Where to Buy the Best Denim Shorts, From an NYC Girl

by Micaela Erlanger

When she’s not working with big names like Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Hudson, and Hilary Swank, celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger also divulges her fashion expertise in our Ask a Stylist column. From the best places to source vintage to the secret to finding your most flattering jeans, come back each week for a professional’s perspective.

It’s officially summer, which means it’s time to start swapping your go-to weekend denim look for casual jean shorts. Since I’ve already shared the place I swear by when it comes to shopping for skinny jeans, today I’m keeping with the denim theme and dishing where I find the best denim shorts. When updating my jean shorts collection, I keep it simple and stick to three shops that never disappoint me: Madewell, J Brand, and Free People.

Keep reading to see what I like about each brand and freshen your denim shorts selection with my favorite picks from each site!

MADEWELL

Madewell gets it right when it comes to designing a style that’s not too short and hits at the perfect hemline. I particularly like the high-rise boyshorts below. 
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Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts Button-Front Edition ($75)

Add a statement top and you’ll be ready for any summer event.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.
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Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts in Tile White ($70)

This high-rise pair is so retro.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.
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Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts Garment-Dyed Edition ($75)

Add some color to your wardrobe with these adorable red wash shorts.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.
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Madewell High-Rise Denim Boyshorts ($75)

I love the dark wash here.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.
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Madwell High-Rise Denim Shorts ($72)

These are seriously the perfect jean shorts. Thanks, Madewell!

Available in sizes 23 to 32.

J BRAND

J Brand is my go-to when I’m looking for an on-trend pair with a bit of edge.

Gracie High Rise Shorts
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J Brand Gracie High Rise Shorts ($188)

Pair these with a leather jacket for an outdoor concert venue this summer.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.
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J Brand 1046 Cutoff Shorts ($154)

If you’re looking for an all-white option.

Available in sizes 24 to 32.

Joan High Waist Cutoff Shorts
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J Brand Joan High Waist Cutoff Shorts ($228)

Such an easy pair to throw on and go out the door.

Available in sizes 26 to 32.

Cutoff Denim Shorts
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J Brand Cutoff Denim Shorts ($198)

This classic low-rise can be paired with oval sunnies to keep it fresh.

Available in sizes 24 to 32.
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J-Brand Low Rise Short ($168)

Another white pair because who can have too many classic white jean shorts?

Available in sizes 23 to 30.

FREE PEOPLE

Free People is my place to find affordable, loose options that are perfect for a lazy summer Sunday. 
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Levi’s 501 Cutoff Shorts ($60)

Leave it to Levi’s to make the best-fitting jean shorts on the market.

Available in sizes 24 to 31.
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Levi’s 501 High Rise Denim Shorts ($70)

These are a staple for any beach vacay.

Available in sizes 24 to 31.
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Levi’s Indie Short ($70)

Just like a hand-me-down, but more flattering.

Available in sizes 24 to 31.

Hold Tight Belt Short by We The Free at Free People
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We the Free Hold Tight Belt Short ($78)

Add this unique pair to your favorite T-shirt-and-sandals combo for an updated look.

Available in sizes 24 to 31.
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Levi’s 501 Cutoff Shorts ($70)

For comfy weekend vibes.

Available in sizes 24 to 31.

SHOP MORE DENIM SHORTS

The Shorts
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Re/Done The Shorts ($215)

Just the right amount of distressing. 

Available in sizes 24 to 29.
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Paige Emmitt Relaxed Shorts ($148)

Cute and simple.

Available in sizes 23 to 32. 

ASOS DESIGN Curve denim mom short in vintage blue
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ASOS Curve Denim Mom Short in Vintage Blue ($45)

Snag these $45 cutoffs before they sell out. 

Available in sizes 14 to 24.
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AG Jeans The Hailey ($168)

Throw on your favorite band tee and you’re set.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.

The Boyfriend Denim Shorts
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Current/Elliott The Boyfriend Denim Shorts ($180)

I love the idea of pairing denim shorts with a simple tee and a leather jacket. 

Available in sizes 23 to 32.
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Violeta by Mango Embroidered Denim Short ($70)

The floral side detail makes these so fresh. 

Available in sizes 10 to 22.
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Rag & Bone/Jean Torti Short ($175)

Wear these with classic Converse sneakers for a relaxed summer look. 

Available in sizes 24 to 30.

Submit a style question for Erlanger in the box below, and check back next Sunday to see if she answers yours!