blue denim shorts
3 pairs. endless outfits.
In this letter I present to you 10 outfits starring two mid-length shorts and a pair of bermudas.
Who amongst us hasn’t donned a pair of denim shorts and felt the thrill of bare legs in warm, muggy weather? Denim shorts are a quintessential summer staple. They signal freedom and picnics and ice creams and bike rides. They are just as easy and sturdy as their full-length counterpart, and once they mold to your body, it’s hard to tell where you end and the denim begins.
I know, it’s a pull-on pants/shorts world right now, but I fear I must be brave and just come out and say it…
I like denim shorts!
they cradle my belly, I love a button-fly
I like big pockets, I cannot lie
the sturdy fabric holds my phone
won’t crumble under its weight alone
they can handle a spill, may it be juice or milk
won’t need dry-cleaning, ain’t prissy like silk
they support my bum on grass and sand
can handle strong winds, at sea or on land
(ai could neverrr)
But the thing about all shorts is that they are less forgiving than pants and jeans. Fit matters above all else.
My criteria for fit:
Lindsay Sword made some great points in favour of pull-on shorts and astutely observed that denim shorts are indeed all hips and no legs, so for them to work in my favour, I’ve learned that the inseam needs to be at least 4 inches long (minimum). The waistband needs to sit mid-waist for optimal comfort. And I always size up in shorts.
The Shorties - Inseam 4.5 inches
These are a mid-waist pair that hit mid-thigh.
Outfit 1: Voluminous shirt and a big tote add contrast to the casualness of the shorts.
Outfit 2: Cotton bomber over tank top, playing with colour contrast here. Easy to replicate with a tucked in, but open button-up shirt over a tank top.
Outfit 3: Less volume, more length through leather blazer! The raw hem shorts add friction to the clean lines of the blazer.
The Mid-length, finished hem - Inseam 6 inches
These are also mid-waist, slightly longer than the first pair, and have a subtle A-line to them. Soft, 100% cotton.
Outfit 4: Balancing visual weight through print and a textured bag. The shoes add edge to this otherwise “sweet” outfit.
Outfit 5: The sari fabric kimono adds fluidity. Lots of colour and texture through accessories.
Outfit 6: Graphic tee and pointy shoes, can’t go wrong!
The Bermudas - Inseam 9 inch
These long shorts graze my knee. Their slouchiness is their defining characteristic. They’re so unserious!
Outfit 7: Creating tension by going monochrome, and wearing a cream blazer with flip-flops.
Outfit 8: No-nonsense little black jacket buttoned all the way up, and worn as a top. The mules and sunglasses punctuate this mood.
Outfit 9: Swinging in the opposite direction with a fuzzy tank top and a burgundy bag.
Outfit 10: Resigning to the unseriousness of the bermudas by way of colour and zebra print flats!
Three pairs, endless potential! Don’t give up on your denim shorts just yet!
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Thanks so much for reading! I really appreciate you being here. If you’ve enjoyed it, show it! Like it, share it, talk to me about it! It goes a long way, and it certainly keeps me going!
xx
Can I please copy all of these looks? Also the ode to denim shorts is the cutest thing ! 😍😍😍
Can I please ask where to get the green top with flower from outfit 4? Gorgeous!