I Live in Denim Shorts in the Summer—9 Pretty Trends I'll Be Pairing With Them

by Judith Jones

If there's one item I wear more than any other once summer rolls around, it's denim shorts. And as a market editor whose DMs are full of shopping requests, I can say with certainty that it's one of the most sought-after summer items for plenty of others as well.

Denim shorts may seem pretty boring in the grand scheme of fashion attire, but they serve as the perfect basic backdrop to all my trendy pieces, as they're easy to dress up with a satin blouse and kitten heels or dress down with Birks and a button-down. Whether I wear them on the city streets, at the beach, or during a market appointment, they're the ideal practical and cool piece when the temps hit above 70°.

Today, I'm sharing all the pretty and chic trends to wear with your denim shorts this summer. From chic ballet flats to beautiful blouses, take a look below to inspire your next denim-shorts summer outfit.

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@michellemdriscoll

There's something so pretty about crisp white embroidery in the summer. It adds a beautiful touch to simple denim shorts. Just add gold earrings and slides and you're outfit is complete.

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@leiasfez

Ballet flats are having a major moment this summer (and will continue their dominance into fall). The classic shoes undoubtedly add polish to the casual nature of denim shorts, making them the perfect pairing for summer in the city.

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@anoukyve

Whether you go for sleek leather or a trending chain silhouette, a chic belt will pull together a denim-shorts outfit in an instant.

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@amaka.hamelijnck

Breezy button-downs exude an effortless elegance and are a match made in heaven with denim shorts. Neutral hues are great, but summer is the perfect time to add a bold pop of color too.

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@tamaramory

Shimmery, glittery pieces are trending this summer, and they'll add allure to your basic denim shorts. Opt for a glittery swimsuit with your shorts at the pool or a sparkly top for early evening drinks.