How to Style Denim Shorts

How to Style Denim Shorts

I think we’ve all been there, simply not wanting to wear shorts…at least, I have. I used to hate the thought of wearing shorts and showing my legs. Things I used to tell myself:

“I’m too pale”

“My calves are too thick”

“My thighs are too thick”

“My thighs make my shorts ride up”

“I’ll look inappropriate”

Lets break down why this is completely wrong to do. First of all, none of the above are validation for not wearing shorts. All of the above are society based thoughts that have been cultivated after years of being told “what beauty is”.

Be like Daenerys and break those chains! Start telling yourself why you should wear shorts…

“It’s hot outside”
“I want to wear shorts today”
“I don’t need a reason”

Now that we’ve got that covered…shorts are actually super versatile and easy to style. Over on my IGTV channel I styled the High-Rise Denim Shorts in Erwin Wash: Cutoff Edition from Madewell three different ways! For size reference, I am 5′ tall and usually wear a 27 or 28 at Madewell. These shorts are pretty stretchy so I went with my most common size there, a 27.

The fit of these shorts is to die for! They come up to my belly button and hug my curves, yet they flare out just a smidge on my thigh which creates an a-line affect and flatters my figure.

Since these are high waist shorts, they look best with a crop top, tucked shirt, or tied shirt. I chose to either front tuck and front tie  for all three of my looks.

Look Number 1:

The Weekend Look

Headband | Sweatshirt | Shorts | Belt Bag | Shoes

I decided to pair a graphic sweatshirt, which is currently on sale, with these shorts for the ultimate weekend look. The sweatshirt helps to dress down the shorts and add a comfy casual vibe. I front tucked the sweatshirt to create a waistline and make way for my belt bag (hehe). The belt bag allows you to be hands free and compliments the weekend vibes!

I added the headband to pull from the colors in the sweatshirt. This creates contrast and allows the faint colors in the sweatshirt to pop and draw the eye to the message “the modern woman”!

Throw on any old sneakers and it will look good, but I decided to pair this outfit with my converse , because they simply slide on and I can go!

 

Look Number 2:

The Brunch Date Look

Hat | Shirt | Shorts | Shoes

To me, this look screams brunch date/farmer’s market/plant lady. I’m not sure if it’s the hat, the graphic tee, or the look as a whole, but I do so love it!

I decided to front knot my graphic tee to, again, create that waistline. This also makes me look taller, because it elongates my legs and torso. The graphic tee says, “Here’s to Strong Women” and has a cute graphic of different types of women. I love the message and I love that it supports a small business owner. Her name is Emily and she has a shop called A Little Papery, click here to visit her Etsy shop! She has the cutest graphic tees and more! I am wearing a size M and if gives me enough length to front knot tie it.
The hat is quickly becoming one of my favorite accessories! It is a dupe for the Madewell one and it looks identical. To me, it adds some flare that says, “I tried to get dressed today”, but also hides that day 4 hair…ya get me?
Add some sneakers and you’re ready to walk out of the door!

Look Number 3:

The Dressy Casual Look

Hat| Shirt | Blazer | Shorts | Shoes

You don’t often see a blazer paired with denim shorts, which is exactly why I decided to pair this blazer with these denim shorts! When it comes to fashion, I feel like you have to step outside your comfort zone and try different things.

To dress up these shorts a bit, I added an oversized blazer over a front tucked blousey top. This combination creates a super dressy feel. The blazer is longer and almost meets the end of the shorts, so tucking the shirt creates a nice break up and, yeat again, gives that waistline!

I paired this with the hat to make the outfit a little more fun and the loafer mules to keep it dressy.

Moral of the blog: wear what you want!

Styling White Jeans

Styling White Jeans

Ok, white jeans…my arch nemesis. Why? Because, they show every little detail of every little detail 🙃. I thought for sure I would never wear white jeans again, until I found the High Rise Ankle  Flare Jeans from Abercrombie. They have them in short–for the record I did size up. I tend to size up in white jeans, not sure if there is something in the dying process, but they always seem to fit me a little tighter than normal jeans!

Let’s talk about why I think these white jeans are different….

First off, they have this extremely cute flare detail that is cut to make accentuate your figure and the flare makes your legs look longer and stronger 😉.

These jeans are also very comfortable, there is a good bit of stretch in them. If you prefer a tighter fit I recommend staying with your regular sizing, but as I mentioned, I sized up, because I prefer a slightly looser fit.

I noticed that I can’t see through these jeans which is a HUGE plus when it comes to white jeans. I mean…don’t get me wrong, I don’t think you can wear hot pink undies and not see though them, but I was able to wear nude undies and not see them. I know you’re probably like, well duh, they’re nude. However, I have had white pants in the past where you could still see the undies!

One issue I have with these pants is that they’re pocket-less 😢. I had pockets in my wedding dress, ok? I love pockets, but I suppose the fit and comfort level can be exchanged for pockets…I suppose

White jeans are super versatile! Below I have styled them 5 different ways to show you that even with the flare they are still a great wardrobe staple!

 

Outfit Number 1

IMG_8375

White Jeans | Shirt |Necklaces | Shoes

Outfit Number 2

White Jeans | T-Shirt | Bandana Scarf | Jean Jacket | Mules | Sneakers

Outfit Number 3

IMG_8384

White Jeans | Button Front Cami | Cardigan |Necklaces | Earrings | Shoes

Outfit Number 4img_8388.jpg

White Jeans | Button Front Cami | Blazer |Necklaces | Shoes

Outfit Number 5

IMG_8394

White Jeans | Button Front Long Sleeve Shirt | Necklaces | Shoes

 

There you have it, one pair of white jeans–5 different outfits. I tried to reuse several pieces and keep the accessories very minimal. These are a great everyday white jean and as I mentioned, a true wardrobe staple!

FYI: Here are the bags from my styling video: Transport Tote | Zip Top Transport Tote