• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
    • Amazon Favorites 2021
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
    • “No Makeup” Makeup
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

One Item, Four Ways: Denim Shorts

Last Updated on February 27, 2019 by Kaitlin - Rice University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Denim shorts

As college students, we have to deal with limited closet space and a limited wardrobe budget. Therefore, it’s easy to become bored with the clothes we already have and fall into a fashion rut. But with a little creativity, it doesn’t have to be that way! One Item, Four Ways is meant to help you make the most of the items you already have in your closet, making old pieces feel new again.

This week’s item is a summer staple: a pair of denim shorts. Whether they’re cutoffs made from an old pair of jeans, or a cuffed style you picked up in stores, chances are you have at least one pair in your closet.

To help you avoid a denim shorts rut, I’ve created four very different outfits, all incorporating the same pair of shorts. Read on to check out the looks and get inspired to remix these staples!

Outfit 1: Running Errands

first outfit using denim shorts

Shorts, Top, Tote, Bracelet, Earrings, Shoes

Who says you have to run your errands in an old t-shirt and flip flops? This outfit pairs denim shorts with a striped tee, because stripes make practically anything look a little more chic. Coral TOMS complement the top and make the outfit scream “summer!” A neutral tote bag and gold-toned jewelry finish off the look.

Outfit 2: A Day in the City

second outfit for exploring the city

Tank, Earrings, Bracelets, Bangle, Bag, Sandals

This outfit would be perfect for a day spent exploring the city, whether you’re outside at the zoo or inside at a museum. Flat shoes are easy to walk in, and the colorful printed top and intricate jewelry add color to the look. Finally, a cross-body bag will store all your essentials while leaving your hands free.

Outfit 3: Dressed-Up Denim

third dressier outfit

Blouse, Necklace, Bag, Sandals, Belt

Your denim shorts don’t only have to be paired with casual tops: The juxtaposition of a denim short against a fancier top can create some serious style, as evidenced by this outfit. Pair your shorts with a button-down and add some statement accessories, like this chain necklace and studded belt, and you’ve got an outfit that’s casual enough for a day of shopping but still nice enough to wear to grab dinner with your friends.

Outfit 4: Summer Festival-Ready

outfit for an outdoor festival

Tank, Bandeau, Sunglasses, Ring, Sandals

Denim shorts look just as appropriate at an outdoor concert as they do running errands or catching dinner with your friends. By pairing your shorts with a sheer tank, worn with a neon bandeau bra underneath (an easy way to try out the neon trend), you’re guaranteed to stay cool no matter the temperature. Accessorize with a fun pair of sunglasses and a cocktail ring.

What Do You Think?

What’s your favorite way to wear your denim shorts? How do you stay inspired by the items already in your closet? What items would you like to see covered in “One Item, Four Ways?” I’d love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment!

Tags : Budget Fashion, denim shorts, one item four ways, Outfit Ideas

13 Comments
Originally published on July 8, 2011
Previous Fashion Challenge: Wear Something Tie-Dyed
Next The 9 Things You Need in Your DIY Toolbox

Related Posts

How to Wear College Sweatshirts the Fashion Girl Way...

5 Great Jewelry Combinations for Every Outfit

How to wear satin header

How to Wear Satin in Everyday Life

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yvéna says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    I love these outfits, specially the ” .. Day in The City ” one. It’s really cool, and I love the tank !

    Thanks for this article !

    \ ( ^_ ^ ) //

    Reply
  2. Kaitlin - Rice University says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:08 pm

    Sidra and Yvena: I’m glad you like the looks!

    Maya: You know, now that I’m looking back at the post, I can see how outfits two and four are kind of similar. But since they’re meant for different events, I guess it would really be up to the accessories to distinguish them from one another. I’ll try to make each of the different outfits in the next installment more unique!

    Reply
  3. Molly says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    i LOVE this idea… pieces in my closet just get… lost to say the least.

    other one item four ways suggestions:
    – bandeaus
    – white pants/capris
    – cardigan sweater
    – toms shoes 🙂 i love mine

    <3

    Reply
  4. aish says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:08 pm

    i like
    a huge fan of the 3rd look……denim shorts seem so casual….its nice to dress them up

    Reply
  5. Jess says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    @Shaina,
    I don’t have that same problem, but I always wear a strapless bra under bandeaus. The ones I have are pretty thin, so it just makes me feel a little more secure. I don’t know if that’s an option for you, but it could help 🙂

    Reply
  6. Nadine says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:08 pm

    These outfits are cute but I think we’ve seen way too many similar ones here on CF.

    Reply
  7. Nadine says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    I love outfits 1, 2, and 3 because they are so easy to recreate out of items i already own (except for the toms…i must be the only girl who doesn’t own them haha).

    I’d like to see sheer tanks in a one item four ways article. I bought one a while ago and i’m running out of ideas on how to wear it…i’ve thrown cardigans, crop tops, and denim shirts/vests over it but now i’m kinda at a blank…ideas please?

    Reply
  8. Jazz says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    I really like outfits 1 and 2! Your ‘One Item, Four Ways’ posts are always something I look forward to 🙂 great job!

    Reply
  9. J says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    I’m not really a huge fan of denim shorts to be honest, they are a bit unoriginal to me and most of them are super short. Though I do like that you included Toms in the first outfit!

    Reply
  10. Audrey says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    @shaina: what about a good strapless bra under the bandeau top for the support you need..would that help? i don’t have that problem..haha

    Reply
  11. Maya says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    I like the looks- the third is really wonderful, but I don’t think the other three outfits are that different from each other. 2 and 4 in particular give off the exact same vibe, just with a different top.

    Reply
  12. Holly says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    great suggestions! those outfits are really cute 🙂

    Reply
  13. Sidra says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    This is really wonderful! I enjoyed looking at the “running errands” one because of the color combinations. Pacsun is a store favorite of mine, so the bracelet was especially cute. (:

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

17 Gorgeous & On-Trend Wedding Guest Dresses for 2021

Look gorgeous at any wedding in these crazy stylish dresses.

Addison Rae

Addison Rae’s Clothes: How to Dress Like Addison Rae

Dress like a TikTok star: these are the key items for getting Addison Rae’s style, for less.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us