How To Wear Denim Shorts

Posted by Siofan | Friday May 6, 2011

Of all the many tricky summer fashions out there, denim shorts have given off plenty of personal style mixed messages. Who hasn't been horrified when faced with pockets peaking out from below cut to the crotch denim, or worried they were just a crop top and cowboy boot away from being a Daisy Duke cliche. Or at the other end, wondered whether in opting for length, they had crossed over into Mom Jeans territory?

What you wear with your jean shorts can tip these style scales of balance as well. While we love a button up blouse, we discourage you from any urges to tie it no matter how great your abs are, and while blush-tones and pastels soften up the boyish look of denim, choose the shape of your top carefully, with shorts that show a lot of leg you want to go more demure and ladylike up top, especially when pairing with heels.

From left: Camilla Belle, Kate Bosworth, Rihanna, and Nicole Richie all opt for demure tops with their denim shorts.

Denim shorts in cuffs or cut-offs can be flattering provided you find a length that hits your thigh at a flattering spot—just like a tailored shirt should accentuate the smallest part of your waist, so should shorts accentuate where your thing is the most toned.
1. Gap Side Zip Cut-Off Shorts C$59.95
2. Zara Faded Denim Shorts C$59.90
3. H&M Denim Shorts C$24.95
4. Citizens of Humanity Manic Cheeky Denim Shorts C$199.00
5. Joe Fresh Denim Shorts C$19.00

You'll be showing plenty of leg so go for a more conservative look up top while balancing out the boyish feel of denim with romantic fabrics and tones. Looking to make legs look longer, choose an earthy sandal or nude shoe.
1. T. Babaton Becca Blouse C$98.00
2. T. Babaton Bergen Blouse C$110.00
3. Old Navy Women's Rib-Knit Trim Camp Shirts C$29.94
4. J. Crew Linen Tessa Top US$79.50
5. Zara Wide Strap Sandal C$69.90
6. H&M Sandals C$29.95

Do you wear denim shorts? What length do you prefer?

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9 Comments

	on May 06, 2011 Jenni said: this is just so cute!
	on May 06, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: @LaurenBlair - bulk buying when you find that perfect fit/style is exactly what I do too! I usually buy in different colours but with basics it's okay to sacrifice originality for a great fit.
	on May 06, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: @ali - amen to that! @mamaluv - I agree, finding the right pair can be tricky. So, when I do find the perfect pair I usually but more than one and wear them all summer!
	on May 06, 2011 jskim07 50 said: i LOVE denim shorts! You can make blouses and blazers look more casual with them and have a more summery feel! the pair that I have a pretty cheap, but I'm still looking for a nice white boho shirt to wear with it, similar to what Camilla Belle has in this article. Does anyone know where I can get something similar? I like those that have sleeves, but they don't have to be long ones :O..
	on May 06, 2011 Ali de Bold STAFF said: I like denim shorts short but they aren't the easiest to pull off unless you have really toned legs (which I presently do not). Just please, sisters don't wear them so short that I can see the bottom of your butt cheeks.
	on May 06, 2011 beachbabe 4,164 said: I got a pair of Billabong denim shorts about 2 summers ago and they still look brand new. They have lasted forever and look great with anything! Sandals, flip flops, flats, not to mention all the options I have for something on top. I like that I can dress them up or down, just like regular jeans.They go to about 1/3 of the way down my thigh so they're not too short but not too long. I'd like to get a second pair just to have so I can wear more denim in the summer (at least on days it's not TOO hot). Thanks for posting some more ideas!
	on May 06, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: I find denim shorts tricky to wear, but maybe it's because I haven't found the right pair yet. I appreciate the suggestion to look for the length where I'm most toned in the thigh, but unfortunately while I have decent (at least I think so!) quads, the backs of my thighs are not as taut as I'd like them to be. I also have some problems with ingrown hairs on my thighs no matter how I often I exfoliate. For this reason, I find myself sticking mainly to dresses/skirts and capris. Have you guys seen the latest: jegging jorts or "jorjeggings"? shudder http://ny.racked.com/archives/2011/05/04/move_over_treggings_jorjeggings_are_now_in_stock.php
	on May 06, 2011 TammyK 1,073 said: I love denim shorts. Most of my shorts are denim shorts. They are just so comfortable and easy to match tops with.
	on May 06, 2011 cathy3087 98 said: I have one pair of blue denim shorts that I would probably wear every single summer day if it wasn't gross. They are just so comfy and go with mostly everything in my closet. I got mine at American Eagle and they are a great length -- short, but not too short.