Summer Short Review!

Hey Ladies! First off IT’S FRIDAY!!!!! Secondly, I have a pretty awesome post for you guys today. I’ve teamed up with Nordstrom + Shopstyle and I am reviewing all the shorts! Denim, Linen, Twill—you name it! I’m taking one for the team (aka you) and I’ve searched out and tried on all of the Summer’s hottest short styles and am giving my honest opinions and fit reviews in today’s post. There are TEN pair, y’all and I’m super confident that there’s a style in here that will work for you!

Here’s the deal…for me, shopping for shorts stinks. It’s rare that I can just slip into a pair of shorts in my normal size and feel like a million bucks. Nope- mama has a booty and thighs and I’m truly a really hard fit for shorts. I dread shopping for them, but I seem to live in denim shorts during the Summer, so it’s really a necessary evil to do my due diligence and find good options. I decided to take a deep dive into Nordstrom’s selection, in hopes that it might make your experience in finding great shorts just a touch easier. Here goes nothin’!

A few quick notes: I’m wearing the same tank (my FAVORITE–I have 3 colors!) and am standing in the exact same spot and in the exact same “pose” in all photos. Mentioning this because when you hone in on it you can really focus on where the rise hits me and how long the inseams look when compared to each other. Also, I’m 5’9 and a typical 27 in jeans. I ALWAYS size up on denim shorts. Like always, no exception. I like them a bit roomier as an overall fit.

(*) Denotes my personal favorites and the shorts that I kept!

V Neck Tank ON SALE (wearing an XS)

Summer Short Review:

*Option 1: Madewell High Rise Denim Shorts $69.50 | Wearing a 28 

Like all things Madewell, I really liked these! They are well made and give a great, flattering and multi functional fit. They have a 4” inseam uncuffed (R) and closer to a 2.5” inseam when cuffed (L). I sized up to a 28 in these and really liked the fit and the high rise. These are a GREAT option for so many women.

Madewell High Rise Denim Shorts $69.50 | Wearing a 28

Option 2: Kut From the Kloth Boyfriend Short $69 | Wearing a 6

I wanted to make sure that I reviewed shorts with all inseam lengths, but I’ll be honest I had very low expectations for these. Turns out, I don’ hate them at all. I actually kinda like them! They are a high rise, boyfriend short and are great with a cute tank for a busy day running errands or chasing kids at the park. They have a full 7″ inseam, but I will tell you that they are a bit of a lower rise.

Kut From the Kloth Boyfriend Short $69 | Wearing a 6

Option 3: High Waisted Mom Shorts $55 | Wearing a 28

Not one but TWO pair of longer shorts. To be fair, longer bermuda style shorts are trending this Spring and Summer and I’m kinda liking it. I REALLY liked these, the fit and feel are AWESOME for the price. These are higher waisted and have a 5,5″ inseam. You can also cuff them for a shorter look.

High Waisted Mom Shorts $55 | Wearing a 28

*Option 4: Belted Twill Shorts $49 | Wearing a 6

I needed an olive green short and was shocked at how much I loved these. They are a great high waisted, belted twill short. The fit is easy (I sized up to a 6, but could have probably still been comfortable in my TTS 4) and I love the fun, neutral color. They have a 4” inseam and come in 4 other colors. These are a must try!

Belted Twill Shorts $49 | Wearing a 6

Option 5: Linen Shorts $49 | Wearing a Small

These are super cute and also casual and easy to wear. They are a lightweight linen with a 3” inseam that feels relaxed but flattering. Not only do they come in a ton of colors, but they are incredibly easy to wear. I’m wearing a small here, but would have preferred the M for some room to wash dry and wear comfortably.

Linen Shorts $49 | Wearing a Small

Option 6: Ripped High Waisted Denim Shorts $49 | Wearing a 28

White shorts are SO hard to find and these were a solid 7/10, which I call a win! They are high waisted and have distressing in the right places, along with a modest 3.5′ inseam. The 28 was a good fit, but I could have also sized up to a 29 for more of a true boyfriend fit. I also really like the price on these!

Ripped High Waisted Denim Shorts $49 | Wearing a 28

*Option 7: Black High Waisted Shorts $49 | Wearing a 28

These were AWESOME!!! I loved the high rise, the black wash and the slight distressing. They have a 2” inseam, but I was super comfortable in them. I will get so much wear out of these this Summer! I’m wearing the 28 and love the fit.

Black High Waisted Shorts $49 | Wearing a 28

Option 8: Free People Cut Offs $68 | Wearing a 28

I typically really really like Free People shorts, but always forget how small they run. Overall I like the rise, wash and distressing but would have preferred the size 29 for a looser, more relaxed fit in the thigh area.

Free People Cut Offs $68 | Wearing a 28

*Option 9: BlankNYC Cut Off Shorts $78 | Wearing a 29 (see sizing blurb)

This pair of BlankNYC shorts are my tried and true fav, so I was really hopeful for this new pair to workout! GOOD NEWS–THEY DID! My store was sold out of the size 28, so I grabbed the 29 to get a general idea of fit. I loved the 3” inseam, the vintage feel and the versatility of wearing them cuffed or un-cuffed. I can also really appreciate that the distressing is there but that it’s not completely through the fabric. These are a great everyday option and I can really attest to the quality of this brand.

BlankNYC Cut Off Shorts $78 | Wearing a 29 (see sizing blurb)

BlankNYC Cut Off Shorts $78 | Wearing a 29 (see sizing blurb)

*Option 10: Treasure and Bond Tie Waist Shorts $69 | Wearing size 4

I’ve shared these before but felt like they were really worth including in this post. They are SUCH a great lightweight short that are easy to wear and so flattering yet forgiving. I love them with a simple tee or tank tucked in but you could also really dress them up with a fun silk cami. These are a must have! I’m wearing the size 4 and really liked the fit.

Bond Tie Waist Shorts $69 | Wearing size 4

I really hope that this was helpful for you guys! i’ll be doing a try-on via Instastories likely tomorrow at some point, but feel free to leave any questions here. Nordstrom has an AMAZING selection of shorts (both denim and beyond) and there are tons more pair to try…here are a few additional favorites!

Thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post. All content, photos and ideas are my own and I really appreciate you supporting brands who make Style Your Senses possible!