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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Summer

long denim shorts, four ways

08/15/19

As summer begins to wind down, I’ve been doing a little reflecting on my favorite items, looks, and trends that came out of spring and summer 2019.

On the top of my list? Long denim shorts. Also known as jean biker shorts or jiker shorts. No matter what you call them, they’re a welcome change of pace from short shorts. I’m enjoying how fresh they feel, and enjoying the extra bit of coverage.

Even better, these long shorts make a great transition piece into fall, especially if you live in a hotter climate, like me. In Texas, we won’t see a break in the heat til October, but I still like to start channelling fall around the end of August. Subtle shifts, like trading in my short shorts for longer shorts or wearing black denim instead of light wash denim, help me channel fall while staying weather-appropriate.

Here are four ways I’ve been styling my long denim shorts lately.

LOOK 1


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 Button down | Tee | Shorts (similar, similar, similar)| Sandals | Bag | Necklace

Let’s start with my favorite look. I usually end up in this outfit (or some version of it) at least once a week. When you find a look you love, why not put it on repeat?

Styling notes:

  • Layer neutrals for a chic look. Beige, cream, warm tan, and black is my go-to color palette right now.
  • Channel fall with texture. Again with the channeling fall thing. :) When I think of fall textures, I immediately think of velvet, suede, leather, and wool — but there’s another one that often goes overlooked. Raw Silk! The button-down I’m wearing is made of raw silk and I love it because it’s breathable (AKA heat friendly), but has a wonderful nubby texture.
  • Add gold accessories. They look especially chic with layered neutrals.
  • Be prepared for varied temperatures. It may be hot outside, but every store and restaurant seems to blast arctic air. A button down combats the chill, plus it’s easy to remove once you’re back out in the heat.

LOOK 2

Top (discontinued, similar) | Shorts (similar, similar, similar) | Heels (sold out, similar) | Bag | Earrings

Here’s a dressier look that I’ve worn out to dinner a few times this summer.

Styling notes:

  • Try a longer, untucked top for ultimate comfort (especially when you’re about to eat a delicious meal). Expect to see this kind of look a lot more over the fall and winter.
  • Add interest with a sculptural bag. I love neutrals so much (so much!), but I don’t want my outfits to look boring or bland — so I’m all about getting sculptural elements into my outfits. This little bag really pops against the black top and shorts.
  • That thing you said you’d never wear again? Maybe give it another chance. I steered clear of fancy heels for years. But now all of a sudden, it feels really fun to wear them. For maximum comfort, stick with a lower 2-2.5 inch heel.
  • Steam your clothes before you wear them. Hah, I’m just poking fun at the fact that my shirt is wrinkled in the photos from a previous wear. Oh well. :)

LOOK 3

Bralette Top | Shorts (similar, similar, similar) | Jacket | Shoes

If you’ve got a concert, festival, or event coming up, this one’s for you. I wore this outfit to see Khalid in concert over the summer (yes, the show was amazing!).

Instead of letting the event dictate your style, bring your style to the event. When deciding what to wear, I started by browsing Pinterest for concert outfits. But nothing felt like something I’d actually wear. So I stopped looking out there and started looking in — and landed on this look. It hit that perfect balance between feeling both right for the event and true to my own style. It’s in my signature neutrals, plus I didn’t have to buy a single new piece to create the look (which is always a good sign that you’re in line with your style).

Contrasting proportions can make an outfit. I started with a tight crop top and shorts — and we all know that tight clothes aren’t the easiest to wear. But when those tight elements are contrasted with an oversized jacket, the look becomes wearable. Even with a hint of midriff, the oversized jacket and long shorts made me feel super comfortable.

Keep your footwear comfortable | When in doubt, wear sneakers.

LOOK 4

Tee | Shorts (similar, similar, similar) | Sandals | Necklace | Earrings

If you’re new to denim biker shorts, here’s an easy entry point. There’s not a whole lot to talk about here, but I’ll share just a few quick styling notes:

  • Add interest to a simple outfit with an unexpected element like clear strap sandals.
  • Opt for a boxy shirt for a modern look.
  • Play with style tweaks, like rolling your sleeves or tucking your tee.
  • You can never go wrong with a white crewneck tee and a gold necklace.

• • •

And there you have it!

What about you? Are you into longer shorts these days? What’s your favorite way to style them? Do you have any styling ideas to carry them into the early fall? (I can’t wait to wear mine with an oversized, untucked, chunky sweater and gold necklaces.) Share your thoughts in the comments!

