Do you enjoy wearing denim shorts in the summer? I’ll confess, I don’t wear mine out and about just a whole lot. But I do still wear jean shorts, especially for busy days at home, visiting with family or close friends, vacations, camping and such. While I may throw on a graphic tee and call it a day sometimes, I also like to elevate my denim shorts with more interesting tops and accessories, too. So today I’m sharing some pretty tops to level up your denim shorts outfits.
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For each of the five looks I’m showing you today, I’m wearing the Talbots relaxed denim shorts in magnolia wash. Their 5″ inseam (Petite: 4 1/2″; Plus: 6″; Plus Petite: 5 1/2″) is almost universally flattering since it hits mid thigh. And I like the fact that the leg opening does not hug the leg, but skims the body with a little room to spare.
The denim shorts feature a mid to high rise, hitting me just below the navel. And they’re comprised of 89% Cotton, 9% Polyester, 2% Spandex for a nice stretch. I’m wearing my TTS 10. They have traditional five pockets and a zip and button fly with a frayed hemline. I LOVE these denim shorts and they are available in most sizes, including petites, plus and plus petites. Plus they’re now 40% off. But I’ve gathered some other great denim shorts options in the shopping widget below.
I love the simplicity of a feminine white top with blue denim and sandals. This Cloth & Stone short sleeve ruffle neck top checks all the boxes. It has an attractive open neckline and soft flutter sleeves. And the gathered ruffle around the neck adds just a little femininity without going overboard.
I completed this first denim shorts outfit with my Spartina449 Fiesta tote and gold sandals from M.Gemi (similar).
For this look I gave the short sleeve ruffle neck top a gentle front tuck and added a cognac leather belt for a little polish.
Cloth and Stone shirts are famously soft and cool. And I’ve added others in a shopping widget below. They’re not generally inexpensive, but their classic lines make them good options for wearing multiple years. But next I topped my denim shorts with another equally cool option, linen.
I’ve had this linen Jamie shirt from Rails in my closet for several months now. In fact, I have the long sleeve version, too. It’s just super soft, and the soft beige tone is beautiful and luxe. I think the brown stripes and green palm trees just beg for cognac accessories.
So here I front-tucked the linen Jamie shirt and wore the cognac belt again. I also wore cognac sandals (old, but similar) and carried a cognac London saddle bag from Patricia Nash (c/o – use code KAY10 for 10% off at Patricia Nash).
You know I love the way cognac accessories elevate an outfit. And they work beautifully with denim shorts.
Style Tip: The shorter the inseam on your shorts, the shorter the heel of your shoe should be. So since my inseam is just 5″, which is short for my 5’8″ frame, I’m wearing all flat sandals. If I were wearing Bermuda length shorts, I’d be more prone to wear a little heel.
You may begin to notice that I wore the same set of jewelry for all five denim shorts outfits I’m sharing today. I kept my jewelry summer-light and youthful. I rarely utilize the second piercing in my earlobes, but this time I wore my 14k gold moon studs from Penelope (c/o – use code KAY20 for 20% off) above my gold hoops (c/o). At my neck I’m wearing my Arabella diamond chain necklace (c/o), also from Penelope and my compass coin necklace (c/o). I thought the Ana Luisa Hannah bracelet (c/o) was the perfect choice to keep the looks soft and feminine.
If you don’t care for linen or just like other options, cotton gauze is a great choice. And this fabric trends more and more every summer. This soft, relaxed gauze button-up shirt from Caslon, a Nordstrom brand, comes in two other equally pretty color combinations. It fits true to size for a generous fit; I’m wearing a medium.
I created this casual but pretty denim shorts outfit with my Clarks Collection sandals (c/o) (so comfortable!) and a Hobo Fern leather sling in the color taupe. These slings are so on trend, and they’re perfect for the busy grandmother on the go.
You know I’m crushing on lavender this year, so I couldn’t resist this linen henley surf shirt in pink combo. Yes, they call it pink combo, but it sure looks purplish to me. Anyhow, I love it!
This easy, breezy pullover has just enough structure to look polished and sharp, but is relaxed and soft enough to feel casual. I personally always prefer open necklines, and I think the detailing around the neckline of this one is such a nice detail. The linen henley surf shirt fits true to size and comes in two other colors. They’re going fast!
I completed this simple look with those same gold sandals (similar) and my cognac trimmed straw market bag.
The final look is perhaps my favorite. It’s just so soft and feminine!
