It's no secret that denim shorts are a signature wardrobe staple of the summer. Each year, designers and brands present updated iterations of the mainstay piece – from frayed edges, to heavily embellished pockets and of course, high-waisted minis that have secured a place on the sartorial roster for a little longer than we may have liked. While we're all for showing off our bronzed skin during summer, this season we are ditching the short and sweet denim styles for more tailored and elongated silhouettes.
With the rise of the infamous Bermuda short over the past few seasons, designer's are introducing the traditionally tailored suit-pant style into their denim collections. The more modest silhouette affords the humble denim short an increased opportunity for versatility – turning the once casual style into a piece that can be worn to dressier occasions. Although there's certainly still a place for the beach-appropriate denim short, this summer we're looking to wear our favourite denim shorts to long Christmas lunches and evening picnics with friends.
Below, we've curated an edit of the best unconventional denim shorts to wear and love this summer.
Emilia Wickstead Roger denim shorts
A challenge as old as time, making denim shorts look 'dressy' is no easy feat. Which, is why when these Emilia Wickstead balloon shorts caught our eye, we simply couldn't look away. The wide leg nature of these summer denim shorts gives the illusion of the perfect a-line skirt. Paired with the matching denim bustier (yes, there's a matching bustier), this outfit is the perfect solution to your long-lunch fashion woes.
Agolde wrap-waist denim shorts
There's nothing like a great pair of black-denim shorts, and the added touch of the wrap-waist on this AGOLDE pair is the elevation we are looking for in an everyday pair of denim shorts. We also love the tidy finish on the hem, which maintains a level of sophistication to the lighter wash.
SLVRLAKE London short
If you're the kind of personal who values a practical outfit on Christmas day, but still wants to keep things stylish, you can't look past these off-white SLVRLAKE denim shorts. The piece is modelled from the brand's iconic London jean, and the high-waisted design and loose leg is extremely flattering. We are also dying over the contrast stitching and brass detailing.
Agolde Reworked '90s belted denim shorts
We are suckers for anything that reminds of us of 90s fashion, and these reworked belted denim shorts from Agolde do just that and more. Despite the lighter wash that can insinuate a touch of casual, we adore these denim shorts styled with a heeled loafer, crisp white shirt or t-shirt and standout bag for a look that can take you from art gallery to evening drinks in a flash.
Amapô Clochard bicolour shorts
If you catch us by the ocean this summer, these are the denim shorts we'll be sporting. The contrasting panelling and pleats on these Amapô bicolour shorts make these denim shorts far from ordinary – a factor we take into consideration even when getting dressed for the beach.
Rag & Bone mid rise Rosa shorts
A gate-keeper of exceptional denim, Rag & Bone have nailed this season's denim short with this relaxed fit and light-wash. Paired perfectly with the summer's covetable white tank, this hemmed iteration form the basis of the ideal summer barbecue or picnic outfit.
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