How Fashion Girls Are Styling Denim Shorts This Season
The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
Source: @girlmeetsgold
If there’s one clothing item as quintessential to summer as ice cream cones and SPF, it’s denim shorts. Not only are they a staple in our personal wardrobes, but Daisy Duke also made jaws drop in the OG denim cutoffs back in 1979 (one of the most iconic moments in denim history), and Katy Perry gave the classic piece a special shoutout in California Gurls. Whether you prefer yours cuffed, distressed, high-waisted, or in black or white, denim shorts will always be a key piece in our summer wardrobes. Here’s how fashion girls are updating the staple for summer 2021.
CURRENTLY TRENDING /
The Everygirl’s Inflatable Pool + Float Collection Is Back for a Limited Time!
Hurry! These won’t last long ☀️
1. With a puffed-sleeve blouse
Source: @fashion_jackson
If there’s such a thing as the “it-sleeve” of the season, you know that a puffed sleeve would be the MVP. Fortunately for denim shorts (and our capsule wardrobe), the relaxed style of distressed denim pairs perfectly with the trendy look of a puffed sleeve. The result? A perfect summer outfit that you’ll want to wear all season long.
Mango
Printed Puff Sleeve Blouse
40% off!
Shop it now
Madewell
Square-Neck Puff-Sleeve Top
64% off!
Shop it now
H&M
Draped Blouse
4 colors available
Shop it now
2. With a corset top
Source: @waityouneedthis
If your style is more retro than trendy, channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with a corset top (that also happens to be in style this season). Distressed shorts pair perfectly to balance out the retro style, and cat-eye sunglasses are the icing on the cake. It’s like the 2021 version of The Notebook (Ally’s summer OOTDs are just so good).
Abercrombie & Fitch
Ribbed Tie-Front Bodysuit
3 colors available
Shop it now
Sorella
Corset Tank
Shop it now
Indah
Bustier Top
2 colors available
Shop it now
3. Paired with a neon knit
Source: @ashbegash
Our favorite go-to look for those cool summer nights is a comfy knit with denim shorts. It’s warmer than a T-shirt or sundress (while still being in season) and as relaxed and cozy as it is stylish. Fashion girls are updating this go-to look for the season by ditching neutral colors and opting for colorful knit instead.
J.Crew
Cashmere Sweater
10+ colors available and 49% off!
Shop it now
The Kooples
Classic Sweater
2 colors available and 40% off!
Shop it now
Zara
High Collar Sweater
55% off!
Shop it now
4. With a sheer top as a bathing suit cover-up
Source: @missenocha
Yes, your denim shorts double as a bathing suit cover-up, but if you’re looking to post some trendy #OOTDs with the best styles of the season, pair your bathing suit and go-to denim shorts with a sheer top. You’ll be the most stylish girl at any pool, beach, or even your backyard (at least your neighbors will be impressed).
Mango
Polka-Dot Organza Shirt
2 colors available and 38% off!
Shop it now
Majorelle
Rosalie Top
Shop it now
SKIMS
Summer Mesh T-Shirt
4 colors available
Shop it now
5. Over a graphic tee
Source: @gabrielegz
Graphic tees are not only in style but are also a timeless staple in the wardrobes of cool girls everywhere. Style your favorite tee tucked into denim shorts with a thick belt and your chunkiest booties for an outfit that’s easy and edgy.
Madewell
Vote Graphic Tomboy Tee
Shop it now
H&M
Printed T-Shirt
2 colors available
Shop it now
Target
Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt
Shop it now
6. Belted with a blazer
Source: @lolaomonaija
If your style is more off-duty boss than edgy-chic, good news for you: Your work blazers look just as good paired with cutoff shorts as they do with trousers. Style with a tank or tee tucked into a high-waisted version and throw on a belt for extra polish, silhouette definition, and style.
Mango
100% Linen Blazer
30% off!
Shop it now
Open Edit
Blazer
3 colors available
Shop it now
Mango
Gingham Blazer
2 colors available
Shop it now
7. With a ruffled blouse and sandals
Source: @crystalinmarie
The motto of the season is “the bigger, the better.” Channel your inner boho-chic with one of the it-styles of the year: a ruffled, puffy peasant blouse tucked into a high-waisted pair of distressed denim shorts. Add your favorite pair of sandals for an easy, breezy, go-to outfit.
H&M
Peplum Top
4 colors available
Shop it now
Madewell
Peasant Top
Shop it now
H&M
Ruffle-Collar Blouse
Shop it now
8. Monochrome
Source: Gabby in the City
The benefit of opting for black or white denim shorts is that you can easily dress monochrome without going full Canadian tuxedo. Monochrome not only makes any outfit automatically chicer, but it’s also elongating. Try a black top with black denim or a white tee with white shorts, and pair the outfit with nude-colored shoes for the longest legs ever.
H&M
Crop Top
Shop it now
Banana Republic
Resort Shirt
5 colors available
Shop it now
H&M
Jersey Camisole Top
4 colors available
Shop it now
9. With pastels
Source: @angelagiakas
Pastels are always pretty, but this season, they’re also trendy. One of our favorite hacks for switching up denim shorts throughout the season is layering. Start with a textured basic (like a ribbed tank) and throw on some outerwear in one of the colors of the season. P.S. Any pretty pinks, blues, and purples pair perfectly with light-wash denim.
Mango
Patterned Suit Blazer
2 colors available and 25% off!
Shop it now
BP.
Rib Crop Henley
6 colors available and 40% off!
Shop it now
Mango
Knit Polo Shirt
2 colors available
Shop it now
10. With strappy kitten heels
Source: @raeannlangas
The coolest shoe of the season is not just for sundresses—strappy kitten heels look flawless paired with denim cut-offs, and the effortless vibe of the shorts will make the shoe feel a little more casual. Pair with neutrals on top because your legs are going to be getting all the attention.
Open Edit
Jagger Kitten Heel Sandal
4 colors available
Shop it now
H&M
Leather Sandals
Shop it now
Steve Madden
Melrose Black Sandals
3 colors available
Shop it now
11. With a silky button-up
Source: @girlmeetsgold
If you can’t tell already, one of the easiest hacks to looking super stylish is to pair opposite styles and textures. For a prime example, take distressed denim shorts in a relaxed fit and pair them with a luxurious silky button-up. The shorts make the top more casual, while the luxe silky fabric dresses up the shorts. It’s the perfect pairing! Wear this combo to a shopping spree or brunch.
Quince
Washable Stretch Silk Button-Up
4 colors available and 39% off!
Shop it now
Paige
Caprice Shirt
Shop it now
Vince
Silk Blouse
3 colors available
Shop it now
SHOP OUR FAVORITES
Zara
The ’90s Shorts
30% off!
Shop it now
Hidden Jeans
Distressed Cuffed Boyfriend Denim Shorts
Shop it now
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love 90s High Rise Cutoff Shorts
8 colors available and 37% off!
Shop it now
Outland Denim
High Waist Denim Shorts
Shop it now
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love Mid Rise Boyfriend Shorts
6 colors available and 37% off!
Shop it now
Samaria Leah
Vintage Shorts
Shop it now
Gap
High Rise Cheeky Shorts
50% off!
Shop it now
Madewell
The Curvy Perfect Jean Short
Shop it now
Outland Denim
Paperbag Waist Denim Shorts
Shop it now
Joe’s
Cutoff Denim Shorts
30% off!
Shop it now