The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
Denim shorts are a summer staple that we all own and love. But sometimes it can be hard to style your basic-but-beloved pair of denim shorts in a new way. Sometimes that denim shorts and a t-shirt combo just gets old. Here are some fun ideas to switch it up! Don’t forget to check out the new summer collections by American Eagle for more inspo.
- Get a fun pair of denim shortsÂ
I’m all for the good old plain denim shorts, but there are so many cool denim shorts out there! These American Eagle high waisted denim shorts are bleach dyed and unique! You could pair this with a plain white tee, cropped or otherwise, for a spin on the classic American look. You could also pair it with a more fun blouse or shirt, which is my next tip.
- Wear a patterned or colorful blouseÂ
Pairing your denim shorts with a colorful or patterned blouse or loose shirt is a really fun way to go. This will also keep you cool in the hot summer months. This ruffled babydoll blouse by American Eagle is a perfect blouse to go with! It has a bit more shape than your average white blouse, but it’s dressy enough for a nice dinner on the beach or a summer party!
This long-sleeve tie front blouse by American Eagle is also a great option. It’s a little bolder, and I love that! It would go perfect with fun or simple denim shorts and will solidify your status as a fashion girlie. It also comes in blue if you prefer a monochromatic look!
- Swimsuit and coverup combo
My next trick is perfect for a beach day, or just a really hot day! Wear a swimsuit top of your choosing; the bikini, tankini, or one piece style all work for this. You can leave it there, but if you want more coverage you can add a swim coverup on top. I personally love the look of American Eagle linen coverup shirts that come in 7 colors, but you do you! My favorite is their white striped linen shirt. It reminds me a lot of the popular coastal grandmother aesthetic!
- Jersey style
By this I mean a sports jersey, but as a New Jersey girl, this also gets the New Jersey stamp of approval. Well, if you go with a Yankees jersey it is! Grab a jersey from your favorite sports team and style it with simple jewelry for the perfect sports girl look. You could style your jersey in several ways, including unbuttoned with a plain tee or swimsuit underneath or tucked up for a cropped look.
- Paint your shorts
My last styling idea is to take that older, more beat up pair of denim shorts and stress them and/or paint them! There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas on Pinterest for how to do this. You could paint them all over, like this, or just on the back pockets, like this.
Now go out there and style those denim shorts! You’ll look amazing.Â