Humaa Hussain
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 South America and now live in New York again, and they've always been one of my nonnegotiable wardrobe staples for the months of summer heat. Currently, my favourite pairs have around a 3" inseam and finished hems, but I'm no stranger to denim cutoffs either. And yes, I realise 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 six stellar examples of elegant denim shorts outfits to wear for the remainder of the warm days (some of which will even work in the autumn). Keep scrolling to start outfit planning and shop key pieces to create these elegant denim shorts outfits yourself.
Shop 6 Chic Denim Shorts Outfits:
1. Oversize Blazer + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Pumps
Style Notes: An oversized blazer layered over a crisp button‑down adds structure to relaxed knee‑length bermudas. Swap trainers for pumps to instantly elevate the look—perfect for city brunch or smart‑casual office wear.
Shop the Look:
Love.
I will live in these in the summer.
Stunning!
2. Crochet Shirt + Denim Cutoffs + Crochet Flats
Style Notes: Mix textural appeal by pairing a crochet shirt with raw‑hem denim shorts. Finish with your crochet or lace‑inspired flats for an artisanal, on‑trend feel.
Shop the Look:
Hurry, before it sells out.
The distressing is my favourite part.
So sweet.
3. Bodysuit + White Cutoffs + Block-Heel Shoes
Style Notes: A sleek bodysuit tucks neatly into white denim cut‑offs, offering clean lines. Block‑heel sandals or mules lift the silhouette while remaining wearable all day.
Shop the Look:
So good.
White is always a good idea.
Dorothy could never.
4. Trench Coat + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Throw a lightweight trench over a crisp shirt and bermudas for layering that feels elevated yet effortless. A simple leather flip‑flop adds a warm‑weather finish.
Shop the Look:
A light summer jacket.
These would also look so good with some heels.
My fave.
5. Ruffled Blouse + Denim Cutoffs + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: A blouse with romantic ruffles softens tough denim shorts, while mesh ballet flats introduce airy sophistication—perfect for garden parties or city strolls.
Shop the Look:
Yes please.
I need these.
So cute.
6. White Button-Down Shirt + Long Cutoffs + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A crisp white shirt loosely worn with long cut‑offs (just above the knee) creates smart proportions. Ballet flats keep it polished yet wearable.
Shop the Look:
A staple in my wardrobe.
Another way to wear these would be with a simple tank.
No fuss.
Shop the Key Pieces
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Dispatch From Paris: Everyone's Forgoing Sandals to Wear These Far Chicer Shoes With ShortsOui oui.
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Spotted in New York: The Non-White Dress Trend That Fashion People Are Wearing Nonstop With Flip-FlopsEasy elegance.
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Blue Jeans and Tees Are Cute, But This Fresh Denim-and-Top Pairing Is Way More ModernThe true definition of "effortlessly chic."
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I've Got Luxury Taste on a High-Street Budget—Here's How I'm Dressing This SummerFive save-worthy looks.
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Fact: The Chicest Summer Outfits Have Long Sleeves—7 Elegant Looks I'm CopyingI’m having a long-sleeved summer.
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Matching Sets Are Trending in London—I Personally Think They're Cooler Than DressesI have confirmation that I'm not alone.
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Anyone Under 5’ 4” Knows This Shorts-and-Shoe Combination Always Looks ElevatedIt works every time.
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Every Fashion Person I Know Relies on Linen Shorts In Summer—15 Affordable Pairs You Need to SeeBuy now, wear every summer.
