Every spring, I try on shorts and hate them. But, not this year! I found the perfect pair of shorts for anyone else who struggles with shorts but, at the same time, thinks they could really use a pair in their wardrobe. In general, jeans shorts are a great alternative to jean pants in the summer. If you find the right pair, they can be just as versatile as jeans. These shorts are also really easy to style, so you can put together outfits quickly and be on your way! Plus, if you’re a mom, jean shorts are easy to just throw in the washer – there’s nothing better than low maintenance clothes you can wear around your kiddos.

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Shop my outfit here. I sized down one size in these jean shorts, and they fit perfectly even after washing and drying them. Click here to see the lighter wash version on me, which I also considered, and see below for other pairs I like!
How to Style Jean Shorts
The options to wear with jean shorts are pretty much endless. It’s just like wearing something with jeans – jeans go with just about everything, and so do jean shorts. There are a million different ways to style them, whether you want to wear them to brunch with your friends, to pick up your kids from school, or to run errands.
Are Jean Shorts In Style
Jean shorts never seem to go out of style, but they’re available in so many different cuts and styles now. I love this! It means there’s a pair that works for everyone. As someone who does not like short jean shorts, I’m personally thrilled that looser-fitting jean shorts are very much in style because it means there are tons of options.
What To Wear With Jean Shorts
T-shirt
A t-shirt and jean shorts is just as classic as a t-shirt and jeans. If you aren’t sure what to wear with your shorts, this is a great place to start. Be sure to also check out on my blog post on how to dress up a t-shirt and jeans because some of the tops, shoes, and sweaters in that blog post would also work with jean shorts. Yes – sweaters and outerwear too! You can definitely style jean shorts for a crisp spring morning with a sweater or a suede jacket.
Slingbacks
Slingbacks just instantly elevate an outfit, including a jean shorts look! So, if you’re heading to brunch or dinner with your family, consider slingbacks. I love the two-tone leather slingbacks that are everywhere right now because they match a lot! If you want a fun kitten heel, I’ve been eyeing the last two pairs I linked. I put together an outfit idea with them below. They’re really unique but very versatile – you can easily wear them with jeans, skirts, dresses, and to work!
Leather Belt
Belts and accessories in general are really popular right now, and they’ll never go out of style. You can wear most any type of belt with jean shorts, whether you prefer a classic leather belt or something more fun. I’ve styled both in this post.
Button Up
Button ups are just as versatile as jean shorts are. They really just go with everything and add a touch of sophistication to your look. The best part is that they’re effortless.
Earrings
Earrings and other accessories are perfect to help elevate your denim shorts outfit. I own and love the first two pairs. The first pair are regular earrings (I’m wearing them in this post) that I had the company take the earring back off so that it would be a clip on, but they come as standard, regular earrings. The second pair is a clip on pair! You can see them on me here.
How To Wear Jean Shorts
Baggy jean shorts and a t-shirt with accessories
These jean shorts, which I’ve featured throughout this post, are the perfect pair of shorts because they’re so versatile. Given how little I enjoy wearing shorts, I’m really happy I bought these because I’ve been wearing them a lot. I wore them on this day to run errands, but I felt like I even dressed them up with my shoes and accessories. I would definitely wear this outfit out to dinner or to meet up with friends. Size down one size in these shorts, especially if you’re between sizes.

Jean shorts with a button up and slingbacks
As far as elevated jean short outfits can go, this felt like one to me because of the slingback shoes and fun suede belt. This linen button up is the perfect top to wear all summer, and a button up works for anywhere you’re wearing jean shorts.

Jean Shorts With Kitten Heels For Brunch or Dinner
I’ve been eyeing this cotton sleeveless top and the matching cardigan for a long time now! I love it in the soft blue or the white. This would be a really elegant look as far as denim shorts go that you could wear out with friends or family.
Ecru Denim Shorts
Off white shorts are perfect for warm days ahead. This pair is the exact same as the pair I’m wearing in the photos in this post – it’s just a different color. Anyway, these would be really cute to wear to grab a coffee or for a lunch on vacation. You can wear these with summer loafers just as easily as you can wear them with sandals. I love this type of outfit for when you just want to be really comfortable! The linen button up is super soft and well made – I tried it on store and recommend going with your normal size.
Busy day with kids jean shorts outfit
Okay, every single day is obviously a busy day with little ones. But, I’m thinking about when it’s the height of summer and you need an outfit that is comfortable and practical, these denim shorts can be the answer! First of all, if you get a bunch of mulch or sand on you from the playground, these hold up well in the washer and dryer. Plus, these look really cute with a simple t-shirt and sneakers. I love these velcro sneakers. I saw them in store recently and they’re currently in my cart.
Holiday Weekend Outfit
I’m writing this post as we’re approaching Memorial Day Weekend here in the US and we have the July 4 holiday just around the corner. If you’re thinking about what to wear to a neighborhood BBQ or one at a friend’s house, I love the idea of wearing these shorts with a t-shirt and American flag sweater! It will be perfect once the sun goes down. Plus, you can style the sweater with summer dresses too!
Denim Shorts with an on-trend vest
Tailored clothing has always been my absolute favorite type of look. I think it’s from my time in London. Whatever the reason, I am so happy there are so many tailored linen vests available now. They pair perfectly with flowy skirts, linen pants, jeans, and yes, jean shorts! I love how the navy and dark denim look together with the black sandals.
Beach Vacation Outfit
If you’re wearing your jean shorts on a beach vacation, I love the idea of wearing it with a flowy linen top or linen t-shirt. Don’t forget your beach bag!
Okay, I hope you found some outfits or tips on how to style jean shorts. Don’t forget to sign up for my email list!