Images: Imaxtree
It’s hard to imagine a summer wardrobe without a trusty pair of cutoffs. On days we’re not wearing billowing maxi dresses or printed swimsuits, we’re in jean shorts. (Though not at the office, obvs.) Denim shorts and a graphic T-shirt is the unofficial uniform of summer and the combination sees us from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Diehard fans even rock their jean shorts into fall.
As much as we love our favorite denim shorts outfits, wearing the same look over and over can get a little stale. There are only so many different vintage band T-shirts and slogan tees we can style with cutoffs before things get a bit boring. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 18 fresh styling hacks that will make even the most broken-in pair of denim shorts feel like new.
[ Next: Spotted! 20 Cool New Ways to Wear Cutoffs This Summer ]
How to Make Your Denim Shorts Feel Like New
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Top It Off
Denim shorts, sneakers and baseball caps are quintessential summer staples. Contrast the sporty vibes with an oversized white blazer and structured shoulder bag. The key is having a short hem just visible under the blazer to avoid a no-pants effect.
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Top Trade
It's not necessary to get overly complicated. Simply trading in a go-to T-shirt for a sheer flirty blouse dresses up any denim shorts outfit. Choose a semi-sheer style and layer a bra underneath to up the sexiness.
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These Boots Are Made for Walking
Choosing a unique pair of jean shorts is an instant update, but even a classic pair of frayed cutoffs will look polished with the right shoes. Swap sandals for a pair of lace-up shoes and trade a T-shirt for a billowy white blouse.
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Play With Proportions
Contrast teeny denim cutoffs with a classic trench coat. You'll get more mileage out of the spring topper and extra coverage in the back for over-frayed shorts. Instead of the expected sandals, rock a pair of chunky ankle boots.
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Double Denim
Embrace a double denim look without sweating buckets with a denim vest and jean shorts. Add some interest to the color palette via a printed bag, embellished sunglasses and statement loafers.
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Study in Contrasts
Did you fall for the charms of an oversized plaid blazer but haven't worn it yet for fear it'll project the wrong 80s banker vibes? Team it with a dark tank top and frayed denim shorts. This season's must-have fanny pack and colorful ankle boots ensure there's nothing remotely corporate or dated here.
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Look Beyond Blue
Bored with blue? Expand that denim collection to include black. Coordinate black jean shorts with a dark shacket and a belt bag. A hint of bra and over-the-knee boots dress up the ensemble so it could actually go from day to night.
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Finishing Touches
Remember, it all comes down to the details. Bring some creative flair by pairing unlikely accessories together. See this floppy hat, multicolored bag, blue sweater and flatform shoes for inspiration. A chambray shirt collar poking out of the sweater ties in the denim shorts.
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Biker Babe
No need to put away a biker jacket until fall. Follow the street style-approved hack of draping it across shoulders and wearing it with a crop top and distressed jean shorts. Colorful printed stockings and flats balance out the skin on top while adding an unexpected twist.
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Hoods Up
Balance the micro hemline of denim cutoffs with fashion's favorite hoodie and a denim jacket shrugged over shoulders. Over-the-knee heeled boots add major glam against the cozy hoodie.
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Make It Seasonless
Velvet and leopard are traditionally thought of as autumnal fabrics, but they can be brought out in the warm weather with faded jean shorts. Velvet boots and a leopard bag are fun finishing touches with a classic white tee and shorts. When the temperature isn't scorching, add in a jewel-tone velvet blazer.
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Home Run
Put a high fashion twist on ballpark style by half tucking a supersized baseball T-shirt into ripped denim shorts. White socks and sneakers play into the athleisure feel.
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Daytime Glam
There's nothing sloppy about jean shorts when they're paired with a white blouse, strappy sandals and a black trench coat. If it gets too hot outside, keep the coat artfully slung over your shoulders.
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Next-Level Basics
Not ready to deviate too far from a T-shirt and jorts? Kick your denim shorts outfit up a notch with coordinating accessories. Notice how the ribbon choker, socks, shoes, bag and even lip color match the tee?
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Show Some Leg
The teeny-tiny length of denim shorts is made for showing off legs. Enhance the effect by slipping on red heels to dress up a standard T-shirt and cutoffs. Add in a red bag for even more impact.
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Layer Up
Look chic no matter the situation with a Victorian blouse, faded denim shorts and a statement jacket. It's a look that can work for three-ish seasons of the year, a range of temperatures and a myriad of situations.
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All About Balance
Want to try a bodysuit but haven't figured out a way to work it into a look without it carrying obvious dancer vibes? Ditch the skirt and layer the bodysuit under denim shorts. Sheer tights help offset a micro pair of shorts. A biker jacket, mirrored sunglasses and fedora are finishing touches that add instant cool.
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Rock Out
Don't save the vest and shorts until the next festival. Take them to the streets by choosing a tough embellished vest and finish the denim shorts outfit with thick-soled platform boots.
