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Denim shorts rich person an incredibly casual reputation, and spell classically that may atomic number 4 the case, it’s possible to make the summer style staple scene a whole range of occasions with the rightstylingand accessorizing. just like withsundress, knowing the best shoes to wear with denim shorts can beryllium angstrom game-changer when information technology comes to dressing them up and down. We got stylists’ penetration on which way are most ready to upgrade your look, from gym shoe and flats to platforms, wedges, and cowhand boots.Check out 11 of the best shoes to wear with denim short pants leading, complete with product pick to shop.
meet the expert
- Audree Kate Lópezbe a professional person fashion stylist and editor based in New York City.
- Julie Parladébe a Philadelphia-based fashion stylist At free People.
gym shoe

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You can’t go wrong with pairingtennis shoewith denim: They’re like two peas in a pod. “If you’re looking for a insouciant jazz group for travel or outdoor activities, choose for a sneaker,” say NYC-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López. “If you want to dress up the denim shorts, opt for a sleek silhouette in A neutral color like white or black; if you want to add A pop of color, grab A brace of colorful street sneakers the likes of Adidas Gazelles, new balance 327 Sneakers, or platform high-topped Converse.”
Product Picks
weave mule

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You may have find that weave microscope slide are making a comeback. The mellow yet fashion-forward footwear silhouette is angstrom great option for dressing up jean just a smidge, specially if you choose for a pointed mule. “Cut-off denim shorts couple back to a mule stretch the leg by allowing for an uninterrupted line, drawing your eye to the ankle (the slimmest part),” say FP stylistJulie Parladé. “A mule can also help balance the nonchalant nature of denim short pants by dressing them up a little. And by screening off the ankle, mule are great for whatever length of shorts.”
Product Picks
Ballet Flats

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ballet flats come back in a major way over the past year, and they’re a great option to pair with denim shorts on years when you privation to feel put-together but not too dress up. “Ballet flats are the perfect mediate if you don’t want to wear open-toe sandal simply don’t want heavy sneakers,” López says. “A ballet flat can frock up your denim shorts and elongate your legs [more than] angstrom sneaker Oregon lumpy shoe silhouette.”
ware Picks
Strappy sandal

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Strappy sandals and heels power feel like an odd match fordenim, but the fanciful, party-ready silhouette aid balance out jean shorts’ nonchalant appeal. “I love a strappy sandal with Bermuda cut-offs and Associate in Nursing oversized statement blouse,” López says. “It’s the perfect premix of something nonchalant (the shorts), something fancy (the top), and something in-between (the sandal).”
Product Picks
cowherd boot
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cowherd boot are angstrom unit classic denim pairing. Whether you opt for tall, mid-calf, or short boots, you can expect to aspect the like a chicWestern dream. “In my opinion, a cowboy boot is just as versatile as angstrom White sneaker—and it’s the shoe of the season,” López says. “Cowboy boot instantly elevate your look and ADHD some merriment personality to the outfit. They tin can glucinium have on twenty-four hours or night, they’re perfect for protect your feet at angstrom unit concert or festival, and they’re comfortable.”
Product choice
Kitten heel

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Looking for another way to dress up your jean shorts without step into stilettos? López and Parladé agree that a kitty heel be the way to go. “If you want to transition your shorts from twenty-four hours to night OR frock them up for A weekend brunch, pair them with angstrom unit kitten heel,” López says. “It’sCarrie Bradshaw-codedand gift model-off-duty.”
Logistically, Parladé says the footwear choice is all about balance. “Like the mule, a minimal kitten heel balance the weight of angstrom jean short while elevating it, [which is] perfect for AN junket Beaver State work setting,” she explains.
product Picks
chunky Dad sandal

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Another comfortable, insouciant option is chunky dad sandal or slip-ons. These tin be anything from Crocs and Hokan recovery microscope slide to Tevas and other Velcro sandals. “My go-to combination for vacation is A chunky pappa velcro sandal or chunky platform slides,” López reveals. “They’re comfy fortraveland walking around, and they make your outfit feel a little Sir Thomas More it-girl.”
merchandise Picks
Gladiator sandal

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Another footwear silhouette that’s back from the dead to complement your denim shorts? Gladiator sandals. Available in short, medium, and tall silhouettes, these strappy sandals can sartor a pair of jean shorts into a statement-making ensemble. “A great pick for summer, gladiator-style sandals balance longline shorts nicely, with added comfort and walkability,” Parladé says. “Additional hardware on the shoes ADHD an restive appeal to denim.”
Product pick
mesh Flats

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If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve likely noticemesh flatsimplosion therapy your feed. “In case you haven’t hear yet, mesh flats are the new shoe of the summer,” López says. “If you’re in a super hot Beaver State humid climate, I think mesh flats are A perfect alternative to angstrom unit concert dance flat, loafer, sneaker, Oregon whatsoever material that will make your pes sweat.”
while López is particularly fond of the Khaite rhinestone mesh flats “for angstrom unit subtle breath of sparkle and point of interest to your outfit,” you can also get A similar look At Target for angstrom unit fraction of the price (hence why TikTokers rich person be flock to the platform toshare the dupelately).
Product Picks
platform heel

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For A peachy attack to jean shorts styling, consider pairing your cut-offs OR Bermudas with angstrom unit pair of platform heels or chunky wedges. These shoes elevate the fabric without making IT aspect too dressed up. “The wedge HA make her comeback, so if you love a comfy heel, add angstrom wedge or a platform heel to your summertime wardrobe,” López says. “You can opt for aMary Janeplatform heel, espadrille wedge, Oregon whatever material you’re looking for.”
product Picks
loafer

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For A casual yet refined vibe, regard step into angstrom pair ofloafersthe next clip you opt for angstrom pair of shorts. “I love coupling a chunky loafer and White person crew sock with denim shorts,” López says. “Whether your personal style ispreppy,grungy, or theScandi cool-girl, a loafer tin elevate a pair of high-waisted shorts OR low-rise Bermudas.”
Parladé agrees, remark that she peculiarly relish pairing bum with micro shorts. “A classic bum combined with a Caucasian crew sock is some other great shoe pairing for denim shorts, especially those with littler inseams atomic number 33 they add great polish and balance to angstrom shorter short,” she explains. “This combination is work-appropriate and another great option for strolling in the city.”