My #1 summer staple is always a good pair of denim shorts. I wear them almost every single day when it’s hot, so I need a couple of pairs to get me through the season. Recently I’ve been searching for a new go-to pair and have gone through a few rounds of online orders so I thought I’d share my research with you with my denim short guide.

For reference I normally wear a 24/25 or a 0. Here’s the link to the bodysuit I’m wearing.

Agolde Parker (vintage wash // non distressed wash)

I first purchased this pair back in February and have worn them quite a bit since. I am obsessed with the wash, minimal distressing and fit but wish they were a little bit longer. I’ve found this particular style to run large so I sized down one size to a 23. They’re slightly high waisted (hit right about the belly button) and by far my most worn shorts.

Since I love this style so much I wanted to try them out in a non-distressed wash. I ordered this pair and decided to size up to my normal size in hopes they’d be a little longer. The length is about the same as my other pair, but since I went with my normal size (24) they’re not as high waisted and hit a lot lower.

Abercrombie Mom Shorts

I haven’t shopped at Abercrombie in years but stumbled upon this pair while online shopping. They had great reviews so I decided to order a pair in a few different sizes and see how they fit. Since Abercrombie has always been geared towards teens I ordered them in a size 25 and 26. The 25’s fit perfectly and I was actually really surprised with how much I liked them. My only qualm is they’re more heavily distressed than I was wanting. And since the color is so similar to my Agolde’s I don’t think I’ll be keeping them. But since I like them so much I’ll be ordering them in white.

Agolde Dee

I was really curious about this style because they’re a higher rise with a longer inseam. I thought they’d be a good everyday “mom” short. I ordered them in a 24 and they’re a little too tight. I would recommend sizing up. I also didn’t love this length on me. I think they’d be more flattering on someone taller (I’m 5’4).

Levis 501 High Rise

I purchased this pair last summer and sized up to a 26 since I was a couple months postpartum. They run small and have little to no stretch; they were a little too tight last year but fit great this year. For some reason the denim is a lot stiffer than the Agoldes and they’re not as comfortable… but they don’t stretch out between wears and really hold their shape.

sunglasses, sweater c/o, shorts, bag, similar sandals, Crosby’s bow c/o, jacket, romper, shoes c/o

It might seem odd, but a sweater is always a summer staple for me. I got this one from Loft recently and know it’s going to be on repeat all summer long – and even well into fall. It has the cutest bar back and slightly open knit, making it the perfect sweater for an extra summer layer.

I wear sweaters all year round but have them broken up into categories in my closet. Sweaters like this one with it’s three-quarter length sleeves, bar back and wider knit are perfect for warmer months.

I wore it over the weekend to run errands on a particularly June-gloomy day. I just couldn’t bring myself to wear jeans AGAIN (it’s been a week of gloom over here). So I threw on some comfy cutoffs and sweater and was set for the day.

I had just gotten Crosby this romper and she was dying to wear it. Or maybe I was dying for her to wear it? Either way I knew she had to do it so we made it work with her denim jacket. You can’t see the back but I had someone stencil her name on it. It’s super cute and goes with everything! What girl doesn’t need a denim jacket?!

You can’t tell in these photos… or maybe you can in some, but she is hard core teething. She’s been somewhat of a late-bloomer with teeth, but over the last month a couple more have started to break through. She now has 5. This weekend she was a lot sleepier, a bit clingier (which I won’t complain about) and had a bit of a fever. Poor girl. Hoping she feels better this week since we’re off to Palm Springs this weekend.

sunglasses, sweater c/o, shorts, similar bag, sandals c/o, Crosby’s bow c/o, jacket, romper, shoes c/o

astars top c/o

I’ve been trying to slowly start shifting my wardrobe towards fall, even though the weather won’t get that memo for awhile. One fall trend that I’m really loving are lace-up tops.

Summer isn’t really winding down around here… our hottest months are usually September and October. Even though we still have awhile before we’ll be breaking out the boots and jackets, I wanted to end the week by sharing some of my favorite summer finds. These are by no means limited to warm weather, just the little things I’ve been loving this season.

I feel like I’ve been non-stop off the shoulder this year, but this top was too good to pass up. I’ve worn it with shorts and pants and am always so comfortable. It’s the kind of top you can wear to dinner and eat a bunch of chips and guac and a few tacos and no one will know the difference. Everyone needs a top like that in their closet.

The only thing good about Tuesday is it’s one day closer to the weekend. And today will be especially fun for me because we’re finally seeing our accountant and doing our taxes. Nothing like last minute! Tell me I’m not the only one scrambling this late.

I’m flashing back to a more fun day at the beach in my new Kingdom & State bathing suit. I’m having a full on love affair with one pieces. They’re so easy – you don’t have to worry about anything hanging out and can throw on a pair of shorts to have an instant outfit. Of course I dyed over this one in the palm print (it also comes in a high-waisted bikini), but they have a lot of other cute ones too!

j. crew hat, kingdom & state bathing suit c/o, westward leaning sunglasses via DITTO, urban outfitters shorts

-shop the look –

Have a great day – thanks for reading!