Before you buy jeans, first find your style.
Let’s be honest, navigating the world of jeans can sometimes feel like trying to solve a puzzle, especially as we step into our amazing mid-30s and 40s. Perhaps you’ve noticed that what used to work perfectly just doesn’t feel quite right anymore, or you’re simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Terms like ‘boyfriend,’ ‘girlfriend,’ ‘mom,’ and ‘high loose‘ are thrown around, and it’s easy to wonder, ‘What’s the real difference here, and which one is actually right for my body?’
As someone who understands the nuances of fit, fabric, and how colors play with your silhouette, I want to reassure you: finding your perfect pair of jeans isn’t about conforming to a trend. It’s about discovering styles that truly enhance your natural shape and boost your confidence. We’re going to demystify these terms, look beyond the labels, and equip you with the knowledge to choose jeans that don’t just fit, but truly flatter and make you feel fantastic, every single day.
This piece is going to go into detail on how to recognize and choose denim shorts with the aim of helping you untangle the confusion around how to wear them. I’ve decided it be a 2 part series.
Denim shorts, like long jeans (which you can also read about here), come in many varieties, differing in length, waist height, and details. Here are the most popular types of denim shorts:
Bermuda shorts
These are a specific type of shorts that are distinguished by their length – they usually end just above or at knee level. They are usually more formal and elegant than typical, short beach or sports shorts. They are more elegant and often chosen for casual, but slightly more formal styles.
Characteristic features of Bermuda shorts:
They often have a slightly looser, but still elegant and fitted cut. They can be straight, slightly tapered or have delicate pleats. They are not as loose and baggy as cargo shorts. Although Bermuda shorts made of suiting fabrics (e.g. cotton, linen, wool blends) are the most popular, they also come in denim versions, as well as other materials. Bermuda shorts are often perceived as more “urban” or “semi-formal” than other shorts. They can be styled both casually and more elegantly, e.g. with a shirt and blazer.
How to style Bermuda shorts?
Bermuda shorts are incredibly versatile and can be worn in many ways:
- With a simple T-shirt, a tank top, sneakers or sandals.
- With an elegant shirt, blouse, loafers or heeled sandals. The denim versions can be combined with a linen shirt.
- With a collared shirt, blazer and elegant shoes.
- They can be worn with tights, sweaters or cardigans, and even boots.
Relaxed Fit / Loose Fit Shorts:
Top piece suggestions:
1. To accentuate your figure:
- Fitted T-shirts or tops: A classic, well-tailored T-shirt (can be tucked into shorts) or a fitted tank top will create great balance with loose legs. This is a simple but always effective solution that will accentuate your waist, especially if your shorts are high-waisted.
- Crop Tops/Short Blouses: If you feel comfortable, a short top that ends at the waistband of your shorts is a perfect choice. It accentuates your waist and elongates your legs, while maintaining a casual feel. These can also be fitted bodysuits.
- Blouses with puff sleeves or interesting sleeves: Choose blouses that are fitted in the body but have trendy, voluminous sleeves. They will add a touch of romance or elegance without overwhelming your figure.
2. For casual, urban ease:
- Oversized T-shirts: If you like total ease, longer, oversized T-shirts will work perfectly. You can nonchalantly tuck part of the blouse into the front of the shorts, which will slightly outline the waist and add nonchalance to the style.
- Loose shirts (e.g. linen, cotton): A breathable, lightweight shirt is a bull’s eye. You can wear it unbuttoned over a fitted top, buttoned and tucked into shorts, or tied at the waist. Linen shirts in natural shades are a must-have for loose shorts in the summer.
- Cropped or oversized sweatshirts: For cooler evenings or for a sportier look, sweatshirts (especially crop or boxy fit ones) will be perfect.
Boyfriend Shorts
Boyfriend shorts are a style of denim shorts (although they also come in other materials) that draw inspiration from men’s wardrobes. The name “boyfriend” refers to the general style of women’s clothing that looks like it has been “borrowed from a boyfriend” – that is, it is looser, more casual and often slightly larger than typical women’s clothing.
Key features of boyfriend shorts:
Loose, relaxed fit, dropped crotch (often, but not always), “boyfriend” is more casual and does not necessarily emphasize the waist. They often have distressing or frayed edges (raw hem), which enhances their informal and “worn” look.
Who do they suit and how to style them?
Boyfriend shorts are ideal for people who value comfort and a casual style. They are a great alternative to tight shorts, providing a more relaxed look.
How to style them?
- Casual: With a simple T-shirt, a tank top, sneakers or flat sandals.
- With a twist: With a crop top, a graphic T-shirt and heavy shoes or ankle boots.
- For summer: With a light shirt, for example a linen one, over a swimsuit, and espadrilles.
Boyfriend shorts are a great choice for summer, festivals, weekends out or simply days when you want to be totally relaxed and comfortable.
Mom Shorts
Mom shorts are a fantastic and extremely popular style that combines comfort, retro style and freedom. They are characterized by a high waist, loose in the hips and thighs. This unique construction makes them great for emphasizing the waist while offering comfort.
1. To emphasize the waist (the most common and most beneficial choice):
- Tucked-in T-shirts and blouses: This is the golden rule! Tucking a T-shirt or blouse into the shorts beautifully outlines the waist and lengthens the legs. You can choose a simple, basic T-shirt, an elegant shirt in soft cotton or linen, or even a delicate viscose blouse. This combination will work both for everyday and more formal occasions.
- Crop tops/Short blouses: If you feel like showing a bit of belly (or just a bit of skin above the belly button), a crop top that ends at the waistband of the shorts is a great choice. Paired with high-waisted shorts, it looks modern and proportionate.
- Bodysuits: A fitted bodysuit is the perfect option that always stays in place and creates a smooth line under the shorts.
2. For casual ease:
- Loose but shorter sweatshirts/sweaters: If you like layering, you can pair mom shorts with a sweatshirt or sweater that ends at about the waist of the shorts. You will avoid the effect of overwhelming the silhouette.
- Jackets: A light cardigan, denim jacket or even an oversized blazer thrown over a fitted top (tucked into the shorts) will add character to the style and make it look more elegant and thoughtful.
A-line Shorts / Flare Shorts
Shorts that flare out slightly towards the bottom, creating an “A” shape. They can be flared.
- How do you feel in these clothes? Even if you like a color, do you actually feel good in it? Does it give you energy and confidence or does it make you look tired or sick?
- How do others perceive you? Color plays a huge role in how others perceive us. Clothes that don’t match your color type can make you look less attractive than you actually are.
Cycling Shorts / Biker Shorts (in denim version)
Although originally made of stretchy materials, denim versions are also emerging. They are very tight and reach mid-thigh or slightly above the knee, inspired by cycling clothing.
That brings us to the end of the 1st part of this series.
In the next part, I’ll touch upon more styles and their applications.
Stay Tuned!
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