Happy Wednesday, Ladies!
I hope everybody has had a great week so far. Mine has been BUSY! Tomorrow is the shoot for my upcoming STMT x Victoria Emerson bracelet collaboration (I’m so excited!), so I’ve been having fun behind the scenes planning outfits for the post.
I want the outfits to be super cute, and I of course want them to showcase the bracelets beautifully, so I ordered TONS of items and totally hit the jackpot on a few. In fact, I’m so excited that I actually think I might show you flat lays of some of the outfits next week!
The bracelet post doesn’t launch until May 20th, and I’m afraid most things will be out of stock by then, so I want to give y’all the chance to grab some of the fabulous pieces. Like this DARLING top from Anthro. It’s pricey, BUT I’M IN LOVE. The colors! The pattern! The embroidery! The little ruffle sleeves! IT’S ALL GOOD. It’s pricey, but I’m willing to pay more to have some special pieces in my closet.
But today?
Today is ALL ABOUT DENIM SHORTS because EVERYBODY needs a pair of denim shorts that they LOVE.
Last summer I basically wore these denim shorts every dang day. Seriously, I’m not even kidding. Sure, I rotated in some white cut offs every so often, but I would guess that 90% of the time it was these shorts on my body. This year I’m happy to have some options! I’m showcasing 4 pairs of denim shorts today: 2 from Wit and Wisdom and 2 from BlankNYC. You’ll get to see different washes, different fits, and varying lengths to help you see what the best shorts are for YOU!
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Let’s kick things off with the shorts I rarely took off last summer. These boyfriend denim shorts are from BLANKNYC.
I’ve owned these shorts for 3 years now, and they’re still going strong. They’ve got some stretch in them (which makes them very comfortable) and I just love the style. I own them in both a 27 and a 28. I’m wearing the size 27 here, but I actually prefer the fit of the size 28. The 28s give me a bit more length and a bit more room, which I appreciate. These have a 3″ inseam. (I still can’t find my 28s, which is why I’m wearing the 27s in today’s post. I’m giving it another week, and then I guess I’m ordering a new pair.)
crew neck tee / layered necklace / boyfriend denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
Here’s a close up.
I really appreciate that the cuffs are tacked up on the sides, so they don’t come unrolled in the wash. I will say that I’m semi careful when washing these shorts. First of all, I don’t wash them after every wear. I wash them after every SEVERAL wears. Also, I only pop them in the dryer for like 10 minutes, and then I either lay flat or hang to dry the remainder of the time.
crew neck tee / boyfriend denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
I’m telling you, I wear them ALL THE TIME.
These next shorts are from the same maker as the above shorts, they are just a washed black. They are essentially the exact same shorts, just in a new color. Actually, after receiving a question from a reader yesterday (shout out, Julie!), I realize that these maybe fit a teeny tiny bit tighter at the leg opening. After reading the specs, it’s clear that the black ones are a bit tighter around the upper thigh at 23″ (compared to 24″), but that’s really the only difference I notice.
I know all of you that already have and love the best denim shorts are immediately putting this black version into your cart. IT’S A TOTAL NO BRAINER for those of us that already have the other pair. Again, I’ve decided I like the fit of the 28.
crew neck tee / layered necklace / faded black boyfriend denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
Here’s a close up.
crew neck tee / faded black boyfriend denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
I get lots of inquiries asking for longer denim shorts options. I’ve tried MANY over the years, and haven’t loved most of the ones I’ve tried. However, this year I’ve got 2 different pair to share!
First of all, these frayed hem shorts have the elusive 4″ inseam! Not too long….not too short…JUST RIGHT. They are super casual with the lighter wash and the frayed hem, and I’ll be adding these into my shorts rotation this summer. My other shorts will be so happy to have a break. They also have the stretchy waistband and the Ab Solution panels that we all love and adore.
Now, let’s talk sizing. With Wit and Wisdom jeans I typically go with my regular size 4, but I sometimes size down (not often). I do know that some readers consistently size down when buying Wit and Wisdom (even though I don’t).
Well, I SIZED UP IN THESE! I’m wearing a 6. When I pulled the size 4 shorts out of the box, I knew immediately they were going to be too small on me. I think just about everybody will need to SIZE UP.
crew neck tee / raw hem denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
Here’s a close up.
crew neck tee / raw hem denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
If you’re wanting to go even longer than the 4″, check out these bermuda shorts. When I first pulled them out of the package, I thought they were going to be too big and way too long. However, I have to say, I really liked them once I put them on. I kinda think of them as the “girlfriend jean” equivalent in short form. They’re a little slouchier and a little more relaxed, but they still aren’t baggy or sloppy. For size reference, I’m wearing my regular size 4 (but size down if you’re often between sizes). These are 9″ when uncuffed, which sounds reallllllllllllly long, but I think they look great on! When cuffed, I’m guessing they are closer to 7″.
crew neck tee / layered necklace / bermuda shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
Here’s a close up.
Because they are Wit and Wisdom, they have the stretch and the Ab Solution panels just like the frayed hem pair do.
crew neck tee / bermuda shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
And I’ve got great news! For those of you that are super excited about this length, GUESS WHAT! This pair of shorts comes in 4 colors (see below). Click HERE for all of the options from Wit and Wisdom. You can also find Wit and Wisdom plus size shorts HERE.
light wash / white / dark wash / faded black
Here are the shorts all side by side so you can get a real good look at the differences in washes, style, and length.
boyfriend denim shorts / faded black boyfriend denim shorts / raw hem denim shorts / bermuda shorts
From Left to Right:
boyfriend denim shorts / medium wash, distressed, cuffed, and 3 inch inseam
faded black boyfriend denim shorts / faded black wash, distressed, cuffed, and 3 inch inseam
raw hem denim shorts / light wash, clean (no distressing), faded hem, and 4 inch inseam
bermuda shorts / light wash, minimal distressing, cuffed hem, and 7 inch inseam (when cuffed)
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Just to really drive the point home, I’m showing the same 4 shorts again, but with a new tee.
