Denim Shorts Have Grown Up – And They’re More Stylish Than Ever

Banish all thoughts of teeny tiny hot pants and try these tailored styles that are smart enough even for the (virtual) office.

Grown up shorts hero

by Charlotte Pavitt |
Updated on

Denim shorts: two words that scare the living daylights out of most women.Notoriously unforgiving, the humble denim short my be a perennial item in summer wardrobes but finding the right pair can feel like a mammoth task. This is largely because the styles on offer were mainly short shorts, which don't feel particularly grown-up or comfortable to wear.

This season, however, denim shorts have finally moved beyond Coachella to become more stylish. Longer and looser in style, this new breed of shorts will entice even the most fixed of jean shorts avoiders.

With the MET office predicting a 'flaming hot' June, this is perfect timing. As much as we love a floaty summer dress or a pleated midi skirt, adding denim shorts into the mix opens up a whole new realm of outfit options. Simply choose a pair with a longer cut and tailored fit and find that they go with just about everything in your wardrobe.

Keep it casual with a slogan tee and dad sandalsor dress it up with a peasant blouse and lace-up espadrilles. Or, for a smarter and potentially office-appropriate look (assuming you don’t work in a corporate environment), style with a blazer, a silk shirt and bare-there heels.

SHOP: The Best Denim Shorts For Grown-Ups

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Denim shorts for grown-ups

COS, Organic Cotton Blue Shorts, £551 of 13

COS, Organic Cotton Blue Shorts, £55

H&M, Denim shorts High Waist, £17.992 of 13

H&M, Denim shorts High Waist, £17.99

Mango, Denim Bermuda shorts, £35.993 of 13

Mango, Denim Bermuda shorts, £35.99

Symonds Pearmain, High-rise belted denim shorts, £3254 of 13

Symonds Pearmain, High-rise belted denim shorts, £325

Next, £25 Belted High Waist Denim Shorts, £255 of 13

Next, £25 Belted High Waist Denim Shorts, £25

IRO, Laconi high-rise denim shorts, £2376 of 13

IRO, Laconi high-rise denim shorts, £237

Arket, Slim Denim Shorts, £457 of 13

Arket, Slim Denim Shorts, £45

Citizens of Humanity, Claudette frayed organic denim shorts, £2608 of 13

Citizens of Humanity, Claudette frayed organic denim shorts, £260

Simply Be, Stonewash Elasticated Paperbag Waist Denim Shorts, £249 of 13

Simply Be, Stonewash Elasticated Paperbag Waist Denim Shorts, £24

V by Very, Taylor Boyfriend Shorts - Mid Wash, £2210 of 13

V by Very, Taylor Boyfriend Shorts - Mid Wash, £22

Denimist, Carpenter pleated denim shorts, £23011 of 13

Denimist, Carpenter pleated denim shorts, £230

Guess, Skinny Fit Denim Shorts, £6912 of 13

Guess, Skinny Fit Denim Shorts, £69

Agolde, Reworked 90's belted denim shorts, £27013 of 13

Agolde, Reworked 90's belted denim shorts, £270

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