There’s a piece sitting in almost every woman’s wardrobe right now that’s been quietly holding summer wardrobes together for decades and it’s not the maxi dress, it’s not the linen set, and it’s definitely not whatever “the new must-have” is according to this month’s magazine. It’s denim shorts. Plain, simple, unglamorous denim shorts. And I think they deserve a proper conversation.
Think about it what other single piece can you wear on a Monday morning coffee run, a Wednesday afternoon at a rooftop bar, a Friday night out, and a Sunday at the beach without anyone batting an eye? Nothing in my wardrobe works as hard as a good pair of denim shorts in summer, and I’ve tested this theory more times than I can count. I’ve styled them for holidays, for events I was wildly underdressed for, and for days where I genuinely had no business looking as put-together as I did. They always came through.
The problem isn’t the shorts themselves it’s that most of us get stuck in a styling rut with them. We find one combo that works, we wear it on repeat until September, and then we pack them away wondering why summer always feels like it looked the same as last year. Sound familiar? Because I’ve absolutely been that person.
So let’s get into it—because your denim shorts have been waiting for their moment, and that moment is right now.
1. The Classic White Linen Shirt Tuck
Okay yes, I know. But hear me out—this combo hits differently when you do it right. I’m not talking about a stiff button-down straight from the hanger. I mean a relaxed, slightly oversized linen shirt, half-tucked, with the sleeves rolled up twice.
- Pair with tan leather sandals (block heel or flat both work)
- Add a woven tote bag for that coastal, effortless vibe
- Keep jewelry minimal—a simple gold chain is all you need
The key detail? Leave two buttons undone at the top. That small change moves this from “on a school run” to “actually has her life together.”
2. Denim-on-Denim
The Canadian tuxedo is having its moment again, and TBH I’m here for it. The trick is making sure your denim shorts and denim top are different washes. Pair a light-wash short with a darker chambray shirt, or go full vintage with a mid-wash short and a denim jacket in a faded blue.
- Try a cropped denim jacket tied at the waist instead of worn properly
- Add white trainers to keep it casual and grounded
- Go for silver accessories—they complement double denim better than gold
Don’t be afraid of this one. It’s giving 90s nostalgia in the best possible way.
3. Elevated with a Blazer
Who says denim shorts can’t go smart? This is genuinely one of my favourite summer evening looks. A tailored blazer over a simple cami with mid-rise denim shorts is doing a lot of heavy lifting without trying hard.
- Stick to neutral blazer tones—beige, white, or black
- Swap trainers for strappy heeled sandals to push it into evening territory
- A structured mini bag completes the look without overwhelming it
I wore this exact combo to a rooftop dinner last July and people genuinely thought I’d planned it. I absolutely had not.
4. The Crop Top & High-Waist Formula
If you’ve been sleeping on high-waisted denim shorts, this is your wake-up call. They’re flattering on literally every body type because they define the waist and give your legs the longest visual line possible.
- Pair with a fitted ribbed crop top in a neutral or a pop colour
- Try platform sandals or mules to lengthen the leg further
- Add a crossbody bag to keep your hands free
Bold colours like cobalt blue, cherry red, or burnt orange work brilliantly here. Summer is not the time to be boring.
5. The Boho-Inspired Look
This one’s for the girls who love a festival feeling without the mud. A flowy printed blouse tucked loosely into denim shorts creates this effortless bohemian energy that works from brunch to a beach bar.
- Go for floral, paisley, or tie-dye prints
- Layer delicate gold necklaces and stacked rings
- Choose espadrille wedges or leather slide sandals
Ever noticed how some outfits just feel like summer? This is one of them. The moment I started wearing printed blouses with denim shorts instead of plain tees, my whole summer wardrobe made more sense.
6. Sporty Shorts, Sporty Vibe
Athletic-inspired styling is massive right now and denim shorts absolutely have a place in it. Think graphic tee tucked in half, vintage cap, and chunky retro trainers. This is an OOTD that requires zero effort but looks 100% intentional.
- Vintage band tees or sports brand tees work best here
- Add a mini backpack instead of a handbag
- White socks with chunky trainers? Yes. Always yes.
This look photographs incredibly well too, FYI. The proportions are just right for a full-length mirror shot.
