Regardless of whether or not denim shorts are "in" at any given time, I have always worn them and will always wear them. I grew up in the South and now live here again, and they've always been one of my nonnegotiable wardrobe staples for the months of summer heat. Currently, my favorite pairs have around a 3" inseam and finished hems, but I'm no stranger to denim cutoffs either. And yes, I realize that we often report on alternatives to denim shorts, and I get it—they're not for everyone. But if you are team denim shorts—even just a bit—stay with me.
Like me, I've noticed that even the most elevated dressers are treating denim shorts as a basic this summer, and are finding fresh ways to style them, as opposed to pairing them with the go-to T-shirt and sneakers. Like jeans, the outfit options for denim shorts are endless, and the ones that are standing out the most to me right now are the elegant ones. It's actually quite easy to make any type of denim shorts—from short cutoffs to bermudas—if you pair them with polished, elevated pieces.
If you'd like some inspiration, I found nine stellar examples of elegant denim shorts outfits to wear for the remainder of the warm days (some of which will even work in the fall). Keep scrolling to start outfit planning and shop key pieces to create these elegant denim shorts outfits yourself.
Oversize Blazer + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Pumps
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Crochet Shirt + Denim Cutoffs + Crochet Flats
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Bodysuit + White Cutoffs + Block-Heel Shoes
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Trench Coat + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Flip-Flops
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Ruffled Blouse + Denim Cutoffs + Mesh Flats
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White Button-Down Shirt + Long Cutoffs + Ballet Flats
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Pretty White Top + Denim Cutoffs
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T-Shirt + Denim Cutoffs + High-Heeled Mules
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Blazer + Bermuda Shorts + Flat Mules
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Put Aside Your Denim Cutoffs—These 4 Shorts Trends Are Way More ElegantTrust me on this.
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Let's Bring Back Chic Airport Style—13 Travel Outfits I'm "Borrowing" for My Next FlightEn route in style.
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Not Ballet Flats, Not Sneakers—Everyone With Cool Style Is Wearing These Shoes With Jeans Right NowThey're bound to be fall's go-to flat shoes.
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Experienced Shoppers Are Styling Cowboy Boots With This Specific Denim Trend to Make Them Look Less CostumeyTake a page out of Kendall Jenner's style book.
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Bike Shorts Have Lost Their Luster—This Is the Sporty Trend Fashion People Are Wearing InsteadThey're sporty even if you're not.
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If I Saw You in Any of These 15 Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits, I'd Think You Hired a StylistNice taste.
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When I See Someone Wearing This Non-Jean, Non-Shorts Trend With Sneakers, I Know They're a Fashion PersonAllow me to explain.
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Put Down the Black and White Pants—This Is the Richer Color You Didn't Know You NeededElegant and on-trend.
