Everlane’s Denim Short was the clear winner in my search for postpartum jean shorts back in February. One wouldn’t think I have gotten a ton of wear out of them, but I live in Texas where twice-daily outfit changes are a thing because north Texas can’t make up its dang mind what season we’re in. Ever.
In fact, I loved Everlane’s Denim Shorts so much that I ordered a second pair in black.
5 Ways To Style Everlane Denim Shorts For Summer
Everlane’s Denim Short is ever-so-slouchy, giving them a lived-in feel. The distressing is minimal for those of you who don’t like walking around with large holes in your jeans (I don’t mind, but my stepdad continues to make the same dad joke about selling his old Wranglers to me that have torn overtime for $5. He’s so pleased with himself that I can’t even eyeroll at it anymore). The best part is, for under $70, you basically get two pairs of shorts in one: when rolled twice the inseam is 3 1/2′, unrolled the inseam is about 5′. I’ve worn them both ways and they look great.
Fit Notes: These shorts are a relaxed fit. If you are between sizes, size down. I purchased them in my normal size 30 and they just buttoned comfortably. Within a day of wearing them they were baggy – and not in that cute way that teens on TikTok are wearing their pants. At least I don’t think. I’m still trying to figure out where they learn all those TikTok dances honestly. I ended up having them taken in and buying my black pair in a 29. Yes, they are rigid denim, but they are also relaxed, so don’t size them like ya Levi 501’s!
With actual (for real this time) summer weather quickly approaching, I’m looking for ways to bust out of my hoodie/tie-dye t-shirt combo and find some fresh ways to wear Everlane’s Denim Short.
1| Denim Shorts + Blazer + Tee
Tee | Shorts | Blazer (limited sizes, similar) | Bag (similar) | Wedges (similar 1, 2) | Lipliner | Lipstick
Do you ever put together an outfit and go “Oooohhhhh OKAAAAY” at the top of your lungs? Just me? Well that’s how I felt in this black blazer (limited sizes, similar), rolled to the elbows, with my Madewell Whisper Tee half-tucked into my Everlane Denim Short. I bought this blazer a few years ago when I had a business trip and thought I was going to have to cosplay an adult. Turns out I didn’t need to (blazers + sticky Charleston weather do not mix). I held on to it — just in case I ever had to adult again — but ever since watching contributors like Laura play with her fab white blazer, I’ve decided to dig it out from the depths of my closet.
I LURV this look. It feels kind of “Gossip Girl” if Blair Waldorf forgot to brush her hair and practiced Shine Theory. These denim shorts are ideal for a half-tuck, the Madewell Whisper Tee in my beloved orangey-red picks up the red stripe in my new Clare V. Bag (similar). I’ve picked up the black in the blazer, bag, and wedges (similar 1, 2) and the denim shorts ground the outfit and keep it casual.
Fit Notes: I am 33 years old, 5’7 with long legs and a short torso (I carry my weight on my middle). I am an inverted triangle/straight-ish body shape. The blazer is TTS (I’m wearing large), the tee is TTS (I’m wearing a large), the denim shorts are a 29 (sized down 1 size).
2| Denim Shorts + Tank Top + Duster
Tank Top | Shorts | Duster (similar) | Sandals | Sunglasses | Lipliner | Lipstick
I discovered boho-esq styling after having my seond child. Mostly out of necessity. I was living in Florida (just had a summer baby) and wanted a way to feel covered, comfortable and cool (physically and emotionally). My formula? Tank top + duster + shorts = less sweaty mama.
I still love this look. It’s easy and you can get a lot of use out of your basic tank tops (like this under $15 find from Amazon) by adding some fun dusters (mine is years old, but this is similar). If you prefer to have more of your Everlane Denim Short showing, unroll the hem! Or purchase a shorter, tie-front duster like this Kantha Shimmer Tie Front Kimono from Free People. I accessorized with sunnies because, #summer. I am a new fan of the Armanda Le Specs. Cute, well-made and fairly priced. Plus, Le Specs are Meghan Markel approved.
Fit Notes: The tank top is TTS (I’m wearing a Large). The Fisherman Sandals are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
3| Denim Shorts + Tee + Flannel
Tee | Shorts | Flannel (similar) | Bag (similar)| Necklace | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Lipliner | Lipstick
I can’t put on flannel shirt (mine is years old, but this is similar) without hearing, “Here we are now, entertain us!” I wasn’t on the grunge scene in the ’90s; I was also three when the decade started, so getting me potty-trained was probably the closest my family got to “nirvana”. Spice Girls was more my speed, but I’ve traded glitter (most of it — kept the girl power) for a little more grunge. (Also, if you have kids, you know the only thing more terrifying than glitter is Play-Doh).
Under the flannel, I’m wearing my go-to tee as of late, the James Perse V-Neck Cotton and Modal Tee in the color Drop. James Perse tees are the perfect length to tuck-in or tie in a knot like I’m wearing it. Throw on a pair of Adidas Superstar Originals (they go with everything, a closet staple for sure), and you have an outfit that will get you through a breezier morning to a warmer afternoon.
Fit Notes: The James Perse Tee are TTS (I’m wearing a 3, which equals large). Sneakers are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
4| Denim Shorts + Button Down
Shirt | Shorts | Necklace | Sneakers | Lipliner | Lipstick
I can’t get enough of this Madewell Central Drapey Shirt purchased during my Madewell Try-On Sesh a few months ago. I know black isn’t typically a summery color, but this gets a pass because — I grew up outside of NYC, black is a year-round color — and it’s made of viscose, so it’s breathable, lightweight and drapes well. Also, you can wear it multiple ways (I have it tied at the waist). It’s a bestseller for a reason. I kept the look casual with my Adidas Superstar Originals, Everlane’s Denim Short and my Madewell Convertible Medium Paperclip Necklace. The necklace is a versatile piece and not delicate enough for my baby – better known as Bam-Bam in human form – to rip from my throat.
Fit: The shirt is TTS (I’m wearing a Large).
5| Denim Shorts + Square-Neck Top
Top | Shorts | Sandals | Bag | Lipliner | Lipstick
I love this Square-Neck Patchwork top from Madewell. It’s my “fancy shirt,” or as fancy as I can get with three young kids (do their hands just gravitate to sticky? I mean, really.). On trend with the square neckline, lightweight, summer ready. These Cadey Lee Sandals by Schutz tho. First of all, they break my campaign promise of no stilettos ever (Voters, I’m sorry, I’ll do better, still staunchly anti-thong though). They are also impossible to walk in. I’m not sure which was harder to move around on; these heels or the roller-skates I impulse purchased during the snowpocalypse. If I stand still like a mannequin, they are lovely. But this is too perilous. If you are used to stilettos without a platform under the bed of the foot, go for it. If not, you might look like a wobbly newborn calf clopping around your mom’s dining room. My point is a dainty heel can work with denim shorts, but not these. For me, at least.
Fit Notes: The top is TTS (I’m wearing a Large, which works with my broader shoulders and chest). The sandals are TTS (a size 8 – just not personally walkable).
As I mentioned in my Postpartum Jean Short Try-On post: you don’t need tons of shorts; you just need a few pairs that make you feel really good. For me, it’s the Everlane Denim Short. Relaxed fit, adjustable hem, plenty of ways to dress up, down, layer, etc. Summer, I’m ready for ya.
x, Meredith
