9 Elegant Denim-Shorts Outfits to Try

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 in the South again, and they’ve always been one of my non-negotiable 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 cut-offs 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 cut-offs 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.

Oversized Blazer + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Pumps

Influencer wearing long denim shorts with a blazer and pumps

Shop the Key Pieces

Crochet Shirt + Denim Cut-Offs + Crochet Flats

Influencer wearing denim shorts with a crochet top and crochet flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Bodysuit + White Cut-Offs + Block-Heel Shoes

Influencer wearing denim shorts with a red tank top and red shoes

Shop the Key Pieces

Trench Coat + Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Flip-Flops

Influencer wearing denim shorts with a trench coat and flip-flops

Shop the Key Pieces

Ruffled Blouse + Denim Cut-Offs + Mesh Flats

Influencer wearing denim shorts with a ruffled blouse and mesh flats

Shop the Key Pieces

White Button-Down Shirt + Long Cut-Offs + Ballet Flats

Influencer wearing denim shorts with a white button-down shirt and ballet flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Pretty White Top + Denim Cut-Offs

Influencer wearing denim shorts with a white eyelet top and raffia bag

Shop the Key Pieces

T-Shirt + Denim Cut-Offs + High-Heel Mules

Fashion editor wearing denim shorts with a jersey and high-heel mules

Shop the Key Pieces

Blazer + Bermuda Shorts + Flat Mules

Influencer wearing long denim shorts with a tan blazer and mules

Shop the Key Pieces