I hope your summer is wrapping up nicely. Thanks so much for reading!

xo,

17 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. Isabel says

    August 15, 2019 at 6:12 am

    I love the way these look on you! I have always struggled with shorts. The short short ones keep climbing up my hips to towards my waist and leave me with half my ass hanging out. So one would think the longer ones would be a perfect fit, but I find that I am not comfortable enough with my legs to pull them off… Somehow I find them less flattering than the shorter ones. Is that weird?
    Out of this looks the one with the sneakers is my favourite. I see longer shorts as more of a sporty piece, so might as well embrace it, and go all out with the sporty vibes!

    xxx
    Isabel
    https://isabelstories.com/

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 24, 2019 at 6:22 am

      I feel the same way! I find short shorts more flattering on me (I’m also just under 5’2″). I’ve found sizing up in short shorts by 1-2 sizes to be helpful so that they don’t ride up. This makes them a big roomier in the waist, but I honestly don’t mind this, especially during the summer months.

      Reply
  2. Rena says

    August 15, 2019 at 6:35 am

    All the looks are beautiful and wonderfully classy!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
  3. Mel says

    August 15, 2019 at 6:49 am

    Haha, these are outfits I wore in the early 90s. But I guess that’s “in” right now

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      August 15, 2019 at 8:18 am

      It’s so funny how that works! I’ve even seen some white socks with loafers and ankle pants. Didn’t think we’d see that again!

      Reply
  4. laurel says

    August 15, 2019 at 8:17 am

    Looks like the perfect “LBD” in the short world! You always are so effortlessly chic.
    https://littleblackdomicile.com

    Reply
  5. Kaylee says

    August 15, 2019 at 8:42 am

    DIYin’g these shorts would be a great way to give a new life to some old jeans. Thanks for sharing! I like the sporty combo in look #3 the best.

    Reply
  6. Mary Grogan says

    August 15, 2019 at 10:21 am

    Nice outfit but ditch the stringy shorts. Everything else is nice.

    Reply
  7. Sarah Winton says

    August 15, 2019 at 5:54 pm

    I’ve always been a short shorts girl but as 40 looms I am definitely looking to longer styles. I love these on you – your styling is great. Also, really loving your hair right now!

    Reply
  8. Tanya E says

    August 16, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    You have made me realise what’s wrong with my denim shorts! They are long but cuffed/turned up and dig in when I sit down. So, I have unpicked the cuffs and cut a raw edge. They are a better length and feel better too. Thank you.

    I’m in a cool climate, so mostly wear my shorts on the beach or at the park on hot days. I also like the contrast of a longer, slightly dresser top, such as a loose silk shirt or peasant top for contrast.

    Reply
  9. Laura says

    August 16, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    It’s funny how these are your long shorts…these would be short shorts on me! But we have different body types and your slimmer legs probably elongate where mine…do not. haha. These are great mixes! The first one is my favorite.

    Reply
  10. Nina @ cutecapsule.com says

    August 17, 2019 at 2:05 am

    Great looks Caroline! I especially love Look 1 and 3! I think it is actually very difficult to find well-fitting shorts (probably depends on body shape) and therefore something I tend to avoid haha….but these looks are very inspiring – might give (longer) shorts a try again in my Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2020. Here in Switzerland Summer is coming to an end very soon, but I am looking forward to the fall textures you mentioned (especially leather & wool).

    Reply
  11. Ivana Split says

    August 17, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    I love all the four ways you styled them….the book with sandals with kitten heels is the one I liked the most….and you have some really fab bags.

    https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  12. Robyn HOGANSON says

    August 17, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    Wonderful looks and very inspiring!!!

    Reply
  13. Arya says

    August 19, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    What size is your white denim jacket? I’m petite-ish (People always call me petite but really I’m average height 5’5) like you and never know what size to go with to make sure it looks perfectly oversized without looking frumpy. You always hit the mark with sizing up just right. How do you do it? I always have to order several sizes and make tons of returns! It’s hard work getting the size right for oversized looks. Maybe you could do a post on it as you seems to have perfect knowing how to size up just right. I’m your same height and generally wear 0-2. Thanks, Caroline!!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 19, 2019 at 1:04 pm

      Hi Arya! I got an XS in the white denim jacket since it already has an oversized fit to it. Trying on in person is the surest way to get the size right, but that’s not always available. If I’m really unsure, I might order an extra size, but that can get expensive. My best strategy is just paying close attention to brands/sizes over time. As simple as that sounds, it does take a surprising amount of effort. But the way it generally works is that over the years, I’ve made notes about the way certain brands or lines fit, and that helps guide me A LOT. I’ll try to do a post on it soon! :)

      Reply
  14. Erin says

    August 22, 2019 at 9:05 pm

    This is brilliant! I’ve always been a short shorts girl, but the past few years they just don’t feel like me anymore. I finally just replaced my two favorite, very well worn nudie jeans this week and as soon as i saw this post I cut off my old pairs! Im also wrapping up a konmarie style closet purge today and now i feel good about putting these back in my closet! These shorts are everything. Thanks for the idea. Also, you are seriously killin’ it with the outfits in this post!

    Reply

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