5 Days, 5 Ways: How to Dress Up Denim Cut-Offs

Accessorize your jean shorts with these neat styling tricks

By Taylor Stephan Jul 10, 2015 3:00 PMTags

Sorry, HR—but denim cut-offs are part of the unofficial uniform of the season.

Jean shorts go with anything and work for almost any situation. Admittedly, we own countless pairs, but the task of changing up your look with frayed, cuffed or tailored styles can be quite the sartorial challenge.

Since you're going to be wearing these babies non-stop for the next few months, we have a few tricks up our sleeves as to how you can customize your look. That's right—never tire of your trusty blue jean short-shorts again. 

Take a cue from Jessica Alba and add a lightweight printed kimono, ideal for breezy summer weather. Pair a distressed cuffed version with bright white Birkenstocks and a crossybody bag for an essential California cool ensemble.

Selena Gomez sticks to basics with frayed denim shorts and a classic tucked tank, but jazzes up the look with suede booties and a black leather belt with cowgirl-inspired buckles. Veer away from flashing too much skin by throwing on a western-like embroidered coat to complete the look.

Head-to-toe denim can be a dangerous fashion game especially when your top and bottom are relatively matchy-matchy, but Olivia Culpo decodes the dilemma by breaking up the look with traditional black accessories. To define your silhouette, throw on a pitch-black belt, dark tank and classic sunnies. A colored heel and structured bag complete the outfit.

To elevate itty-bitty ripped shorts and a fitted white tee, cover up in a classic oversized blazer à la Chrissy Teigen. Add in neutral seasonal accessories like a heeled mule and sophisticated wide-brim hat for a posh ladies-who-lunch aesthetic. 

Do like pop singer Ciara and borrow from the boys to achieve this unfussy boyfriend-eque guise. Top your basic jeans and T-shirt combo with a killer oversized flannel and finish with chunky work boots.