8 Outfits That Prove Denim Shorts Can Look Elevated

Here's the thing about shorts: They're not that easy to build an elegant outfit around—especially denim shorts, which are about as casual as shorts get. As someone who loves to wear denim shorts, I don't let this stop me. I like a summer outfit challenge. Given that the temperatures are in the 90s this week where I live (the sweltering South), I've been searching high and low for new ways to wear shorts, and my search was fruitful.
Just like everyone else, I want my outfits to have at least a hint of elegance these days, but elegance and shorts aren't usually in the same sentence. I'm here to change that. I found elevated denim shorts outfit ideas that'll see us all through until September. See for yourself by scrolling to shop eight denim shorts outfits that everyone will agree are elevated.
V-Neck Sweater + White T-Shirt + Belt + Denim Shorts + Sandals
Shop the Key Pieces
Blazer + Tank + Belt + Denim Shorts + Kitten Heels
Shop the Key Pieces
Cardigan + Denim Shorts + Heels
Shop the Key Pieces
Button-Down Shirt + Belt + White Denim Shorts + Minimal Sandals
Shop the Key Pieces
Black Cardigan + Cream Denim Shorts + Ballet Flats
Shop the Key Pieces
Logo Tee + Denim Shorts + White Socks + Loafers
Shop the Key Pieces
Black Tank + Denim Shorts + High-Heel Sandals
Shop the Key Pieces
Denim Button-Down + Belt + Denim Shorts
Shop the Key Pieces

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Yeah, You *Have* Been Wearing Athletic Shorts With the Wrong Shoes This Whole Time
Here's the *right* way.
-
Too Hot to Think? Try These 33 Chic Summer Finds From Revolve That Basically Style Themselves
Matching sets and lovely lace styles.
-
No One Will Question Your Trend-Forward Status If You Wear Denim Shorts With *These* Shoes
Tyla gets it.
-
If You Hate Denim Shorts, It's Because You're Not Styling Them With *This* Fresh and Sophisticated Shoe Trend
Hold the sneakers.
-
Aritzia Is a Fashion-Person Paradise—These 25 Standouts Are Now on Major Sale
The basics alone are worth checking out.
-
Bermuda Shorts, Bloomers, and Cutoffs, Begone—Expert Dressers Only Care About These Elegant Shorts
*The* shorts of the summer.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits: 25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the Bill
Just about everything is under $25.
-
Everyone in Los Angeles Knows This Shoe Trend Makes Denim Shorts Look Way Cooler
Denim shorts never looked so good.