Denim cut-off shorts are a girl’s ultimate secret (or not-so-secret) weapon when it comes to summertime sex appeal, and no one demonstrates that better than Candice Swanepoel. The latest Vogue Spain features a spread of the Victoria’s Secret model in dangerously short destroyed denim cut-offs, showing them off with all kinds of come-hither. We dare you not to stare.
—Michelle Christina Larsen
Tags: Candice Swanepoel, denim cut off shorts, destroyed denim, sex appeal, summer style, victoria's secret model, Vogue Spain
We’ve been talking a lot about shorts recently. Colored shorts, celebs wearing shorts, bikini and bathing suit top combos…the list goes on. (Hey, it’s hot!) But even in the worst oppressive heat, most of us have limits on what we’re willing to wear in public. For instance, when it comes to cut-offs, everyone’s comfort level is different. Need proof? Browse through some street style blogs. From upper-thigh to practically-underwear, we found denim cut-off shorts that run the length gamut in our search to answer the eternal cut-offs question: how short is too short? Is there even such a thing? Let us know what you think!
To help you reach your verdict, we’ve rounded up some stylish ladies wearing all different types of cut-offs:
Something else else to consider: how ripped, ragged, torn, or distressed are you willing to wear ‘em?
Pssst, if you want to make your own cut-offs–of whatever length you fancy–we can help you out!
Images via Fashion by Elin, flattery, Lookbook, duochjag, See Creatures, chloe et sa boite à conserves, Nany’s Klozet
—Brie Hiramine
Tags: cut-off denim, denim cut off shorts, denim cut-offs, denim shorts, street style round-up, summer style
So you’ve got a gorgeous new pair of cut-off shorts (or maybe you hacked them off yourself, or used our expert denim cut-off service) but they’re just not quite distressed enough for you? There are several easy ways you can make your brand new shorts look extremely well-worn, from physical abuse to bleach and beyond. Check out a few of our favorites below.
1. Sandpaper, scissors & razors. Tools like scissors, X-Acto knives, sandpaper, cheese graters, and other potentially abrasive objects are amazing tools for making your jeans look vintage. When using these items, be sure to slip a piece of cardboard or a protective layer inside the pocket and the actual jean, so you are only distressing one surface as a time.
Distress where it’s natural! You’ll see natural wear and tear in places like pocket tops, hems, and anywhere whiskers form (usually around the crotch and the top of the thigh). We recommend starting out by cutting some light slashes, and then sanding and tearing at the fibers surrounding the cut/hem/etc.
How far you go with this is entirely up to you.
2. Bleach & dye.
Another great way to achieve a vintage look is to include a few inconspicuous splatters of bleach, or use a desaturated dye in colors like peach, brown, or even pale yellow. You can check out our bleaching tutorial here. Fabric dye instructions range from product to product, but you’ll get better results if the fibers are 100% cotton.
3. Let the elements do the work.
This is probably one of our favorites. It takes time and patience, and also willingness to accept whatever random things may happen to your jeans. Tie them to your fire escape, pin them to your roof, hang them out your window, or find some other place where they can be stationary in the elements of nature. Running water, summer storms, intense wind, and even wild animals will all contribute to the worn in look of your denim.
Overall tips:
+ Distress jeans that are 100% cotton sans-stretch fibers, or else you risk some major shape change after you’ve made your scissor holes & razor marks.
+ Get creative! Cut a slash in the thigh of your shorts and pull the pocket through, or cut out a design in the back pocket and reinforce with stitching. The possibilities are endless.
+ Safety first! Always use the proper precautions when using power tools, chemical dyes, etc. Read the warnings on all packages and wear goggles/gloves if necessary.
–
Let us know which ones you try at Denim Therapy’s facebook! And don’t forget, if you need help making your favorite jeans into perfect cut-offs, you can use our expert denim cut-off service.
—Michelle Christina Larsen
Tags: denim cut off shorts, denim shorts, distressing denim with sandpaper, how to distress denim
Elizabeth Olsen and Dakota Fanning were snapped filming Very Good Girls (a film detailing two high school girls trying to lose their v-cards one summer in the city), in Brooklyn recently, both wearing cute cut-off denim shorts and casual summer duds. We love these exposed-pocket cut-off shorts by Free People! Also worth noting? Their awesome bikes (especially Dakota’s).
Love these shorts? Grab a pair of Free People exposed-pocket denim shorts asap!
—DT Staff
Tags: dakota fanning, denim cut off shorts, elizabeth olson, free people denim shorts, summer style, very good girls
As the temperature rises, so do the hemlines. And while the prospect of wearing short shorts and tank tops is welcome in the summertime humidity and heat, sometimes you want (or need!) to feel a bit more covered-up. The solution? Add a sheer, blouse-y top when wearing your favorite pair of denim shorts. Buy over-sized and tuck it in to tone down the volume. For a lot more coverage, it won’t add that much bulk or cause you to break out into heat palpitations. Win-win.
