3 ways to style your denim shorts
Sunny playground uniform
On the long list of things I didn't expect when having children, is wearing denim shorts. In public. Out of choice.
I’ve never been a huge fan of them on me. I think when you’ve been a teen in the noughties and seen a zillion pictures of Alexa Chung and Kate Moss in cut-offs at Glastonbury, it's easy to have a very specific idea of what shorts - or rather the legs that go in them - should look like. And when yours don't look like that (i.e. impossibly long and slim, and hair/bruise-free) wearing shorts can feel sort of… embarrassing? And self-conscious. And like they're not meant for you. Which is so sad and untrue (all bodies deserve shorts!) But it has still stopped me wanting to wear shorts in the past.
They also make me feel quite naked. There's so much thigh going on. Which I’m fine with on beachy holidays, but it feels a bit weird when I’m in Tesco, or getting on the bus.
But then I had kids and realised MUMS NEED SHORTS. In the summer when it's too hot for jeans and your days are spent crouching/bending/squatting/crawling/sitting on the ground, denim shorts are the only thing you’re not going to risk flashing your bits in.
They’re so practical. And once you've got past having your legs out, they're straightforward to wear; shorts + top + sandals = outfit done.
Getting the right pair of denim shorts is perhaps less straightforward and worth discussing. It's all about cut, which depends massively on your body shape, but for me what works is high-waist, slightly A-line and ends mid-thigh.
Knee-grazing bermudas are having a moment and I love the idea, however I find a longer length hard to wear unless I’ve got heels on - which I never do.
As a universal rule I'd recommend going for goes-with-everything mid-blue and a classic design (i.e. no rips, fading, studs etc.) which is going to look more put together and timeless. A raw hem can work, just be careful not to put frayed shorts in the washing machine too often as they start to go strandy.
Big back pockets that slant upwards will make your bum look perky. As someone with a low, flat bum, I appreciate this.
I bought the below pair from Made in Tomboy in the Matches sale two summers ago which I ADORE but annoying can now only find available in a teensy size. However these from COS (£55) look great - I’ve found the brand’s denim to wash and wear well. Also Levi’s high-rise baggy shorts (£60) which have an air of the nineties about them without being overly retro.
You don't need to spend a lot to get good quality denim shorts, but if you are feeling fancy, Agolde’s Stella (£200) have such a spot-on shape. And then for something a bit different, these scalloped-hems from Wyse come in two lengths (£95/£125).
As for how to style your denim shorts - three outfit ideas below, which I think strike the balance of being throw-on easy but still have something about them.
With your classic T-shirt
Obviously shorts and T- shirts! This one is old Topshop (RIP) but for my money, COS, Arket and Uniqlo do the best high-street tees.
To make the outfit more of a look, add a belt (again mine is ancient Topshop but try this & Other Stories or this Anderson’s). Then a cool necklace. These Astrid & Miyu wibbly pearls (similar here) look like something found on holiday and have such a fun summery vibe.
I’ve mentioned FitFlop thongs before. The sole is squishy and bouncy and such a pleasure to walk on. They're also similar enough to The Row’s Ginza sandals but waaaaaay cheaper. Mine are from a couple of seasons ago, but these are almost identical (£70).
With your button-down shirt
The proportion play between a long shirt and shorts is *chef’s kiss* and there's something about the juxtaposition of a button-down with denim that creates a wonderfully laissez-faire, undone look.
This striped guy is old sale-buy Homme Girls. Also look at GAP or WNU - the new seersucker (£95) would also work as a swimming cossie cover-up on holiday.
Max out on the preppy aesthetic with a cap and trainers. Thanks to Bottega (among others) tying your jumper around your waist (or shoulders, or across body) is not only practical but a legitimate styling note.
With your summery blouse
The utilitarian aesthetic of denim shorts is a good foil to anything frou-frou/romantic, so they're ideal for teaming with your pretty summer blouses.
This one is Free People and taps into the current boho revival without looking too 2003. Join the waitlist here. Or equally lovely alternatives here and here.
Then add Birks and your tote - or this woven bag!
One more thing…
I'm going on holiday tomorrow (five nights in a caravan in Cornwall with the kids - OH THE GLAMOUR!) and taking a week off the newsletter. So I thought this would be a good moment to recommend some other Substacks I really enjoy.
How's Everyone Doing? by writer (and my former work pal) Lynn Enright is a brilliant interview series exploring what it is to be a parent now, from the practical to the emotional – to everything else! Past interviewees include Matrescence author Lucy Jones and novelist Leslie Jamison. Most recently Lynn spoke to publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove about having - and fulfilling - ambition after kids, breaking away from the nuclear family (Sharmaine and her partner are recently separated) and holidaying (or not!) with small children - which feels timely.
I have no imagination when it comes to knowing what to cook for dinner, and by the time the kids are in bed, I don't have much energy left to be creative. So I eat the same things again and again which is very boring. Dinner Tonight by food writer and cook Margie Nomura is my idea of genius. It delivers one 30 minute recipe into your inbox every Sunday which is easy to cook and delicious. This week is flakey salmon with yoghurt, tomato chilli confit and crispy roasted lentils. YUM.
I started reading Your Mom just after I had my daughter and love the relaxed way Laurel writes - sometimes about motherhood, sometimes about style and sometimes about life. As a former fashion editor, she's great on the subject of clothes. She’s based in LA, so her shopping picks often aren't shoppable and lean towards warm weather, but they're still great inspiration.
That's all for now – see you in a fortnight. You're doing great, Frankie x
Now we just need the sun to come back!
You have changed my mind about shorts!