9 Shockingly Elegant Denim-Shorts Outfits the Fashion Crowd Is Wearing
Regardless of whether or not denim shorts are "in" at any given time, I have always worn them and will always wear them. I grew up in the South and now live in the South again, and they've always been one of my non-negotiable wardrobe staples for the months of summer heat. Currently, my favorite pairs have around a 3" inseam and finished hems, but I'm no stranger to denim cut-offs either. And yes, I realize that we often report on alternatives to denim shorts, and I get it—they're not for everyone. But if you are team denim shorts—even just a bit—stay with me.
Like me, I've noticed that even the most elevated dressers are treating denim shorts as a basic this summer, and are finding fresh ways to style them, as opposed to pairing them with the go-to T-shirt and sneakers. Like jeans, the outfit options for denim shorts are endless, and the ones that are standing out the most to me right now are the elegant ones. It's actually quite easy to make any type of denim shorts—from short cut-offs to bermudas—if you pair them with polished, elevated pieces.
If you'd like some inspiration, I found nine stellar examples of elegant denim shorts outfits to wear for the remainder of the warm days (some of which will even work in the fall). Keep scrolling to start outfit planning and shop key pieces to create these elegant denim shorts outfits yourself.
Oversized Blazer + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Pumps
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MANGO
Lyocell Suit Jacket
Gap
11" Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts
Sam Edelman
Bianka Slingback Pumps
Crochet Shirt + Denim Cut-Offs + Crochet Flats
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ZARA
Pointelle Knit Sweater
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts
Bodysuit + White Cut-Offs + Block-Heel Shoes
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Aritzia
Original Contour Cami Bodysuit
Madewell
The Brynn Long Shorts
Sézane
Angelique Mary Janes
Trench Coat + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Flip-Flops
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COS
Single-Breasted Car Coat
AGOLDE
'90s Long Cutoff Denim Shorts
Tkees
Square Toe Lily Flip Flops
Ruffled Blouse + Denim Cut-Offs + Mesh Flats
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DÔEN
Henri Ruffled Pintucked Floral-Print Organic Cotton-Voile Top
Reformation
Sutton Low Rise 2.5" Slouchy Jean Shorts
H&M
Rhinestone-Embellished Ballet Flats
White Button-Down Shirt + Long Cut-Offs + Ballet Flats
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J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
Pretty White Top + Denim Cut-Offs
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Reformation
Faye Linen Top
rag & bone
Dre Raw Hem Low Rise Boyfriend Denim Shorts
T-Shirt + Denim Cut-Offs + High-Heel Mules
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PUMA
Formula 1 Raglan Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt
Agolde
Parker Vintage Cutoff Shorts
Jeffrey Campbell
Unamused Pointed Toe Mules
Blazer + Bermuda Shorts + Flat Mules
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BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
Puffy Knot Slide Sandals
