How to Style Jean Shorts?

Denim has always been considered a universal everyday base. But in recent seasons, it has become a popular trend. While we'll be wearing jeans all through the fall and winter, the last warm days of the season are the perfect time to squeeze in one last wear of denim shorts. Follow these tips, and get ready to receive plenty of compliments! You'll find stylish outfit ideas with jean shorts for every taste and occasion from this article.

Should Jean Shorts Be Tight or Loose?

Denim pieces are at the peak of popularity this season, and now is the perfect time to update your wardrobe with stylish jean shorts. Our fashion guide will help you choose the right pair of denim shorts, tailored to your body shape and figure.

Body Type “Full Apple”

If you're a lucky plus-size woman, loose-fitting jean shorts with a frayed hem are exactly what you need. They outline your curves where needed and draw attention to your legs, while the loose cut ensures maximum comfort.

Body Type “Thumbelina”

If you're a petite and delicate girl, tiny white jean shorts with a cuff are perfect for you. They beautifully accentuate your curves and instantly make your legs look longer. Remember, the shorts should hug your body enough to highlight its shape. Plus, white shorts can refresh any outfit.

Long Torso and Not-So-Long Legs

Your main goal here is to make your legs appear longer. To achieve this, balance your look with mid-thigh, straight-cut jean shorts. The cuffed hem and a few distressed details will draw attention to your legs. To maintain balance between the upper and lower body, pair these shorts with attention-grabbing footwear—lace-up sandals are a perfect choice for this task.

Tall and Slim Figure

We can't hide the truth anymore—bermuda shorts were made specifically for girls with long, lean legs. You absolutely need a pair in your wardrobe to make this summer unforgettable.

Athletic Body Type

If you have an athletic physique, you'll definitely want to show off your toned legs. Short jean shorts will draw attention to the slimness of your legs and highlight your hips—this summer, you won't be able to escape admiring glances!

If You Have a Tummy

Short, loose-fitting high-waisted jean shorts in a beachy style will help conceal your tummy and balance the waistline. Let your inner boho goddess shine through by adding a relaxed vibe—frayed edges and rips on the shorts, paired with a loose top, will be just perfect for denim shorts outfit look.

Long Legs and a Short Torso

Lucky you with those long legs! Experiment with stripes—whether vertical or horizontal—and don't worry about them shortening your legs. In fact, this trick elongates your overall look by emphasizing your legs and drawing attention away from the middle part of your body.

Boyish Body Type

Girls with a boyish physique can endlessly experiment with prints and colors, without fear of crossing any boundaries. Be bold and daring, mixing different patterns and hues in one outfit! The print on your jean shorts will draw attention to your hips, visually adding curves and enhancing your feminine shape.

How To Style Jean Shorts For Spring And Summer?

You might be a fan of jean shorts or not, but you can't deny the charm of this wardrobe staple in the summer. Let's break down some unconventional ways to style them and take inspiration from the most stylish street style looks, so you can stay cool while looking chic and trendy.

First and foremost, it's important to find the exact fit that matches your body type and preferences. There are several outfit ideas of jean shorts:

1. Long Jean Shorts

These shorts extend just above the top of the knee. They are especially flattering on taller women. When styling long shorts, you can pair them with longer t-shirts, tunics, tops, shirts, or even medium-length t-shirts. They can easily be matched with casual or sporty clothing for a relaxed, comfortable look.

2. Standard Jean Shorts

These shorts are typically 15-25 cm above the knee. There is a wide variety of clothing options that pair well with them. You can match classic jean shorts with tops, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, and more. However, one key thing to keep in mind is that to create the most harmonious combinations, all pieces should be of medium or short length. This helps maintain balance and proportions in the outfit.

3. Super-Short Jean Shorts

When it comes to the shortest denim shorts, they should be no shorter than 5 cm from the waistband. The key to pairing mini-shorts with other clothes is that the top should end where the shorts begin — at the waist or hip level. As for the fit of these shorts, it's best to avoid overly tight styles to prevent looking vulgar or provocative, as they might resemble underwear. Instead, opt for a slightly looser fit for a more stylish and comfortable look.

Basic dos and don'ts when pairing denim shorts with other clothing:

Try to avoid overly long tops when pairing with denim shorts. There's no point in wearing shorts that will be hidden by your upper clothing. Choose outfits that allow the shorts to show at least a few centimeters underneath.

When it comes to combining denim with other denim items, it's best to avoid it. Overuse of denim clothing won't give you the desired effect.

If you want to pair your jean shorts with blazers or knitted sweaters, feel free to do so, but remember to follow the principles of choosing the right length. To avoid unflattering looks, opt for outerwear with a zipper, like a long coat or cardigan.

You can also take the risk of pairing denim shorts with leggings. These combinations will look bold and striking, as well as highlight your individuality.

What accessories to wear with jean shorts?

When it comes to accessories we recommend pairing with denim shorts, first and foremost, belts are a great choice. Denim shorts also pair well with certain bracelets, especially leather ones. Spice up your look with sunglasses, a backpack, or a small handbag, and you'll have a surprisingly successful outfit.

If you're heading to a date, go for larger bags, glamorous sunglasses, and silk scarves or neckerchiefs for a touch of elegance.

What shoes to wear with jean shorts?

Jean shorts have an incredibly laid-back reputation, and while this can be a classic choice, with the right styling and accessories, they can be made suitable for a variety of occasions. Just like with sundresses, knowing what shoes to pair with denim shorts can change the game when it comes to dressing them from head to toe. We consulted stylists to find out which styles work best to refresh your look, from sneakers and flats to platforms, wedges, and cowboy boots.

Sneakers

You can't go wrong pairing sneakers with denim—it's a match made in heaven. “If you're looking for a casual combination for travel or active outings, go for sneakers,” says New York-based fashion stylist Audrey Kate Lopez.

Woven Mules

You may have noticed that woven mules are making a comeback. This laid-back yet stylish shoe silhouette is a great way to complement denim, especially if you opt for a pointed-toe mule. “Cropped denim shorts with short cuffs elongate the leg, creating a continuous line and drawing attention to the ankle (the slimmest part),” says FP stylist Julie Parlade. “Mules can also help balance the casual nature of denim shorts, adding a touch of elegance. And because they highlight the ankle, they work perfectly with shorts of any length.”

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats have made a comeback over the past year, and they are a great option to pair with denim shorts on days when you want to look put-together without being overly dressed up. “Ballet flats are the perfect match if you don't want to wear open-toe sandals but also don't want to go for bulky sneakers,” says Lopez. “Flat ballet flats can dress up your denim shorts and elongate your legs more than sneakers or chunky shoes.”

Strappy Sandals

Strappy sandals with heels might seem like an unusual match with denim, but their quirky silhouette, perfect for a party, helps balance out the casual charm of denim shorts. “I love strappy sandals, cutoff bermuda shorts, and an oversized blouse,” says Lopez.“It's the perfect combination of something casual (the shorts), something unexpected (the top), and something in between (the sandals).”

The key is to choose the right footwear for the occasion and ensure it complements the outfit harmoniously.

Jean shorts are incredibly comfortable, keeping you cool without causing any discomfort while moving. Even the tightest models allow your skin to breathe, and unlike a short skirt, they offer more freedom. You can sit or stand in any position without worrying about breaking decency rules or appearing vulgar.