The first tee today was totally plain and just a great basic. BUT THIS TEE! This tee is special.
It’s a soft grey tee in the front, but the sleeves and the back are unique and DARLING. This tee just straight up makes me happy. The back and sleeves are like a crisper cotton (but not too crisp), the color are beautiful, and the florals are adorable. I love the longer length of the sleeve, and I also love that the sleeves are puffy, but not overwhelming. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
With the 3″ boyfriend denim shorts in a medium wash…
special floral tee / layered necklace / boyfriend denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
With the 3″ washed black denim shorts…
special floral tee / layered necklace / faded black boyfriend denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
With the 4″, light wash, frayed hem denim shorts…
special floral tee / layered necklace / raw hem denim shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
Remember to size up 1 in these raw hem denim shorts. I’m wearing the size 6.
With the 7″, light wash, cuffed hem denim shorts…
special floral tee / layered necklace / bermuda shorts / neutral patent sandals (size up a 1/2)
And once again, here they all are side by side.
boyfriend denim shorts / faded black boyfriend denim shorts / raw hem denim shorts / bermuda shorts
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I’ve got two more pairs of denim shorts to show you before you go. I looked for my white shorts to highlight in today’s post, and I couldn’t find them either. WHAT THE HECK. Where in the world did I stash my two favorite pairs of shorts???
I didn’t show these a lot last year because they sold out, but these white frayed hem denim shorts were my 2nd most worn pair of shorts.
They aren’t see thru, they have a great frayed hem, and they have a good amount of stretch in them which makes them very comfortable to wear. I’m wearing my regular size 4.
Sadly, these are still low in stock, but I wanted to still show them to you in case you are one of the lucky ones whose size is still available.
grey tee /rainbow wood tassel necklace / turquoise earrings / white frayed hem denim shorts/ sandals
From the same maker of the above white shorts that I love…I’ve also ordered these shorts. These are a great option for those of you that can’t grab the ones above because they’re sold out.
The fit looks great, I like the distressing, and they look to be well stocked in all sizes.
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That’s all for now, y’all!
I hope the side by side comparison and reviews today have helped you decide which shorts might be a good fit for you. I’ll continue to show new shorts as I find them, but I feel like the shorts highlighted in today’s post are a great start!
Shay Shull says
I’m obsessed with the faded black shorts. I was wearing them just yesterday…they’re so comfy, it’s almost like wearing elastic shorts! love!!
julie bradford says
the black ones are THE BOMB!!!! I LOVE THEM!!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
I busted out a pair of denim shorts for the first time yesterday! Your timing is perfect!
Lisa says
I ordered both pairs of white shorts and the faded black. I’m so excited!!!!
Thank you for this post!
Sheaffer says
Awesome, Lisa! Hope you love them like I do! xoxo
Alicia says
I have several pairs of the boyfriend denim shorts. On one pair I took out the seam holding the cuff in to give them an extra inch. I just steamed the crease. Same great fit, just a little different look.
Sheaffer says
Great idea, Alicia! A little extra length for those who want it! xoxo
Jackie T. says
I was just thinking the other day it’s time to pull out the AC tassel necklaces! My go-to’s in the Spring and Summer. They elevate my uniform of Madewell tees and shorts or linen pants. LOL
Carolyn says
Hi Sheaffer!
How do you care for your BlancNYC shorts? I bought a pair 2 summers ago and the cuff was unraveling with each wash. I thought it was a fluke so I ordered another pair last summer and they did the same thing. You don’t seem to have this problem so wondering how you launder them to keep the cuff from unraveling?
Thanks and I love your blog!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Carolyn! I actually talk about it on today’s post! I’ll copy and paste it here so you don’t have to look for it: “I will say that I’m semi careful when washing these shorts. First of all, I don’t wash them after every wear. I wash them after every SEVERAL wears. Also, I only pop them in the dryer for like 10 minutes, and then I either lay flat or hang to dry the remainder of the time.” Hope this helps! xoxo
sandi says
Carolyn, another trick is to purchase a few oversize laundry bags (the same you would use for bras but larger) and toss shorts in there before washing. For whatever reason that seems to help the shorts stay together for lack of a better word. Maybe that would help.
Sheaffer says
Ooooooh! Good tip, Sandi! Thank you! xoxo
Stacy says
I always love to see your findings, but I just can’t justify these prices when Old Navy has cute denim shorts on sale for $12 or $15.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Stacy! The Old Navy shorts don’t work on me, but I sure do wish they did! Those prices are awesome!
Diane Sayler says
the Kut frey shorts will forever be my favorite denim. they are just so good!
Beth says
I just ordered a pair of the boyfriend shorts. I’ll be honest, it’s a lot more than I normally spend on shorts, but I’m going to order them to give them a try on. I hope I love them as much as you do.
Sheaffer says
I think you’ll love them, Beth! And if you don’t, that’s what great about Nordstrom. Just use the return label that will already be in your box and ship them right back for free! xoxo