These Free People Moxie Shorts Are So Good: Here’s 7 Ways to Wear Them

I have the toughest time finding shorts that I like on myself. Typically, the rise is ‘off’ and the leg openings are too tight. So, I had kinda decided to forego shorts over the past few summers, with the exception of bike shorts (that I just wear occasionally.) But when Free People came out with a short version of my favorite barrel leg Moxie jeans, I knew I needed to give them a whirl. And a whirl I gave them and I’m so glad I did.

The Free People Moxie shorts (also here) are working their way into a weekly rotation for me right now as the weather warms up, so much so I’m even traveling with them to South Carolina and Arkansas this week. (And I limited myself to a carry-on and backpack, so you know they must be good!) They are a great new alternative to always having to find lightweight pants for summer. Let’s check out some details on these Moxie shorts and after that, I’ll show 7 ways to style them.

Free People Moxie Shorts: Are They Worth Trying?

Where To Buy: Free People | Nordstrom (blue washes) | Zappos | Revolve (blue)

My quick answer is a resounding yes! The benefits of these denim shorts compared to other pairs I’ve tried are:

1. They’re wider in the thighs (hooray for comfort!).
2. They mimic the trending longer “jorts” of 2025 but are much easier to style for those of us 5’4″ and under.
3. They have a unique shape and elevated details that make them stand out from typical denim cutoffs.

Now, don’t get me wrong, these are still denim shorts. While I wouldn’t wear them on a plane, I’ve absolutely been rocking them for shopping trips and lunches out. I’m incredibly impressed! Many of our readers on Discord and I were curious about styling them, so let’s check out some features and then get to the outfit ideas.

Tank (M) | Shorts (29) | Bandana | Sneakers

Free People Moxie Shorts: Key Features & Sizing

I love the patch/utility pockets, the button fly, the shape of the cut, the wider leg openings and even the drawstring cotton belt…which is mostly for aesthetics but it adds a nice detail and is soft. (Sorry for the wrinkles here this was just after I pulled them out of the package, but I wanted to show that the butt is good and not too baggy looking.) These shorts don’t have stretch but they aren’t all stiff and uncomfortable either. They loosen just a little bit with your first wear and just get better and better.

Sizing Notes: I did stick with my regular size in these, versus sizing down in the Moxie Barrel jeans, FYI. I hate shorts to fit tight and that was the right choice here. They seem to sit a little higher on the waist than the full-length jeans but they will give a bit with wear…not much though.

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How To Style Free People Moxie Shorts

Like I said, I have the hardest time finding shorts I like. I recently went to the men’s section at GAP to find this one camo pair, I like this one Nike pair I hadn’t found many others until the Free People Moxies.

While I’ve always wanted ‘typical’ denim cutoffs to be this versatile, I just never found them to be on me. And the jorts this year look so cute on other people, but I struggle with them on my shorter, stockier self. The Moxie shorts have opened up whole new styling opportunities for me and I love it.

1 | Cozy Chic with a Cotton Sweater + Fisherman Sandals

Sweater (S) | Shorts (29) | Sandals (tts)

Ok, I always like the idea of a shorts + sweater combo in my head, but this time it actually worked on me. I adore the Quince Cotton Crop Pullover and the proportions of this with these shorts is just great. For reference, I did size down in this sweater and I think it is more complimentary to my shape not being too boxy or loose (I mentioned this in my video about Quince pieces recently.)

And let’s just have another moment for the Freda Salvador fisherman sandals. They are currently making every single outfit I style with them a fabulous one. AND they are so comfy. I did a whole try-on here of different options here, but spoiler alert, these are the best (and I kept them for review purposes!)

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2 | Edgy & Effortless with a Black Tank + Slip-On Vans

Tank (M) | Shorts (29) | Sneakers | Bag | Hat

My punk rock heart will always love slip-on checkered Vans and they go perfectly with the shorts and this really fab swing tank from Free People. You could easily swap in the fisherman sandals and lose the hat and you have a cute all black outfit leveled up a bit.

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3 | Polished Casual with a Faherty Polo Sweater + Crossover Sandals

Sweater (M, this year’s version) | Shorts (29) | Sandals

This Faherty sweater has been one of my very favorite purchases ever. It’s the perfect light-ish weight sweater and has gorgeous drape. It’s easy to tuck a bit and just looks so good every time. The Everlane Day Crossover sandals are also a closet staple of mine. The leather is so soft and they are a great minimal style I can still wear with my, ugh, bunions.

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4 | Sophisticated Summer with a Button-Up Shirt + Quince Purse + Fisherman Sandals

Shirt (S) | Shorts (29) | Sandals | Bag

I have forever wanted to wear a combo like this, too, but had to wait for the right pair of shorts to pull it off. These shorts are just long enough to wear with an oversized button-down but still look like you actually have pants on. Lol. I wore this out to lunch the other day and it was great. These Frank & Eileen oxfords are really hard to beat and so great. Quite oversized though, just a heads up.

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5 | Classic Cool with a Gap Denim Tank, Clare V Bandana + Chuck Taylors

Tank (M) | Shorts (29) | Bandana | Sneakers

This was the first outfit I put on a few weeks ago when I got the Moxie shorts in. I got the Clare V bandana in DC in May and it’s my newest favorite accessory. I sometimes tie it on my tote bags, too, as another styling option.

And I will forever love a natural ivory Chuck Taylor high-top moment. I just size up 1/2 (which means my actual regular shoe size) and swap in a much comfier insole so I can wear them all day.

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6 | Sporty & Simple with a Sporty Tee + adidas Barreda Sneakers

Tee (M) | Shorts (29) | Sneakers (size down 1/2)

On this one, I just kept it sporty + simple, with this fun jersey-inspired tee from Aritzia and colorful adidas. These Barredas sneakers are incredibly comfortable if you haven’t tried them. Jess and I both have been loving them!

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7 | Beach Day Ready with a Favorite Daughter Tee + Birkenstocks + A Beach Tote

Tee (M) | Shorts (29) | Birks | Similar Tote | Similar Hat

I’d totally wear this look to the beach or pool or lake. I have adored my EVA Birkenstocks for years and this new upgrade (need) is so so cute.

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Have you tried out the Moxie shorts yet? Let me know what you think if you have in other washes. I’m so tempted to get one of the blue shades because I love these so much. Happy Summer-ing, friends and let me know if there are any other fab denim shorts similar to these that I need to check out, too!

xo,

L

Would love to see you over on Instagram, too. xx