Dress Up Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are a classic you can live in all summer. Whether they are tailored, frayed, high-waisted, or boyfriend style, you can dress them up with different looks all season long. Pair them with a variety of tops and stylish accessories, and then finish off your look with great shoes.

Steps

Picking Your Top

  1. Tuck in a simple white t-shirt for a polished look. You can’t go wrong with a simple white t-shirt that’s tucked in. Choose a tailored, striped t-shirt as an alternative to your basic white. Try one with a boatneck for a flattering and classic look.[1]
    • Try a logo sweatshirt, especially tucked into your shorts.
    • Make the look dressier by wearing high-waisted denim shorts.
  2. Dress up your shorts with a crisp button-down blouse. Select a blouse in classic white or black. Get one that’s oversized to contrast with your shorts. You can also wear a silk blouse in a jewel tone that pops. [2]
    • Wear a billowy off-the-shoulder blouse for a soft, feminine look.
    • Try a sheer blouse on hotter days if you’re feeling daring.
  3. Contrast your denim with lace. Wear a lacy t-shirt to offset your denim and dress it up. Pick a lacy blouse or jacket for an even dressier look. Opt for lacy tops in white or off-white lace.
    • Pair your denim shorts with a lacy t-shirt and heels in a color that matches your t-shirt.
    • Try wearing your denim shorts with a lacy peasant blouse and espadrilles for a breezy look.
    • You can also applique some lace on your shorts to dress them up.
  4. Cover it with a jacket. Dress up your t-shirt and short combination with a blazer. Make a statement by choosing an oversized blazer that is longer than your shorts. Choose a boxy jacket in a color that matches one of the stripes in your striped top for a classic look. You can achieve a flowy, softer look with a kimono jacket.[3]
    • Try a statement or tailored vest with a blouse or t-shirt.
  5. Don’t overdo a denim on denim look. Choose shades that don’t match if you’re going to wear a denim top, vest, or jacket with your shorts. Mix black or white denim with blue denim or chambray if you’re worried about looking too matchy-matchy. Wear a darker denim where you want to look slimmer.[4]
    • Darker denim shorts will slim your hips and waist, especially when contrasted with a lighter denim top.
    • Frayed denim looks especially good when you combine denim shorts and tops or jackets.

Adding Accessories

  1. Dress up your shorts with a hat. Try a fedora paired with a tailored t-shirt and blazer look. A baseball cap also looks cute with the blazer and denim shorts combination.[5] Add a wide-brim hat, especially with a blouse.
  2. Choose an elegant handbag. Pick a structured shoulder bag or clutch to dress up any outfit with denim shorts. Try a textured leather bag for the dressiest look. A cross-body bag always looks nice with shorts and is easy to carry in the summer. If you’re wearing more sedate colors or a denim-on-denim combination, choose a brightly colored bag.[6]
    • Never pair a denim bag with an all-denim outfit.
  3. Dress it up with jewelry. Wear a long necklace when you pair your denim shorts with a white t-shirt. Try longer earrings to contrast with the shortness of your shorts. Pair any combination of outfits with stacks of bracelets. Wearing any jewelry with your denim shorts will make you look dressier and more put-together.

Finishing with Footwear

  1. Wear heels or wedges for an elegant look. Choose heels that really flatter your legs and feet to dress up your shorts. Try shoes with a low vamp that shows off the most of your legs. Remember that shoes with ankle straps will make your legs look cut off, especially if they are dark.[7]
    • Try dressing up your shorts with pumps, a tweed jacket, and pussy bow blouse.[8]
    • Wear heels with your t-shirt and a statement necklace to dress up your denim shorts on really hot days.
    • Heels pair well with a silk blouse and your denim shorts.
  2. Opt for flats for a more formal look. Wear flats or loafers to make your shorts look more formal. Try pairing flats with high-waisted shorts and blouses. Choose patent leather for a polished, but summery look.[1]
    • Wear flats with a kimono, tank top, and denim shorts for a light, dressy look.
    • Try wearing loafers and a crisp button-down with boyfriend-style denim shorts. Add a clutch handbag to pull the outfit together.
  3. Choose sandals in flats or heels. Sandals and shorts are a classic combination. Dress up your shorts with sandals that have a higher heel. Or opt for flats that have some sparkle to dress things up. Paint your toenails for a more put-together look and get a pedicure if your feet aren’t looking their best.
    • Pair sandals in a metallic or light leather with a denim-on-denim outfit. The sandals will complement and dress up the denim.
    • Try wearing your denim shorts with strappy sandals, an off-the-shoulder blouse, and a floppy hat.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.glamour.com/story/7-ways-to-style-jean-shorts-this-summer
  2. ↑ http://www.whowhatwear.com/best-ways-style-denim-shorts-summer-fashion-2014
  3. ↑ http://www.eonline.com/news/674714/5-days-5-ways-how-to-dress-up-denim-cut-offs
  4. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/denim-on-denim-rules/
  5. ↑ http://www.poorlittleitgirl.com/
  6. ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/street-style/news/g1647/dress-up-your-denim-shorts-323452/
  7. ↑ https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2015/05/3-top-tips-to-choosing-shoes-to-flatter-a-thick-ankle.html/
  8. ↑ http://www.manrepeller.com/2015/07/how-to-dress-up-denim-shorts.html

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