

If I’m wearing a brighter color or something a bit more cropped like this blue tank, I’ll pair it with these white shorts. They are the perfect amount of highrise and I love the contrast between the two colors. I have this tank top in seven different colors and it is the best! It’s extremely comfortable and so versatile—I find endless ways to style them.

For today’s look, I reached for a pair of matching platform espadrilles. I love this bright happy hue! To give the look a relaxed, post-beach day vibe I threw on starfish earrings, my favorite straw bag, and a few gold bangles! You cannot go wrong with a combo like this for everyday wear.

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, shorts: Express, shoes: Target, earrings: SheIn, purse: Sonja by Sonja Morgan, necklace: The Silver Heron, bracelets: SheIn

Bring Out The Bodysuit 

Want to dress up your denim shorts? I recommend tucking a bodysuit into them then! This one-shoulder bodysuit is a favorite of mine for going out. Bodysuits seamlessly tuck-into your bottoms and give off a classy vibe.

I just recently grabbed these shorts and love the fit of them. They are a “mom short” which means they are high-waisted with a wider, longer fit than some of my other styles. These give me such Rachel Green vibes! I’m throwing on some block heels to give me some lift. These dress the look up instantly!

By adding a gold chain belt, big hoops, and a simple black crossbody my look is instantly pulled together. I felt like such a boss babe in this outfit! It would be perfect for a girl’s night out or the classic “grabbing drinks” date that so many of you need outfit inspo for! Don’t be afraid to class up your vintage-inspired denim.

Outfit Details— bodysuit: SheIn, shorts: Express, shoes: SheIn, belt: SheIn, purse: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, bracelets: SheIn

Denim shorts are such a classic and I hope this post gave you some ideas on how to wear your favorite pairs this summer! What else do you need help styling? Let me know below and I will come up with some looks to help you out. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Related Post: 5 Ways To Style Denim Shorts
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