Best Denim Shorts For Women: 15 Denim Shorts That You'll Still Feel Like A Grown-Up In

You're in safe hands with Citizens Of Humanity when it comes to denim. The Marlow is a standout and comes in a few different washes. Why are they so great, you ask? Well, they are an excellent all-rounder. You can dress this mid-thigh pair down easily with a white vest and open shirting for a walk around the park, or slip on a pair of heeled knee-length boots and blazer for a great evening look.

Made from a great stiff denim, these high-waisted denim shorts are perfect for maintaining their shape and will avoid any saggy-short situations. They are a little on the shorter side of things but are rendered more grown-up when cut in black. Strappy sandals bode well here, though so too would a loafer and sock combination.

Halfboy Denim is a Milan-based label inspired by the 1990s, and you can feel that influence in their laser-treated white knee-length shorts. Tailored to a wide-leg finish and sitting mid-rise, these shorts scream cool girl. Here, try a slinkier top—something asymmetric or draped would create contrast–then throw on a pair of thong kitten heels, and you’re ready for dinner.

If you are looking for a fail-safe any-occasion pair, look no further than this brilliant long-line COS style. Sitting on the hip and finished in a mid-wash, this pair of shorts will see you through the whole summer and the next. They are relaxed enough to work for day wear but smart enough for night. In fact, keep things simple; see the matching short-sleeved shirt, and you have the perfect summer outfit.

Sitting on the right side of distressed, the Parker style is the ideal balmy go-to. There’s a strong vintage flair that calls out for billowy blouses and this style would look fantastic with a cropped button-up jacket for when the sun goes down. They are also made from pure denim, so you don’t have to worry about them getting baggy.

& Other Stories really delivers with this classic five-pocket style. Tuck a shirt into this pair and make good use of the belt loops for a chic lunch look. They are also made from 100% cotton, of which 60% is recycled materials.

White shorts are closer to tailoring than the off-duty energy of true blue denim. Mango has a great pair with a slight A-line shape and a high waist finish that has a classic feel. Tan accessories are the obvious choice here, if it’s not broken... Complete the look with a breezy chambray shirt.

AGOLDE are a heavyweight in the denim world, and its clear from this dark wash pair of denim shorts why. The double layer is a dynamic take on the classic shorts and the cutout adds flare. Keep it simple with the styling here: a white vest and slick back bun with silver hammered jewellery will create the ultimate cool-girl evening look.

This H&M mid-rise pair are not only incredibly affordable but also a fail-safe. The vintage energy supplied by the raw edge finish is a classic tried-and-true style that ensures major wardrobe staying power.

Stella McCartney delivers with this two-tone organic denim pair. Try tank tops and slides for park picnics, then throw over a loosely tailored shirt to render the look drinks-ready. Cut high to the waist and slightly looser on the thigh; this pair is as comfortable as it is stylish.

Reformation isn't all about those summer and wedding guest dresses; their denim is also top-notch. Designed to be fitted to the waist and hips before cutting away slightly at mid-thigh, this non-stretch pair is better for the planet, made from 80% Regeneratively Grown Cotton and 20% Recycled Cotton.

We love the horse-bit detail on the back pocket of these delightfully structured shorts. Made in classic blue denim, the loose, longline silhouette is bang on trend, though still timeless. Owing to their serious 70s energy, they call out for Broderie Anglaise and billowy blouses.

Why go for imitations when the original 501s are right there? This is the ultimate classic pair of shorts you won’t regret adding to your basket. Though destressing can sometimes read childish here it works well.

Isabel Marant knows her way around denim. Though this pair is slightly different from classic blue jeans, that's the appeal. The adjustable waist is chic and easygoing, cut from looser, softer cotton.

Cut in the classic five-pocket jeans style, the 'bode' pair packs serious dress-me-up energy. The indigo finish demands white shirt tailoring, but add something slinkier instead and colour-pop mule, and you have a dreamy dinner date look.