It’s no secret I am a lover of all things denim. Denim jeans, denim jackets, denim dresses, you name it I love it. So it’s no surprise that come summer, I’m all about the jean shorts. And that’s why today we’re going to talk about what to wear with jean shorts in all the ways!
Just like my beloved Madewell denim straight leg jeans, or my favorite cropped denim favorites, my denim shorts go with all the things. I love to dress them up for summer in cute espadrilles and pretty blouses. Or dress them down and keep things super casual in a cotton tank and easy sandals. They are truly summer staples in my wardrobe.
And once you have a few good pairs you can rotate through, they will quickly become ones you reach for over and over again. No matter what your personal style is, or where you’re headed, I can pretty much guarantee you can find a way to style your jean shorts to fit the bill. So let’s dive into what to wear with jean shorts.
What To Wear With Jean Shorts
Casual Tops
This is my go-to for running errands or just needing to throw something on and go. Casual tops. Whether it’s cotton tank tops that are fitted, bodysuits or a graphic tee, casual paired with a pair of denim shorts is always a good option.
Since summer means hot weather, I try to stick to cotton whenever possible. A fitted ribbed tank, or even a linen simple button down is casual and will keep you cool.
The thing that I love about just jeans and a casual tee is that you can really still make it feel put together. Add your jewelry, a cute bag, and you’ve got an outfit that feels put together with very little effort.
Dressy Tops
Just like how you can dress down denim, you can also dress it up. For summer evenings with friends to have dinner al fresco, I love to add a dressier top to my favorite jean shorts. Pretty eyelet blouses or even a nice lacey top is perfect.
Dressy summer tops can range from cute puff sleeve tops like this, or fun patterned halter tops like this floral one. But they can also be silky blouses that are much more dressy for a night on the town. Just make sure the shoe matches the rest of the outfit.
Belts
Complete your summer shorts outfit with a great belt. You can go classic with just a nice leather belt, thin or thick, anything really goes these days. Or try a woven belt. Either are great options to pair with jean shorts.
Third Pieces
Add a third piece to your denim shorts outfit to really make it feel complete. A third piece is something in addition to your top and bottom that helps to make the outfit feel pulled together. This can be an array of things from a belt, a bandana, or a blazer or cardigan.
Your options here are truly endless. For summer, I really love a lightweight linen blazer. Or a loosely tied bandana around your neck. A camp shirt is another cute fun trend happening right now that can satisfy that denim jacket craving.
Shoes
Your summer shoe options when it comes to finishing off your denim summer short outfits are quite large! It all depends on the top you’re choosing and where you’re headed. Nicer top and heading out to dinner? You can truly wear a stiletto, a heel or a high wedge.
If you’re going to run errands or just head to the park with friends, sneaker or flip flop works. And so many shoes in-between.
If you’re going casual with your cotton tank top, try a casual sandal, or slide, or a sneaker. You can also make your tank and shorts feel a little nicer by going with a slightly nicer shoe. Not too nice, but think a cute wedge or block heel. This instantly makes your more casual look feel a little elevated.
And for those nicer looks, you can wear a variety of heel options. From low strappy kitten heels, to platform sandals or espadrilles.
10 Jean Shorts Outfits
Black Jean Shorts Outfit
If you’re into black denim, finding a pair of black jean shorts is a great addition to your summer warrobe. I find that these can so easily be dressed up or down. I have always paired mine with a cute graphic tee or a white tank and Converse. It’s simple yet cute.
But black jean shorts can also be paird with a faux leather blazer for spring or fall to ease into the seasons. Darker denim in dark indigo washes or black are a great way to add some good denim options to your wardrobe.
Black denim shorts also allow you to add a denim jacket. I know we all love a denim jacket outfit, and by choosing black denim or white denim, this works perfectly.
Bermuda Jean Shorts Outfit
The Bermuda jean short is back and I just love it. These are from Pistola denim and I love the slight distressing and light wash of these denim shorts.
Personally, I prefer these dressed up a bit over a more casual look. I would only wear them with heels in my book but that’s just me. A low kitten heel is great and a linen blazer pulls it all together. You can totally rock these with a tank and cool edgy sandal though for a more casual look.
You can see how to style Bermuda shorts here, and also get inspired by this tailored trouser Bermuda style version!
Mom Jean Shorts Outfit
These are my most worn in my closet. My mom jean shorts I find to be the most versatile. I can wear them casually with my high-top Converse and a tee, or pair them with an espadrille and pretty summer linen blouse.
The mom jean short is a bit of a higher rise and a relaxed fit. I feel my best in these and reach for them often. I think finding your personal favorite jean short that you feel great in is key. And once you find it, honestly, buy another color!
A Feminine Dressed Up Outfit
A sweet look with denim shorts for a more feminine and dressy look always includes a pretty top and accessories. This floral ruffled strap tank is the perfect dressy top that isn’t over the top, but also isn’t just a tank.
Add a woven belt, and cork shoes for a complete feminine summer look. And don’t forget a great bag to complete it all.
High Waisted Jean Shorts Outfit
High waisted jean shorts allow you to tap into a really popular trend right now, crop tops. Sure you can totally pair these higher waisted denim shorts with your go to tees and tanks, but trying a crop top is fun too!
The higher rise allows you to try a crop top without showing your entire midriff. Which I personally prefer! Instead, just a sliver shows.
Casual Yet Elevated Jean Short Outfits
When I want to feel more put-together, but still casual and comfortable, this is usually my combination. A slightly nicer top so maybe a great summer linen button down, or cotton puff sleeve top. Something that just isn’t a tee or tank. But also not really a true blouse that feels too nice.
But what helps to keep this feeling more casual but not like you didn’t put any effort in, is all in the styling. Adding belts, strappy sandals instead of a boring flip flop, and accessories. A cute bandana in the hair, a chic bag, and so on. These little swaps take shorts and a flip flops up a notch when you put in just a bit more effort.
You can wear this type of an outfit to so many activities as well. Casual enough for running errands, but you can totally grab a nice lunch with friends in this, or even wear it to dinner.
Jean Shorts Outfits With Blazers
One of my go-to third pieces no matter what season, is a blazer. An oversized linen blazer is a great option to throw over a top with jean shorts. This yellow linen oversized blazer was the ideal topper to a crochet tank and heels. Wear this out on the town with friends or date night. And you can 100% swap the heels for a cute sandal for a more everyday look.
But if you’re also in-between seasons, think those cool spring days, or warm fall ones, a faux leather blazer is actually a great way to extend the life of your denim shorts.