7. The Elevated Basics Stack
Sometimes the best outfits come from the simplest pieces done really, really well. A fitted white tank, mid-wash shorts, and a long line cardigan draped over the shoulders is giving quiet luxury energy without the quiet luxury price tag.
- Choose a cardigan in cream, grey, or sage green
- Wear pointed-toe ballet flats or loafers to keep it polished
- Opt for leather or faux-leather accessories to add a bit of texture
The cardigan-over-shoulders move isn’t for everyone, and I totally get it. But when the rest of the outfit is simple and the fit is right? It just works.
8. Printed Cami + Denim Shorts
A silky or satin printed cami transforms denim shorts into something that feels genuinely dressed up. The contrast between casual denim and luxe-looking fabric is the whole point.
- Try abstract prints, floral, or ditsy patterns
- Add strappy heeled sandals and a small clutch bag
- Keep your hair and makeup sleek to let the outfit speak
This is one of my go-to date night looks when I can’t be bothered to wear a dress but want to feel like I made an effort. Best of both worlds.
9. The Oversized Shirt Dress Hybrid
Here’s a little trick I love: wear an oversized shirt as a dress over your denim shorts, leaving it unbuttoned at the bottom. You get the floaty, dress-like silhouette from the shirt, but the shorts underneath mean you’re not worrying about the wind every five seconds.
- Works brilliantly with striped or solid-colour oversized shirts
- Add flat sandals or espadrilles
- Belt at the waist loosely if you want to define your shape
This one also doubles as a beach cover-up. Versatility is everything in summer.
10. Monochrome Denim Moment
brooketang
Take the denim-on-denim look further with a full monochrome denim outfit—matching shorts and top in the same wash. It sounds intense but it reads as incredibly put-together when done right.
- Look for denim co-ord sets from brands like ASOS, Zara, or Topshop
- Add a colourful bag or shoes to break it up slightly if full denim feels like too much
- Gold jewellery works perfectly with lighter denim washes
This is the kind of outfit that gets questions. People always want to know where the set is from. :/
11. Knitwear & Denim for Cooler Days
Summer isn’t always sunshine—and a lightweight knit top or crochet top with denim shorts handles those breezy evenings perfectly. The textures work so well together and the look is genuinely effortless.
- Try knitted vests, crochet crops, or thin-knit tanks
- Layer with a light denim or linen jacket if it gets cooler
- Trainers or ankle boots both work depending on the occasion
Crochet tops with denim shorts is the summer combo I always come back to. It’s been trending for two summers now and I genuinely don’t think it’s going anywhere.
12. The Power of a Belt
Sometimes the outfit isn’t missing a new piece—it’s missing a belt. Adding a chunky leather or braided belt to your denim shorts completely changes the silhouette and makes even the plainest outfit look intentional.
- Western-style belts are having a major moment right now
- A wide leather belt with a plain white tee and shorts looks incredibly polished
- Match your belt to your shoes for a cohesive, styled finish
This is genuinely the cheapest styling upgrade you can make. I added a tan leather belt to an outfit I’d written off and suddenly loved it again. Don’t underestimate accessories.
13. The Going-Out Glam Version
Yes, you can wear denim shorts on a night out. Dark wash, tailored-cut shorts (not the frayed beach kind) paired with a slinky, strappy top and heels are doing full going-out energy. Add a mini handbag and bold earrings and you’re sorted.
- Go for dark indigo or black denim shorts for evening
- Keep the top silk, satin, or metallic for the elevated feel
- Stiletto sandals or kitten heels both work here
- A bold lip does the rest of the work for you
IMO this is an underrated going-out look. Most people stick to miniskirts or dresses, so denim shorts actually make you stand out—in the best way.
Final Thoughts
Denim shorts are one of those pieces that can genuinely do everything if you let them. The mistake most people make is keeping them only for casual days. But as you can see, with the right combination of tops, shoes, and accessories, they’ll carry you from the beach to a bar to a brunch without missing a beat.
My one takeaway? Find the cut that works for your body and stick with it. Whether that’s high-waist, mid-rise, tailored, or relaxed once you know your short, everything else is just styling fun. And styling fun is the whole point.
Go raid your wardrobe. I promise you already have more of these outfits in you than you think. 🙂