Hummingbird Whispers Sheer Top | J Brand Denim Cutoffs
—Brie Hiramine
Tags: denim cut off shorts, denim shorts, how to wear, summer outfits, Summer Styling Tips
You can’t get more summery (and stylish) than the combination of denim and boho jewelry. We’re taking inspiration from And That‘s lookbook, featuring their spring/summer collection–a series of pieces awash in feathers, fringe, Navajo influences and, yes, even denim–paired with hippie flares and worn-down, washed-out shorts from Siwy. Check out the full lookbook below, plus our recommendations on how to channel this chill, SoCal vibe!
1. And That Asymmetrical Cross and Chain Earring 2. Siwy Jeans Anita Flare in Spirited
1. And That Navajo Landing Necklace 2. Siwy Jeans Camilla Shorts in Loveless
1. And That Denim Leaf & Feather Hairclip 2. Siwy Jeans Alex Cut Off Shorts in Love Song
—Brie Hiramine
Tags: and that jewelry, Boho style, boho-inspired fashion, denim cut off shorts, flare jeans, Siwy Denim, summer fashion
Kate Moss is nearing forty, but still has what it takes to keep us captivated (the sign of a true supermodel!). She’s in the new spring/summer 2012 Mango campaign, with smoky eyes, slick hair, and simple-yet-sublime style. While the only denim shown from the collection are a pair of blue jeans and pale denim shorts, we’re fans of the light, springtime styling. Because, um, pastel sweaters and airy white tees? Totally game. Especially when Ms. Moss is involved.
Check out a close-up shot of Kate Moss in jeans below!
Images via Fashion Gone Rogue and Denimology
—Brie Hiramine
Tags: blue jeans, denim cut off shorts, Kate Moss, Mango, mango jeans
We say it all the time, but denim is an amazing fabric because it’s so versatile. A pair of jeans can lend to your look, whether you’re heading to an outdoor festival or a lunch meeting with a client. Different colors, cuts, and textures on the market right now make this transitional styling option even more viable. We love the idea of taking jeans and making them totally luxe, because you add the element of glamour while keeping it cool. Today, we’ll show you how to do that with a few simple tricks.
1. Denim shorts with kimono-style robes.
Zadig & Voltaire Play denim cut-off shorts ($225) – buy it at Net-A-Porter.
Topshop peach floral sheer kimono ($47) – buy it at Topshop.
2. Denim workshirts under tailored blazers.
Delia*s Lightweight denim workshirt ($40) – buy it at Delia*s.
Sportmax Aubergine Sondalo Corduroy Blazer ($283) – buy it at My Wardrobe.
3. Denim dress with chunky, glam costume jewelry.
CURRENT/ELLIOTT Blue Destroyed Denim Dress ($279) – buy it at Stylebop.
GUESS by Marciano Rhinestone Bib Necklace ($128) – buy it at GUESS.
Try these tips and let us know how you like ‘em!
Opening image via Fashion Gone Rogue.
—Michelle Christina Larsen
Tags: denim cut off shorts, denim dress, denim shirt, styling tips, tailored blazer, what to buy, what to wear, Zadig & Voltaire
To anyone who questioned whether or not nasty gals really do it better, feast your eyes on this! With A sexy mix of lace bustiers and high waisted distressed denim short shorts along with a flirtatious attitude, its kinda hard to focus on the actual clothes in this lookbook…but with so many on-trend separates like gauzy sheer dresses and hints of Navajo prints we managed to regain focus! Want to make this look more fall friendly? Warm it up with a cozy fur coat, opaque tights, and thigh-high boots. Talk about hot stuff!
Images via Nasty Gal.
—Sandoval Gomez
Tags: denim cut off shorts, fall 2011 trends, fall friendly style, gauzy sheer dresses, high waisted denim shorts, lace bustiers, nasty gal, Nasty Gal Lookbook, navajo print, sexy lookbooks
Remember how we told you a t-shirt and jeans can become the hottest outfit in the room? Here’s more proof. LA-based blogger Olivia paired a faded old black t-shirt with a pair of destroyed light-wash denim jean shorts, and some super high-top Doc Martens. Having one element in the outfit that pops (in this case, the boots) can carry other basic pieces and turn what would have been a drab outfit (ie: if she chose flip-flops… which she would never do) into far more stylish territory. Other plus-points? Rich, red lipstick makes the outfit autumn-friendly, and the sleeves of her t-shirt are rolled up for some vintage biker charm. The bottom line? Olivia looks gorgeous, and at the same time, it looks like she just rolled out of bed. If that isn’t the perfect balance, we don’t know what is.
Image from Lookbook.nu.
—Michelle Christina Larsen
Tags: denim cut off shorts, destroyed denim, Doc Martens, high tops, red lipstick, rolled sleeves, Street Style, vintage style
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