How To Style Denim Shorts
We’ve talked extensively about how to find the perfect pair of denim shorts and shared many of Erin’s faves. But if you’ve already found your go-to denim shorts, you might be wondering how to style them now! Below, we’re sharing EIGHT ways Erin has styled denim shorts for summer. Each of these tops would be perfect, but it’s possible you already have something in your closet you can use to recreate one (or all!) of these outfits this summer…
Find tips on how to wear shorts with confidence in this post!
R13 Criss Cross Denim Shorts & Elevated Tee
The first way to style your denim shorts? An elevated tee…Yes, it’s that easy! Keep your denim shorts outfit casual this summer with a chic white, black, or colorful tee. But not just an old t-shirt…try to find one that’s more elevated or has an interesting style detail that makes it one of those basics with a twist we’re always talking about. In the look above, Erin’s wearing a black tee by English Factory that has the prettiest ruffle sleeves. We love that it adds a touch of femininity to the look. If you don’t already have an elevated tee in your wardrobe, we’re linking a few options below.
By the way, these R13 denim shorts are SO cool and Erin loved the baggier fit and crisscross front. They’re pricey, but you’ll find more of Erin’s favorite affordable denim shorts in this post.
Pistola Denim Shorts & Floral Blouse
If you want to dress your denim shorts up a bit, consider styling them with a gorgeous floral blouse. Erin’s wearing a top by Ulla Johnson that has the most beautiful floral print, which is also very neutral and easy to wear. Try styling your denim shorts with your favorite floral blouse or check out some more of our favorites linked below. In this look, Erin’s wearing a pair of Pistola denim shorts that are a great price point, have a great fit, and have been a top seller the past few months!
R13 Criss Cross Denim Shorts & White Top
If prints aren’t your thing, that’s okay! Try a chic white top instead. This white top by Farm Rio has feminine ruffle details, a body-skimming fit (not fitted), and subtle puff shoulders. It’s super lightweight and breathable, which is a must for summer. Erin has it on with the same R13 denim shorts from the first look but this is the kind of top you can wear with pretty much any bottoms during the summer.
Moussy Denim Shorts & White Button-Down Shirt
This Rails button-down is one of Erin’s absolute favorite ways to wear denim shorts! If you’ve been a longtime subscriber, you’ve probably seen Erin wearing this button-down with a pair of denim shorts every summer for years. A classic white button-down is crisp, chic, and perfect for summer. This one is a super lightweight gauzy cotton so you’ll stay cool while looking stylish. In this look, she has it on with a pair of Moussy Vintage denim shorts she’s owned for years. But you can wear this shirt with any denim or bottoms.
Honorable mention: Erin recently tried the Quince button-down shirt and it’s SO similar to the Rails one, but only $45…we highly recommend trying it out!
Pistola Denim Shorts & White Button-Down Top
This look is similar to the last one, but instead of the casual white button-down, Erin’s wearing a more elevated option in this look. This Hevron top is a little more structured and the material feels dressier than the gauzy cotton of the Rails top. It also has short, tab-cuffed sleeves, and a super flattering fit. It’s the same idea as the white button-down, just taken up a level! If you want to wear this to dinner or dress it up even more, throw on an on-trend oversized blazer, and voila…so chic!
Pistola Denim Shorts & Knit Sweater
If you live in a really hot climate like Texas or Florida, this look won’t work for you during the summer, but it’s still a great option for spring or even on vacation! Erin’s wearing an open-knit sweater that’s super lightweight and breathable. We love how effortless, casual, and chic a knit sweater and denim shorts look during the summer. This exact sweater is sold out, but we linked some similar options below.
Agolde Denim Shorts & Brightly Colored Blouse
Next, add a pop of color! If you have a color you absolutely love to wear or that gets you compliments, try it with your denim shorts! Erin loves to wear pink so in this look, she’s wearing a pretty pink top with her Agolde denim shorts. But you can wear whatever color you prefer. Some colors that look good on most skin tones are green, bright blue, red, and purple. We’ve linked a few bright and colorful options for you below.
Moussy Denim Shorts & Sexy Black Bodysuit
If you’re looking to take it up a notch with your denim shorts, consider wearing them with a sexy bodysuit. When it comes to looking and feeling your most confident in shorts, we typically recommend the One Skin Rule (only showing one area of skin at a time). But if you feel like dialing up the sexy, there are ways to do it without showing too much skin. We’re sharing a few sexy tops below that would work with denim shorts, bring the va-va-voom, but still leave something to the imagination.
Which of these tops are you going to try with your denim shorts next? Let us know in the comments below!
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