Style

Chic Jean Shorts Outfits That’ll Make Your Old Denim Feel Brand New

It’s all about versatility.

by Dominique Norman

*Checks calendar.* Yep, it’s time to bust out the trusty pile of jean shorts stacked high in the back of your closet. The summer staple has been around for decades, yet they literally never go out of style.

The reason why? Their versatility. You can get through an entire summer with just one or two good pairs of jean shorts. No matter how many times you reach for that same pair of cut-offs, they’ll never look the same twice — as long as you style them right.

For those super hot, humid days, dress down your denim with a bucket hat and a bra top. For happy hour with your partner, opt for a statement belt, blazer, and a barely-there naked sandal. If your 9-5 job has a chill dress code, you can still keep it corporate-cute with an oversize button-up and a smattering of silver jewelry.

Mark your calendars for “upper thigh July” (yes, I did just come up with that) and read on for all the inspiration you need. Here are all the cutest, chicest, freshest ways to wear jean shorts.

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Jean Shorts & A Graphic Tee

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Kristin Stewart styled her low-rise cut-offs with an oversize white graphic tee (classic). Grab your fav band tee and throw on for an easy everyday look.

Tip: Chop it at the waist, Kstew style, for a little dimension.

Jean Shorts & A Jean Jacket

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Venus Williams went for denim on denim while attending the Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week.

Tip: Layer denim pieces that are the same tone.

Jean Shorts & A Silk Scarf

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Fashion blogger and designer Chiara Ferragni opted for a silk scarf for a pop of color while attending Milan Fashion Week.

Tip: If the scarf is too small to tie around your waist, try tying around the neck for a draped look.

Jean Shorts & Cowboy Boots

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Hennessy Carolina went for cowgirl chic add-ons at Revolvefest. A perfect compliment to cutoff denim.

Tip: Start with a printed shoe and style the rest of your look around them to prevent over-styling.

Jean Shorts & A Bodysuit

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Only Murders in the Building star Selena Gomez went for a sleek white bodysuit and statement belt while out shopping. It’s an easy-chic summer vibe.

Tip: Shop for extra thick body suits to avoid a see-through situation.

Jean Shorts & A Bikini Top

Dua Lipa went for a summer picnic vibe with this Miu Miu checkered jacket and red bikini top.

Tip: swimsuits work great as bra tops because they are designed to dry quickly (read: no underboob sweat).

Jean Shorts & A Statement Belt

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Kendall took us straight to the rodeo with this Coachella throwback.

Tip: Statement belts work just as well as jewelry to spice up a look.

Jean Shorts & Gladiator Sandals

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Vanessa Hudgens really went for it, with knee-high sandals, distressed denim, and lightweight blouse.

Tip: Go extra casual on top, since your sandals will do the talking.

Jean Shorts & A Bucket Hat

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Ashley Tisdale paired slouchy cut-offs with a black tee, high-top sneakers, and a bucket hat to shade herself from the California sun.

Tip: A black and white print adds interest, but is easy to style due to the neutral colors.

Jean Shorts & A Fanny Pack

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Jasmine Sanders understood the assignment (read: summer festival).

Tip: Sporty details offer a fresh take on the tired ‘festival style’ look.

Jean Shorts & A Leather Jacket

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Don’t pack up your leather jacket just yet. You’ll thank me later.

Tip: Layer up for the frozen office tundra, cold plane rides, or freezing movie theaters.

Jean Shorts & An Oversize Button Up

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Leave it to Hailey Bieber to make a smoothie run look glamorous as hell.

Tip: Wear your button-up off the shoulder for a breezy moment.

Jean Shorts & A Straw Bag

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The straw bag is summer’s take on the mini bag, as pictured here on model Valentina Sampaio.

Tip: A woven accessory makes any outfit feel beachy-cool.

Jean Shorts & A Sun Hat

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Pair up a wicker hat with a loose-knit sweater and shorties for the ultimate beach look.

Tip: Clip your hat to the outside of your carry-on for easy summer travel.

Jean Shorts & A Blazer

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Madison Beer went for a dressy look, layering a velvet blazer over her distressed jean shorts and cut-out moto boots.

Tip: A boxy blazer offers enough volume to balance out tiny shorts.