"Despite having ruled our summer wardrobes for most of our lives, over the past few years, denim shorts have lost a bit of their luster. With fresh alternatives like linen shorts, pedal pushers, and breezy maxi skirts, warm-weather outfits have the opportunity to feel a bit more interesting than they do with typical denim cut-offs.
let's face it: meeting someone in the wild is a lot easier said than done
Thanks to 2025’s dressing themes of soft power and renewed maximalism, this season’s denim short alternatives are equal parts effortless and elevated. For the minimalist, a mix of tailored short and structured minis are coming into play; for the maximalist, an endlessly supply of striped boxer shorts and printed pull-on pants are here to inject more pattern into summer outfits. While denim shorts shouldn’t be written off completely—long denim shorts will also be having a moment this season—extending your arsenal of bottoms can help breathe new life into your typical warm-weather uniform.
Whether you’re on the hunt for bottoms for lounging indoors or bopping around town, these are the five denim short alternatives to lean on in 2025.
Poplin Midi Skirts
A poplin midi skirt can take your summer wardrobe pretty far; they’re lightweight, breathable, and easy to style. You really only need one or two—black and white, if you ask me—to create a near endless number of outfits to carry you from day to night over the next several months. The good news, too, is that they’re perpetually in style. Outside of the usual neutral suspects, trending color options like butter yellow can help to make a statement when paired with summer tanks and tees. Personally, I’m eyeing a striped version ahead of my annual trip to Cape Cod.
Trouser Shorts
Trouser shorts can help bring a bit of structure to the season of breezy silhouettes. Style their longer inseams the way you would any of your go-to shorts, and don’t be afraid to play with proportions by trying your hand at styling them both with more form-fitting tanks and oversized button-ups.
Boxer Shorts
If you took a chance on the boxer-short trend last summer, you’re in luck: The pajama-bottom look-a-likes have returned for yet another season. 2024’s classic silk and cotton versions are still in rotation with the addition of new color combos that lend themselves to this year’s renewed focus on individual style. Style them with a ribbed tank and flip-flops for a laid-back approach, or with a blazer and kitten heels for a fresh Happy Hour outfit.
Structured Mini Skirts
The words “mini skirt” can conjure up a slew of negative feelings—most notably, flashbacks to the butt-grazing minis many of us wore as early teens. Fear not: Today’s mini skirts and skorts are a lot more polished, making it easier than ever to sport a shorter hemline. Structured, belted options are aplenty this season, and with the right shoes—sneakers or sandals will do the trick—you’ll find that mini skirts work for nearly every occasion.
Drawstring Pants
Finding that elusive combo of coverage and breathability in a pair of summer pant feels exceptionally gratifying. It boils down to the right fit and fabric, usually capitalizing on natural fibers and loose-fit silhouettes. Pull-on pants take the place of jeans or trousers while maintaining the ability to be styled in a similar fashion. Pair them with a boho-style blouse, a barely-there tank, or a classic tee for a laissez-faire summer look.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.