Hello double digit temperatures! Is it premature to talk about shorts? We don’t think so. In fact, we feel it's our moral duty to discuss the the merits of spring denim outfits since new jeans and denim shorts are arriving just in time for spring and summer!
How To Style your Spring Denim Outfits
Now that we can feel the warmth from the sun, even if it’s just a fleeting moment walking down the street, there’s simply no turning back. We’re unpacking new deliveries and are too excited to share all the new denim washes, lengths and rises that will complete your spring denim wardrobe.
The most important things we'll cover in this entry are how to wear denim on denim this spring, the best denim jackets for spring and how to style them. It’s also time to introduce our newest denim shorts arrivals and discuss their lengths, rises and new fits.
Denim For Days
We’ve talked about denim on denim before on The Archive (see the Spring Denim Outfits post here) but we can’t stress enough how enduring this look is. Not only is it classic, it’s versatile enough that it can be edgy, grungy, western and contemporary (whatever your mood calls for). Denim on denim transcends time and trends. Here are some of our favourite denim tuxedo looks and the ways Hill’s Dry Goods can help achieve the perfect transitional spring denim outfit.
Denim on Denim How To's
A few rules to keep in mind when for denim on denim dressing:
Don’t worry about matching the wash - it can come off as too contrived if it’s a perfect match.
Layering is a great way to break up the denim and add an element of depth and colour.
Don’t feel obliged to put a western spin on the look.
Wear denim on denim in casual or luxe settings.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Denim is the perfect backdrop for belts, scarves and jewelry. In fact we love mixing materials and textures to create a truly personalized look.
Explore our full accessories collection here for more inspo.
Top Shelf Denim
If your jean collection is already perfected, but you need something to wear on top for your full denim ensemble, look no further than Oketo’s Cut 201 denim jacket. We are so over the moon to carry Oketo on an exclusive basis (learn about that on The Archive post: Introducing Oketo Denim | Exclusively at Hill's Dry Goods). The 201 denim jacket is cut oversized through the body with a rounded hem and soft volume at the sleeve, the bomber-inspired silhouette layers with ease in 100% cotton Japanese denim. A denim jacket is crucial to a spring denim outfit and this jacket is a cut above the rest.
Spring Denim Shirting
If the weather doesn’t call for a jacket, we have plenty of denim shirts on hand to complete your spring denim outfit. During the transitional and unpredictable weather that comes with spring, we love an easy button-up denim shirt. A denim shirt is a great one and done layer when the sun is out but there’s still a chill in the air. As an in-between piece and because it’s denim, it’s protective and durable so it can act as an outer layer while you head out into the world, sans jacket. Our favourite denim shirts are from our denim guardian angels: Citizens of Humanity and Levi’s. From Citizens of Humanity we’re loving the Ana Cropped Shirt in Piave and Somerset and the Baby Shay Cropped Shirt in Carolina Blue. From Levi’s the Logan Crop Shirt in Blasted Stone and Truth Slip, a really cool off-white colour that serves as a great alternative to the classic blue.
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Spring Denim Shorts For All
Last but not least, we wanted to share the best denim shorts for women this spring, from Citizens of Humanity, AGOLDEand Levi’s. There are so many rises and lengths to choose from, but when push comes to shove, what makes a pair of jean shorts wearable? We often ask ourselves and receive questions about how to wear denim shorts, how should denim shorts fit and how to style denim shorts in the spring. Luckily with the variety of shorts we’ve already received, there is something for everyone.
Fresh from Citizens of Humanity:
The Billie Relaxed Short in Sparrow is the antidote to a ‘I have nothing to wear’ moment when you need something relaxed but can go the distance for a spring denim outfit. With a midrise waist that sits on the hip and falls away from the leg, these are a go to for striking a balance between polished and understated ease. Pair these with some of our new Tokyo sneakers from Adidas in Earth Strata / Off White / Gum and a simple Drew Top from Geel in Vanilla.
The Brynn Short is a style we love season after season. The drawstring and relaxed silhouette make these shorts endlessly wearable for your spring and summer wardrobe. Available in Ritual (light denim wash) and Soft White, these work well with matching, tonal tops like a white button up or earth toned top such as Geel’s Amina Top in Taupe or Jackson Top in Brown. Add in the Tokyo sneakers from Adidas or Birkinstock Boston Clogs and you’re set to go. Keep in mind, for these warm spring days opt for denim shorts with a longer-ish hemline in case there happens to be a chill in the air.
Fresh Cuts from AGOLDE
Hot off the press are new cuts from AGOLDE: the Low Rise Parker Short and the Leith Short.
We love the throwback style of the Low Rise Parker short available in two classic denim shades: Replica and Enamour. The reimagined Low Rise Parker Short is a relaxed fit meant to sit loose and low at the hips with a slightly curved hemline and finished hem for an easy, relaxed look. With a 9 ½” rise and 2 ¾” inseam these are a quintessential warm weather short, perfect for you spring denim wardrobe. Since these have a shorter inseam, we recommend a classic tee with a relaxed fit such as the Paulina Tee in Blue Note and Sunny Paulina Tee from Xirena or the Little Graphic Tee from The Great to carry on the vintage vibe. Pair with Adidas Japan Sneakers or classic Birkenstocks to balance the look.
