6 Flattering Denim Shorts and How to Style Them

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

If there’s one item that gets the most use throughout the summer months, it’s unquestionably a pair of denim shorts. The ultimate weekend staple, denim shorts are our go-to summer saviors—most often thrown on with a striped tee and sandals for an easy, effortless daytime look. But finding a pair of great-fitting and flattering denim shorts is not always an easy feat. Like most denim, it takes trial and error to procure a pair you feel comfortable in that suits your style and body type. Luckily we did some digging and discovered the most flattering silhouettes guaranteed to suit every taste. Plus, we turned to our favorite fashion muses for endless inspiration on how to keep them looking fresh and stylish for every summer occasion. Scroll below for our favorite denim short outfits.

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(Image credit: Adam Katz Le 21ème)

Sometimes the simplest outfit formulas work best. Wear your casual mid-rise denim shorts with an easy loose-fitting sleeveless white shirt, and finish the look with a pop of red—a cool bandana around your neck or tied in your hair looks unquestionably chic.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Elegant pearls and sophisticated tweed add a luxe touch to distressed denim shorts.

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Crisp white denim shorts pair beautifully with classic nautical stripes. Perfect for summer weekends.

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(Image credit: Melodie Jeng, Getty Images)

Denim paper-bag shorts that tie at the waist add interest to your ensemble and a flattering silhouette. Pair with a crisp white top and combat boots for a summer look with edge.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Distressed denim looks altogether chic when paired with a longline blazer (preferably in white), a neutral tee, and luxurious accessories.

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(Image credit: Daniel Zuchnik, Getty Images)

Wear clean denim with pops of bright, bold color this summer.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Add a romantic touch to your long shorts with a pretty milkmaid style blouse.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

A timeless oversize button-down adds a chic French-girl touch to light-wash denim shorts. Tie your look together with a black leather belt.

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

The easiest way to add polish to denim shorts is with a chic blazer and sophisticated sandals.

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(Image credit: @sophiabrenn)

Voluminous sleeves are trending this season and they happen to look seriously cool with a pair of high-waisted denim shorts.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up next, shorts are the new skirts—see the proof and shop my favorite pairs.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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