I used to wear a lot of tops from Lucky Brand, but it’s been a while. They are known to create really soft, gentle silhouettes. Some of them can be a little juvenile for my taste, but I think this one works beautifully. The floral split neck top runs true to size and comes in another color combination, too.
I’ve included some other Lucky Brand tops in the shopping widget below. In fact, I’ve rounded up so many great shirts to consider for pairing with your favorite denim shorts (or others!).
Again, you can absolutely enjoy wearing a simple t-shirt or graphic tee with denim shorts. But I just think it’s so nice to occasionally level up your jean shorts with a pretty shirt.
Thank you for stopping in for a little style inspiration today. I hope you have a lovely summer day!
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Blessed for My Day
We can ruin relationships before we even know what has happened if we persistently point out the flaws of others. In can be tempting, especially with those with whom we have developed a familiarity, to jump on mistakes, joke about the other person’s bumbles or laugh at their expense. But good friends (and family members) are those who kindly, graciously and gently let mistakes pass without pointing them out.
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And it is his glory to overlook an offense. ~ Proverbs 19:11
I love all your posts as well as the clever ideas for styling an outfit. I would like to see more ideas for petite woman. I am 5 feet 1 inch and many styles are just too overwhelming for a small body type. I do like your choices but find that they are way over my budget for clothes. Can you include more budget friendly options?
Hi Vicky. I can try to be more mindful of petite options, but honestly I have no personal experience there of course. I can recommend a few people to follow however. I suggest https://stylishsandy.com/ and https://youtube.com/@midlifeposhcloset?si=sSdFotImZd6DJ6aI and https://youtube.com/@poisedpetite?si=1qcPo0HMTsRxR1-6 I do need to try to get back to including more budget friendly options. I think there are several budget friendly options in the shopping widgets today, however. And I can go ahead and let you know that you’ll rarely see styles here from Amazon, Target or Walmart here. Nothing wrong with those. But they’re just not my strong suit. You have to be dedicated to shopping those retailers to really find the gems. So I encourage you to check the LTK shopping app for influencers who specialize in that.
Hi and great post Kay!
I also woul like to add Style by Serena for petites.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing! 🤗
Those shorts are perfect on you! Great post!
Thank you. They’re really great shorts.
Hi Kay! All of these outfits are so cute and put-together. They are age appropriate and youthful. I agree that it would be nice to see some more budget friendly options. There is a vast difference between some of the brands you feature and amazon, Walmart or target. I would never shop those either. I usually go for something in between like Macy’s, Talbots, Loft etc. However, I do like to see what you feature as inspiration.
Thank you for saying that the Anthropologie henley surf shirt is purple, even though they are calling the color pink. I have almost been developing a complex lately about my ability (or maybe it should be called inability) to tell the difference between pink and purple. I have found oftentimes that something I am sure is purple is called pink by the retailer. I believe that once pink has quite a bit of blue added to it, it should no longer be called pink! I am glad to read that you are on the same page!
It’s too bad that the pink (purple!) color is sold out.
Hi Kay,
Thank you for all your helpful tips on styling. I will agree with Vicky….some additional budget friendly outfits would be appreciated. I get the “ideas” from your outfits but for denim shorts and a top it’s nearly $400 which feels crazy especially for summer casual wear. Add jewelry/accessories and it’s probably $1,000.00
I’m fortunate to have a good paying job but prefer to save indulgence for my dressier pieces that are more classic.
I’m definitely working on that. But I don’t quite get your math. These shorts are just $45 today. And I shared lots of shirts in the shopping boutique that are under $100. Maybe check again?
My apologies Kay, my math lol was based on original prices in your link. I wasn’t thinking about the sale price.
My favorite, the Lucky floral blouse with the jean shorts. That said, I haven’t had a pair of jean shorts in who knows how long. All my shorts are either cotton or linen. This post may inspire me to find a pair of jean shorts to add to my wardrobe! 🙂
What cute blouses! Love them all! You have inspired me to to start buying more elevated blouses to wear in the summer instead of all tees. When it is hot I am always grabbing a tee with linen pants and sandals. Need to change my mind set. Thanks Kay!
I love every shirt in this post! This is definitely my style! What would my three words be?
You look great in those shorts, Kay-thanks for the inspiration again!
Love every single outfit you showed! It’s been several years since I’ve had denim shorts but think I’ll add some to my wardrobe!