I've Worked It Out—This is How to Make Denim Shorts Look Grown-Up and Elegant

29/06/2024

If I was going to point to one summer piece that is the subject of the fiercest debate, it would be the denim shorts. From the teeny tiny Daisy Dukes to the baggy jorts beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, it feels like every year a new slew of denim short trends roll around, with one side eager to embrace the look and the other side rolling their eyes. Historically, I've leaned more towards the latter group, but mainly because I never found a pair I thought looked remotely flattering. Sure, I owned a "just in case" pair to throw on over a swimsuit on holiday or to wear for a day of running errands on an unusually hot day, but I never actually thought they looked any good.

But recently, I've discovered that the world of denim shorts has evolved. Styles are no longer restricted to the rigid minis of my early Noughties youth. These days, designer brands and high street favourites alike have massively extended the options to encompass every personal style and body shape.

how to, i've worked it out—this is how to make denim shorts look grown-up and elegant

((Image credit: @_jessicaskye ))

Perhaps as a result of this, I've spotted more and more influencers showcasing fresh ways to style this summer staple. A not-so-quick scroll on social media has served up plenty of styling inspiration that proves that denim shorts don't have to be limited to being a casual throw-on item. Sure, when paired with a t-shirt and trainers, they'll only ever look relaxed—but swap the t-shirt for an oversized linen shirt and the trainers for the very on-trend Fisherman sandals, and you've got something altogether more put together and polished. Go for heeled sandals and a blazer and you're even more elevated.

Scroll on to see some of the best looks that demonstrate how you can upgrade your denim cut-offs.

6 Elegant Denim Shorts Outfits to Wear This Summer:

1. Embroidered Blouse + Trainers

((Image credit: @oliviamarcus ))

Style Notes: The key to making denim shorts look more elevated is to balance them out with a more sophisticated top. And as Olivia's outfit proves, one of the easiest ways to do this in the summer months is by opting for a embroidered breezy blouse—a truly timeless look.

Shop the Look:

Maribelle - Ivory

RIXO Maribelle - Ivory

The detail on this blouse makes it look seriously elevated.

Curve Love High Rise Dad Short

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Dad Short

I'm such a fan of Abercrombie's denim.

Flow Logo-Appliquéd Shell, Leather and Suede Sneakers

LOEWE Flow Logo-Appliquéd Shell, Leather and Suede Sneakers

Follow Olivia's example and upgrade your denim shorts with a pair of sleek designer trainers.

Satin Bow

SHASHI Satin Bow

The coquettish look is very much still on trend.

2. Blazer + Knee-High Boots

((Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck ))

Style Notes: As I noticed on a recent trip, New Yorkers are really backing the knee high boots in summer look. Give it a Scandi spin and follow Amaka's example of pairing yours with baggy shorts and an oversized blazer for an effortlessly cool outfit.

Shop the Look:

Cream Striped Bandeau Top

Nobodys Child Cream Striped Bandeau Top

Bandeau tops are a big trend this summer, and this one feels truly classic.

High-Rise Denim Shorts

MANGO High-Rise Denim Shorts

I personally love my denim shorts to be a high-rise fit.

The Tencel™ Oversized Blazer

Everlane The Tencel™ Oversized Blazer

The oversized blazer is perfect for layering.

Knee-High Leather Boots

Arket Knee-High Leather Boots

These boots will also see you through the cold months.

3. Layers + Ballet Flats

((Image credit: @kimturkington_ ))

Style Notes: We all know that British summer weather can be unpredictable, to say the least. Be ready for all eventualities by opting for a layered look—the neutral knit and classic black ballet flats really upgrade this jorts-based ensemble.

Shop the Look:

The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

A white t-shirt is a summer essential.

Relaxed Alpaca Knit Jumper

& Other Stories Relaxed Alpaca Knit Jumper

This pale beige tone is perfect for layering on cooler summer days.

Raye Mid Rise Denim Jorts

Reformation Raye Mid Rise Denim Jorts

The denim Bermuda short is the style to know this season.

Leather Jean Belt

M&S Collection Leather Jean Belt

Help define the waist with a classic black belt.

Bow Leather Ballerina

MANGO Bow Leather Ballerina

Ballet flats continue to be the must-have flat shoe.

Gemelli Small Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag

BOTTEGA VENETA Gemelli Small Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag

Woven bags are a top trend, and a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato style is a designer piece well worth the investment.

4. Two-Tone Tank + Fisherman Sandals

((Image credit: @francescasaffari ))

Style Notes: Thanks to The Row, Fisherman sandals have become a top footwear trend this season, and are arguably the most sophisticated flat sandal you can wear in the hot months. Opting for a two-tone tank instead of a simple block colour also just makes the whole look seem more considered.

Shop the Look:

Contrast Trim Top

Mango Contrast Trim Top

This tank exudes a specific kind of French elegance.

Loose Denim Shorts

Arket Loose Denim Shorts

I love the relaxed fit of these long shorts.

Carrie Leather Belt

Reiss Carrie Leather Belt

Just the right hint of hardware—swap for a gold buckled style if that's your metal of choice.

Fisherman Embossed Leather Sandals

JW ANDERSON Fisherman Embossed Leather Sandals

The Row pair may be in short supply, but I personally think the contrast stitching of this JW Anderson pair would tie in so well with the two-tone tank.

Mica Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses

SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR Mica Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses

A cat-eye is one of the most refined sunglass styles, in my opinion.

5. White Shorts + Tanks + Silk Scarf

((Image credit: @annabelrosendahl ))

Style Notes: Never underestimate the power of accessories. Anabel's silk scarf and seriously chic tote really elevate this otherwise understated minimalist look of long white shorts and a classic black tank.

Shop the Look:

Ribbed Tank Top

& Other Stories Ribbed Tank Top

I think the high neckline of this tank makes it look extra polished.

Raye Mid Rise Denim Jorts

Reformation Raye Mid Rise Denim Jorts

Such a gorgeous pair.

Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Scarf

TOTEME Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Scarf

If you don't want to go for the headscarf look, you could also tie this around your neck or the strap of your tote.

Tapered Flip Flops

Sleepers Tapered Flip Flops

I've spotted so many influencers in Sleepers flip-flops.

Large Dior Book Tote

Dior Large Dior Book Tote

If I was going to invest in a printed designer tote, it would be this one.

6. Striped Shirt + Thong Slides

((Image credit: @smythsisters ))

Style Notes: If you're looking for an elevated everyday denim shorts look, this is the perfect ensemble to emulate. An oversized shirt always looks effortlessly cool, and is just that bit more polished than a casual t-shirt.