Yes, You Can Wear Denim Shorts Into Fall

There was a time when denim shorts seemed relegated to a somewhat unfortunate corner of the closet. They were too casual, too rough, too rustic. They were reserved for backyard barbecues, beach vacations, music festivals and maybe the really hot days when you just couldn’t think about what to wear. They weren’t considered sophisticated, let’s put it that way.

Luckily, that thinking feels incredibly outdated.

Larissa Mills wears knee-length mid-blue denim shorts with a white tank top and bucket hat — (Image credit: Larissa Mills)

Much like a perfect pair of vintage Levi’s, denim shorts have quietly become one of the hardest working pieces in my closet. To be honest, lately they’ve become quite the star. They’re often the first thing I reach for when spring arrives and the last thing that gets packed away when temperatures really dip.

Their special power is in being able to do something my regular jeans just can’t. They can hold onto that easy, sun-soaked feeling of summer. I recently wore them on a sailboat with a ribbed tank, strappy red sandals, a straw hat and a grey sweater tied around my waist. Later that night, I styled them with a blazer, kitten heels and a gold shimmery bag.

Larissa Mills wears denim shorts with a white top and big straw hat while on a boat — (Image credit: Larissa Mills)

When September rolls in, denim shorts will work exceptionally well with added layers. I'll style them with loafers and socks, houndstooth jackets, and chunkier sweaters.

Larissa Mills wearing denim shorts and loafers — (Image credit: Larissa Mills )

Larissa Mills wearing a checkered blazer, denim shorts, and heels — (Image credit: Larissa Mills)

I'll also throw a leather blazer into the mix alongside a crisp button-down and pointy pumps.

Larissa Mills' sophisticated take on denim shorts, paired with elegant layers and stilettos — (Image credit: Larissa Mills)

When autumn showers hit, I'll style my denim shorts with a trench coat for an interesting contrast between a longer layer and a shorter hemline.

Larissa Mills wearing a trench coat, a top, denim shorts, and flats — (Image credit: Larissa Mills)

As for my favorite denim washes, I’m partial toward white and blue—both of which are timeless and can transition easily from summer to fall.

In terms of silhouettes, elegant Bermuda-inspired cuts are undeniably having a moment. My suggestion with the longer denim styles is to pair them with footwear that reveals more skin: a slingback, a ballet flat, or a sandal. Think barely-there shoes that keep the look light instead of heavy.

The best thing about denim shorts is they immediately give the wearer that illusion of not trying too hard, which is precisely why they work. The weather doesn’t define them, at least not anymore, it’s all about how you wear them.

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