For more t-shirt inspo turn to our Archive post on Styling The Best White T-Shirts.
The Leith Vintage Short is a no muss, no fuss model of denim short perfection. We love how this style strikes a balance between relaxed and elevated for that perfect summer vibe. It’s a polished take on an easy going summer essential and here’s why: these are meant to fit slightly oversized with a dropped waist line to emphasize the relaxed appeal. The hemline has a clean finish which provides a refined quality to these beauties. We see these shorts as an all-in-one core item for any spring / summer wardrobe since it appeals to so many looks. Laid back due to the fit but chic due to it’s rinse and clean hemline. Style these to sit low on the hips with a fitted or tailored top as a contrast or with a tucked in button-up cotton shirt such as Xirena's Mae Shirt for sun protection.
Back by popular demand are the Dame Shorts (dame right!). Available in Enamour and these may be the perfect wash to ever exist in a denim short. These are an easy to wear fit in a wide leg opening with an flattering angled seam. We love the true medium blue wash that can be dressed up or dressed town.
Everyday in FRAME
The Everyday Short are a pair of shorts you'll want to wear everyday. Trust us, you'll never want to take them off. They are a high-rise tailored short has a just-right 4" inseam. A flattering, effortless fit, crafted in pure cotton, they are rigid and non-stretch and will keep their shape. Available in Swindle and Au Natural Clean. Swindle is a light wash and raw hem, perfectly laid back but with a refined edge.
Levi's Legends
Lastly, we have new pieces from Levi’s, a name that remains the very definition of cool. It’s the gold standard of denim for a reason; whether you're looking for a fresh pair of 501s or a timeless wardrobe staple, nothing beats the original.
To learn more about our enduring relationship with Levi’s head over to The Archive: The Story of Levi’s and Hills.
Leave it to Levi’s to have so much to offer from lengths, rises, and washes. This season we’re carrying the Baggy Dad Jort, High Rise Baggy Shorts and the Super Baggy Dad Shorts. Levi’s is going all in on loose fits and we feel this rounds out the Hill’s Dry Goods denim shorts collection perfectly.
Not your Dad's Jorts
The Baggy Dad Jorts are this season's answer to comfortable jean shorts. Cut as a mid-rise, with a streamlined outseam and inseam, these are in fact loose but not sloppy and can be worn in most scenarios if your day becomes a series of spontaneous activities. Wear them now and into the summer with sneakers, flipflops or elevated footwear if the day calls for somethin’ fancy. As these are a loose cut, aim for a top that cuts closer to the body like the Heart Tank from Baserange, Boat Neck Slim Tee from Citizens of Humanity, Isabel Rib Tee or Geel’s Fletcher and Piper tops.
For an even looser fit, check out the Super Baggy Dad Jort. What’s the difference you ask? While the Baggy Dad Jort hits just above the knees, the Super Baggy Dad Jort is cut to fit baggy through the seat and thighs and hits below the knees. They’re a cross between culottes and Bermuda shorts and we love their cool, laid back look. Even if you're not on vacation, you'll feel like you are.
High Rise Baggy Shorts - A Classic Cut
These are such classics we’ll take them in every colour please! The High Rise Baggy Shorts are easy through the hip and thigh with a high rise of 11 3/4" an inseam of 6 1/2". They are a perfect alternative to longer lengths if you want to show off your gams while still feeling covered. Available in a range of washes darkest to lightest: Remember Together, Worn Memory, Far and Wide and Snowing an LA. With streamlined seams and clean hem these are great core shorts to have on rotation for a spring denim outfit and into the summer. One more thing to note, since these jeans fall from the body you can wear a fitted or loose top which opens up so many sartorial opportunities! Pair these with the new Mary Jane Jellies from Intentionally Blank, the Lexi Shirt from Xirena and a Ganni Leopard Tote (who doesn’t love red a red and Leopard moment 😻) and you’re set.
Spring Denim Choices
When it comes to styling any of the shorts highlighted above for a spring denim outfit, it’s important to consider what occasions you want to have them for as that will dictate the wash you may need to invest in. If you want denim shorts that can be dressed up, opt for a med to dark wash that will look good paired with a cotton t-shirt during the day and a fun top to go out in at night. Your lifestyle is also a major factor to consider. If there are little ones running around with sticky hands, you’ll want to steer clear of white or cream washes for now. If you run in more, shall we say, adult circles, go for a white or cream denim. They are incredibly versatile, from brunches to bars they certainly have legs.
If you’re debating a high-rise vs midrise - it definitely comes down to comfort. We recommend trying on and comparing the rises to find the best rise for you so you can wear and enjoy your shorts for seasons to come.
With so many cuts and inseams available, we wanted to offer this helpful spring denim short guide:
For more on Spring Denim Shorts, head over to our collection.