Styling Denim Shorts – 20+ Stunning Looks To Inspire

Inside: Want to learn how to style your denim shorts with something other than a tshirt? This post is for you!

Denim shorts are one of my favorite summer outfit pieces because it gives me a chance to feel comfortable and stylish at the same time.

Jean shorts are one of those pieces that you either love or hate. They’re comfortable enough to wear daily, but sometimes they can be tricky to style. If you’re on the hunt for some new denim shorts outfit ideas, you’ve come to the right place.

I just love that there are so many ways to style denim shorts! Today, I’m sharing 15+ of my favorite looks to inspire your own denim short styling.

How To Wear Denim Shorts – My Favorite Ways

One of the great things about denim shorts is that they can be dressed up or down depending on how you style them.

Comfy and Casual Ideas

woman holding glass bottle coke in denim shorts and Levi tshirt
Sunglasses | Shirt | Denim Shorts | Adidas

Pair your denim shorts with a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual look.

woman in gray shirt and white shorts with round bag by pool chairs
Top (similar) | White denim shorts (similar) | Shoes (similar)

You can add some color to your outfit by adding a fun statement handbag.

In the picture above, I matched my denim shorts with a colorful striped bag and a dark gray ruffle shirt.

Also, can you believe this whole outfit was from WALMART?? They’ve come such a long way in terms of the style of clothes they sell!

woman in mirror wearing pink tshirt and white cutoff denim shorts with boots
White shorts (similar) | Boots (similar)

There’s just something about a comfy flowy shirt. This would be a great outfit to wear if you’re sporting a little baby bump like I am currently.

The flexibility in the top allows for it to grow with you as that baby belly grows!

woman with white tied tshirt wearing boots with shorts
Shorts | Booties

When summer fades into fall or when spring is warming up to summer, throwing on a cardigan over a tshirt tied in a knot is the perfect way to look cute and casual at the same time!

woman in halter top shirt with oversized denim shorts wearing wedge heels
Top (similar) | Shorts (similar) | Sandals (similar)

I like to think of this look as “summer chic”. It’s still casual with the tube top and denim shorts, but it provides a little flair throwing on some cute wedges and some simple jewelry.

woman in chambray tie back top with white denim shorts
Top (similar) | White denim shorts (similar) | Shoes (similar)

I so wish this top was still available, but it’s not. I tried to find something as similar as I could for you though!

Pairing a chambray top with white denim is a great way to dress up a casual look.

woman in colorful top with white shorts in heels
Top (similar) | White denim shorts (similar) | Sandals

This Impeccable Pig top sold out SO FAST and I totally understand why. That neckline is MY ABSOLUTE FAV!

woman with brown hair and off the shoulder shirt with denim shorts and heels
Top (local boutique) | Denim shorts | Heels (similar)

This top I got from a small boutique is such a great transition piece. It is perfect for the summer to wear with distressed denim shorts, but it is also so perfect for the fall with your favorite pair of jeans.

The colors in it are absolutely perfect for fall. I love the floral print, the off the shoulder style, and the little tie that it has in the front.

Day to Night Ideas

woman with brown hair and sunglasses with red top and denim shorts holding a clutch purse
Top (local boutique) | Denim Shorts (similar) | Shoes (similar)

To style your denim shorts for a day to night look, pair them with a blouse and heels for a more dressed-up look. Even if you have denim shorts you can still be ready to transition easily from day to night time.

woman with white crop top and kimono wearing denim shorts
White crop top (similar) | Kimono (similar) | Denim shorts | Shoes (similar)

There was a period of time where I had a huge love affair with kimonos. I would wear one any chance I got.

Typically when I wear a kimono, my favorite way to wear them is with a crop top or bodysuit. It ensures that your top is more tight fitting so that the flow of the kimono is accentuated.

It gives the perfect balance of casual and sexy.

woman in white denim shorts with kimono
Crop top (similar) | Kimono (similar) | White denim shorts | Shoes (similar)

This is another take on the kimono look that I love so much!

woman with handbag on elbow and black denim shorts with one shoulder cream ruffle top
Top (similar) | Black denim shorts (similar) | Sandals (similar)

This top could be worn so many ways but I paired it with my favorite black shorts to bring out the black in the pattern. However, it would look adorable paired with regular denim as well as white denim. 

woman with brown hair holding phone wearing denim shorts and striped tank top
Top | Denim shorts | Shoes
woman in white top with denim shorts standing on a road
Top (similar) | Denim shorts (similar) | Shoes (similar)
woman with brown hair holding phone wearing denim shorts and strapless sweetheart neck top
Top | Denim shorts | Shoes
woman in red top holding brown clutch purse with denim shorts
Top (similar) | Denim shorts | Shoes

Night Look Ideas

woman standing on sidewalk wearing denim shorts and black ankle boots
Top (similar) | Shorts (similar) | Shoes (similar)

I love the warmer evenings in the summer. This is the best time to really dress up your denim shorts.

I honestly don’t wear too much black anymore, but it’s always the way to go if you’re wanting classic for a night out on the town with your significant other or your girlfriends.

woman with brown hair holding phone wearing denim shorts and black dressy off the shoulder top
Top | Denim shorts | Shoes

Speaking of black, this was one of my favorite finds at Vestique recently!

woman with brown hair holding phone wearing denim shorts and white crop top
Top | Denim shorts | Shoes
woman wearing denim shorts with puff sleve top
Top | Denim shorts | Shoes

My Biggest Pro Tip

When it comes down to how to wear denim shorts to make yourself feel the most comfortable, you need to spend some time to find your perfect fit.

You don’t necessarily want to go too tight or loose; just make sure they’re long enough to make you feel like your most beautiful self!

woman in mirror wearing yellow top and denim shorts with heels

After finding your perfect fit, try on a few pairs before buying. Don’t buy anything unless you feel confident about how it fits.

There are so many fits of denim shorts, and it can be overwhelming that you may have difficulty choosing.

Popular Denim Short Styles

  • Boyfriend (looser through hips and legs)
  • Bermuda shorts (longer length, to the knee)
  • Distressed (my personal favorite!)
  • High rise (higher up on your waist)
  • Mom jeans (retro, 80s style denim shorts)
  • Booty shorts/Cheekies (super short, sometimes showing a little cheek)

My Must Have Denim Shorts

CLICK ANY IMAGE BELOW TO SHOP

Jean shorts are a summer must-have for anyone who wants to feel comfortable and look stylish at the same time. Denim shorts can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and the occasion.

woman with white cowboy boots and denim shorts in front of white outdoor sofa

All you gotta do is make sure you find the perfect fit for your body type, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and styles. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to rock your jean shorts all spring and summer long!

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2 Comments

  1. August 19, 2022 / 4:08 am

    You are so beautiful and looking so pretty in this shorts. Love your outfit. Thanks for nice post.

    • mumuandmacaroons
      Author
      August 24, 2022 / 6:47 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

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