Denim shorts, much like the crop tops or tight dresses of the world, tend to walk that fine line between cool and basic. It’s all too easy to settle for the mass-fashion end of the spectrum when it comes to these types of trends (you know those millions of “meh” options we’re talking about). But if you’re looking to edge toward the side of cool, it’s all about knowing where to shop.
While we all have that pair of cut-off denim shorts that we reach for during too-hot weekends, you won’t regret having an alternative option on hand that’s a little more of a conversation starter. Wouldn’t you rather show up to your weekly park date with your besties and grab all the compliments? Exactly.
Click on to shop some of the best next-level denim shorts, and leave those denim cutoffs castoffs in the back of your drawer in exchange for the cool-girl picks ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
H&M Denim Shorts, $, available at
Free People Romeo Rolled Cut Off Shorts, $, available at
& Other Stories Spark Cut Denim Shorts, $, available at
Hudson Jeans Devon High Waist Cutoff Denim Shorts, $, available at
Reformation Sammie High Rise Relaxed Jean Shorts, $, available at
Violeta By Mango Medium-Waist Denim Shorts, $, available at
Topshop Lola Distressed Denim Cutoff Mom Shorts, $, available at
Everlane The Way-High Jean Short, $, available at
COS Slim Denim Shorts, $, available at
Oak + Fort Denim Paper Bag Shorts, $, available at
Levi’s 501® Original High Rise Mid-Thigh Shorts, $, available at
BDG Poppy Denim Drawstring Short, $, available at
Agolde Criss Cross High Rise Upsized Short, $, available at
Madewell High-Rise Mid-Length Denim Shorts, $, available at
Good American Good ’90s Bermuda, $, available at
H&M Denim Bermuda Shorts, $, available at
Levi’s 501 Original Short, $, available at
Denim Forum The Joni Loose Long Short, $, available at
Staud Painter High-Rise Denim Shorts, $, available at
Frame Le Vintage Bermuda Denim Shorts, $, available at
Agolde Riley Distressed Organic Denim Shorts, $, available at
Dr Denim Plus Nora Sky High Denim Mom Shorts, $, available at
Rolla’s Original Shorts, $, available at
Hudson Jeans Lori High Waist Denim Shorts, $, available at
Zara Mom Fit Shorts, $, available at
Ética Skylar Distressed Raw Hem Shorts, $, available at
AE Ne(x)t Level Curvy Denim Mom Shorts, $, available at
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