For some reason, denim shorts have, to my mind, always been synonymous with a certain youthful brand of dressing. I imagine face-painted, festival-going teens in barely there cut-offs and crop tops or high-waisted styles thrown over itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny bikinis. They were not, however, something I associated with polish or grown-up glamour. Until now.
While the key selling point of denim has always been its hard-wearing credentials and casual appeal (and no, Britney and Justin, it’s not red carpet–appropriate), there’s been a cohort of fashion lovers embracing an altogether more polished finish this season. The main point of difference seems to be the length, and many have been championing a longer style that sits high on the waist and ends mid-thigh. The effect is surprisingly chic.
We know this is not necessarily the time to be attempting overcomplicated or uncomfortable ensembles, but there’s something to be said for giving new life to those wardrobe basics that have been stuck in a rut over the years. The 2020 denim-shorts outfits aren’t complicated, and they primarily look to grown-up accessories (raffia bags and elegant pumps), crisp tailoring and the odd date-night top to elevate this hard-wearing staple. Scroll down to get all the grown-up, denim-shorts inspo you need.
