Denim shorts are a spring and summer wardrobe staple, and I’m sure they’re an item you already have in your closet! But if you’re in a jeans and tee rut, girl, I feel you. I’ve been there too! Today, we’re going to break out of the rut. I’ve got some fresh inspo for ya with five denim shorts outfits! 

The shorts I’m going to be styling are the AGOLDE Parker shorts. They are a true 100% cotton denim, meaning they don’t have stretch but will break in over time with wear. I waiver between a 28 and 29 in denim, and I’m wearing these in a 29. They are high rise, which I love and have a two inch inseam. They are a little on the pricey side, but they are currently included in Shopbop’s Event of the Season Sale! You can get 20% off your order. If you spend $500+, you’ll get 25% off! However if you’re still looking for a pair for even less, I’d recommend these from Madewell! (In those I wore a 28.) And I also have a Madewell shorts try-on if you want even more recommendations!

Denim Shorts and a Kimono

Kimonos are another one of my spring and summer wardrobe staples! They are a great third piece or “completer” piece for an outfit. They easily elevate a simple tee, tank, or dress without added bulk in the hot months. You might recognize this one from my recent Amazon try-on! If leopard print isn’t your thing, my kimono also comes in floral prints. You can also try a solid or lace version too! I layered the kimono over a button-front tank. But you could also use a simple tank top or solid tee here instead!

Kimono (medium) | Tank (medium) | Shorts (29) | Similar espadrilles

Denim Shorts and a Button Down

Does it get any more classic than a white button down? I might be mildly obsessed with mine. In fact, it’s probably made an appearance in almost every one of my style sessions! Since the shorts I’m styling are high waisted, I was able to knot my button down. But you could also tuck it in or do a front tuck if you prefer that look! 

You could also do this with a long sleeve button down! I’d roll the sleeves up to make it short sleeved, but if you live somewhere warm, I cannot recommend a short sleeve version enough! I wear mine year-round. My exact one is Madewell, but I recently tried on this one atTarget. Y’all, it is good. Really good. For $17, you seriously cannot go wrong! If I didn’t already have one, I would have snagged it! (It also fits TTS. I liked the medium on me.)

Top (medium) — Target version under $20! (TTS) | Shorts (29) | Sandals (9) | Bag

Denim Shorts and a Utility Jacket

Another easy way to amp up a basic jean shorts and tee look is with a utility jacket. I’ve had mine for years and I still pull it out every spring and fall. If you’re worried about the layer being too warm, you can always tie it around your waist as the temperatures increase throughout the day. Also, I just saw Old Navy released a linen version! How awesome is that?! I imagine it being the perfect lightweight layer to throw on over tees, tanks, and spring dresses! I am going to order it and report back!

For the shoe, I kept it sporty with a sneaker. If you’re on the hunt for a basic sneaker, Converse is always a winner in my book! These are another item I’ve had for years, and they never go out of style. I love them so much that I decided to order the Shoreline version. They’re a slip-on but have a very similar look to these! Sometimes motherhood means you just don’t have time to tie your own shoes. Am I right?! ?

Jacket (small) — Linen version! | Tee (medium) | Shorts (29) | Sneakers (9) | Earrings

Denim Shorts and a Crop Tee

What I love about this outfit is that the pieces are all basic! But to mix it up, I went with a cropped tee that has embroidered details on it. And for my third piece, I added a silk scarf. If you can’t stand the thought of adding a jacket or even a kimono, a small accessory like a scarf can really add personality to an outfit. 

For this look, I tied the scarf into my hair, but there are so many ways you can wear it! It can be a hair accessory, you can tie it around your neck, and it can act as a belt! If you need some style ideas, I have a whole post dedicated to eight ways to wear a small scarf!

Tee (small) | Shorts (29) | Scarf | Slides (9) | Earrings

Denim Shorts and a Feminine Top

One combination I never tire of is the pairing of girlier pieces with edgier ones. This top is pretty basic but the puff sleeves and color add some femininity. It’s a nice balance to the destroyed denim. And you don’t have to have a top that looks like mine! Think about pairing lace tops, pretty embroidered pieces, anything with girly details will do!

Shoe-wise, I also went with a more feminine option here too! The wrap-around tie and bow are such a sweet detail. But a lot of shoes could work with this outfit. Wedges, platform sandals, slides, gladiator sandals– I’d just go with something on the daintier side! 

Top (medium) |  Shorts (29) | Espadrilles (9) — wedge option, platform sandal option | Earrings

When it comes to denim shorts outfits, what look is most your style?

Want more outfit ideas? See all my style sessions!