There's no denying what seems to be a resounding interest among fashion people in putting together an expensive-looking closet. When it comes to summer outfits, denim cutoff shorts often come to mind but not usually in a more sophisticated sense so they are often overlooked beyond a casual ensemble. However, I'm not convinced that they need to be. Thanks to the help of some chic styling it's 100% possible to instantly elevate your favorite denim cutoffs.
To prove this, I rounded up nine standout outfits straight from my Instagram outfit inspiration folder that show just how elevated this jeans shorts style can truly be. A red thread through each of these outfits is the inclusion of elevated essentials like smart blazers, effortless T-shirts, classic belts, trendy ballet flats, chic sandals, and more. Keep scrolling to check out and shop each look—I guarantee you will be able to get even more wear out of your denim shorts collection this season.
1.
Shop the look:
Neutral blazers are a personal favorite.
To wear forever.
White tees always come in handy.
You can't go wrong with Levi's denim.
These look luxe.
2.
Shop the look:
Denim goodness.
So sleek.
Perfect for summer.
Agolde jeans are always selling out.
3.
Shop the look:
Cute and under $100.
I want this top in every color.
Statement earrings.
Love a mini bag.
Madewell belts are top notch.
And their denim is as well.
Designer vibes.
4.
Shop the look:
Cool-girl feels.
So many ways to style this piece.
Polo shirts are in the spotlight again.
Another cute mini bag.
For the short shorts lovers.
These also come in red and black.
5.
Shop the look:
Tell me these aren't cool.
The mini ruffles!
For a fun layered look.
Great for layering.
These are selling out fast!
Such a lovely shade of blue.
6.
Shop the look:
Oversize, just the way I like it.
Summer bag alert.
Simple yet chic.
A worthy investment.
Another super-short option.
7.
Shop the look:
Effortless.
I'm obsessed.
Another great pair from Agolde.
The contrast stitching makes these look expensive.
8.
Shop the look:
A chic under-$50 find.
Pretty!
Butter yellow is trending.
Levi's are where it's at.
You can wear this with everything from jeans to skirts.
An affordable pick worth scooping up.
9.
Shop the look:
AReplica Store standout.
Easy breezy.
The ultimate chain bracelet.
Did I mention Bermuda shorts are popular right now?
I could live in these.
-
Ignore the Haters—I Still Love These Versatile and Comfy Pants and Bet You Do TooSee how fashion people from NYC to Paris to London wear them for fall.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
-
All of the Coolest People I Follow Just Bought Into This New Fall Denim ShapeNo, it's not barrel, wide leg, or bootcut.
-
Loafers Are Great, But If You're Bored, This Is the Classic Flat Shoe Trend to Try NextCould this be the new It flat shoe for fall?
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was WearingForget ballet flats.
-
This Classic Shoe Is Every Parisian's Secret to Making Jeans Look Elevated in FallAnd you probably already own it.
-
My Mom Only Shops at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy for Fall 2025She had me at under-$100 Uggs and Levi's.
-
This Timeless Shoe Trend Makes Every Black-Dress Outfit Look So '90sIt's an instant elevator, no matter the dress style. Just ask Jennifer Aniston and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
