I love/eat/breathe denim shorts in the summer. I dress very casually most of the time (a true athlesiure-loving-human — especially since WFH life), but in the summer, I take my casual dressing up a notch. And by that I mean one single notch. To denim shorts! Haha.
My typical summer outfit involves denim shorts paired with a graphic tee, and high-top Converse or Birkenstocks. That’s literally it. I do, of course, branch out from just tees, but this casual summer uniform is my absolute go-to. Here’s an example of that everyday ‘fit:
similar tee | shorts | Converse (sold out) | similar Converse
I know, I’m not special in the fact that I frequent a pair of denim-somethings when I want to be the tiniest bit put-together. (The tiniest!!) But one way I’m making this strategy more exciting is by finding, frankly, the most exciting denim shorts I can find. Besides, if I’m going to spend the $$$, I really want denim shorts with a little something extra.
I’ve found that if the denim shorts are a tad more interesting than usual (we’re talking cool buttons, unique waistbands, stylish pleats, etc.,) then they automatically make that outfit 10x more stylish. I swear!! This is the secret to upping the interest in my usual, super-casual summer outfit: cool denim shorts. If there’s something fascinating going on there (fascinating in terms of jeans, yes), then it takes the entire outfit to a new level.
8 AGOLDE Denim Shorts With A Little Somethin’ Somethin’
AGOLDE is my fave denim brand by far (I’m in a relationship with their jeans). They’ve got just such a comfy denim feel (which only stretches a little) and fit SO well on a straight body like mine. They also nail it when it comes to fun styles/accents (and I love that they’re sustainable).
I’m about to dive into a bunch of seriously-cool AGOLDE denim shorts, let’s check ’em out!
AGOLDE Crisscross Shorts With Raw Hem
These may look like regular denim shorts from afar, but they’ve got something totally rad going on — and that’s the criss cross button fly waist. Their crisscross jeans are what got me so into AGOLDE in the first place (spoiler: they’re awesome and I wear almost every day) so when I saw the shorts version?!? Done deal.
Fit Notes: They run true to size and are just as comfy as the full length jeans. Both have 4.5″ inseams. Btw, I’m 5’6″, 160 lbs and have a straight body type with thicker thighs.
1. In Symbol (Blue)


(wearing size 29) at Nordstrom | at Revolve | at Saks
2. In Hitchhike (Black)


(wearing size 28) at Nordstrom | at Anthropologie | at Shopbop
AGOLDE Crisscross Shorts
Same crisscross, asymmetrical button fly deal, but with a stitched hem. Feel slightly less boho/casual (a hem could do that?) but just as unique. Love that my thighs didn’t feel constrained in these bad boys.
Fit Notes: The blue shorts are 17″ long & the black are 16″ long. True to size.
3. In Momentum (Blue)


(wearing size 29) at Revolve | at Shopbop | at Verishop
4. In Photogram (Black)


(wearing size 29) at Revolve | at Shopbop | at Verishop
AGOLDE Pieced Angled Shorts
Oooomg, I love these so much. These shorts encapsulate my whole idea of cool shorts with a little something more. The higher cut pieces above the waist are SO neat and especially perfect for someone like me who loves tucking in my tops to form some type of waist. Also adore the backs of both with the faux-pocket design. These were just the right amount of baggy in the thigh and could easily be my most-worn pair of this summer. I’m calling it now.
Fit Notes: High rise & 19″ long. Size down. These were a little loose in the waist as they sit so high up. I should’ve gone for a 28.
5. In Matrix (Blue)


(wearing size 29) at Free People | at Revolve
6. In Shambles (Black)


(wearing size 29) at Free People
AGOLDE Fold Waistband Shorts
Two more fun pairs with added style: long, tapered pleats. These are called fold waistband shorts, but to be totally honest I have no idea what they mean by that (lol). They have exaggerated pleats down each front leg and tuck in near the waist for that cinched-in, high waist silhouette. Suuuper stylish paired with the longer length which I love.
Fit Notes: 6.5″ inseam & true to size.
7. In Sideline (Blue)


(wearing size 29) at Revolve | at Free People
8. In Conduct (Black)


(wearing size 29) at Free People | at Verishop
Oh, if you’re a #strong #woman looking for some cute tees, mine is sold out but I found a few with similar vibes:
Xo,
Abby
Oh, Hey Pinners…