Nothing screams Sprezzatura (that’s Italian for nonchalant and effortless, in case your Italian’s a bit rusty) like T-shirts and shorts in the summer. Pairing tees with denim shorts? Now that’s the ultimate effortlessly stylish and scruffily chic combo for the season. These outfits are not just easy to pull off but also manage to look incredibly put-together at the same time.

Having a few tried-and-true outfit ideas up your sleeve can help you nail this simple yet stylish look with confidence. But before we dive into our curated picks of T-shirt and denim shorts outfit ideas, let’s take a quick look at how to rock this combo the right way. 

How to wear a tee/ T-shirt with denim shorts:

Fit:

Your tee shouldn’t look like it’s borrowed from your little brother or your dad. Aim for a Goldilocks fit—not too bulky, not too long, and definitely not too short (no one wants a crop top surprise). Ideally, your T-shirt should end just below the belt slot of your denim shorts. Of course, if oversized tees are your thing, go ahead and rock that comfy blanket vibe—no judgment here!

Mixing and matching:

A plain white tee with blue denim shorts might sound basic, but hey, minimalism is all the rage these days, and busy fashionistas swear by it to turn heads! Pair this effortlessly cool combo with plain white sneakers, and you’re good to go. For a bit more color, solids and pastels are your best bet—they pair beautifully with a scruffy pair of blue denim shorts.

Feeling bold? Swap the white tee for a black one to team up with your blue or navy denim shorts. Top it off with a black baseball cap and some sleek black sneakers, and voilà! You’ve got yourself the ultimate “fashionista on a summer mission” look—perfect for impressing everyone at your favorite sunny getaway.

Make your denim shorts look better:

Accessorize and color-coordinate your tee with denim shorts for a summer look that’s as simple as it is stylish. Plain tees are your go-to here—just make sure your shoes are in on the match game. White denim shorts? Pair them with plain white sneakers for a crisp, clean vibe. Oh, and don’t forget those no-show socks—they’re not just trendy, they’re practically the secret sauce to nailing those T-shirt and denim shorts outfits. But hey, why stop there? A dad hat might give you that cool, laid-back edge, but let’s crank it up a notch. Add a sleek necklace, a bold bracelet, or even a quirky pants chain to give your outfit some personality. And if you’re really feeling daring, throw on a snazzy anklet—yes, an anklet—and stroll into the sunshine with confidence. After all, summer is the season to accessorize like you mean it! 

15 outfits with t-shirts and denim shorts:

With a plain white tee: 

As mentioned earlier, a pair of denim shorts works like magic when paired with a plain white tee—it’s a timeless combo that screams effortless cool. But don’t just take my word for it! Check out these outfit ideas to see how this simple pairing can go from casual strolls to stylish head-turner territory in no time. Whether you’re dressing it up with accessories or keeping it minimal for a laid-back vibe, this duo has got your summer style covered!

Denim shorts with a black T-shirt:

We promised simple and elegant, didn’t we? So, why not swap that trusty white tee for a sleek black one and watch the magic unfold? With just this small tweak, you’ll transform your vibe entirely—effortlessly stepping into a bold, more refined look. Check out these outfit ideas and see how this easy switch can elevate your style game instantly!

With graphic or printed tees: 

Your tee and denim shorts outfit doesn’t have to be as dull as plain toast without butter. If bold colors and eye-catching patterns float your boat, then by all means, sail away! Go for vibrant hues, funky prints, or even floral patterns if you’re feeling tropical vibes. Stripes? Sure! Geometric designs? Why not! The key is to have fun with your look and let your personality shine through. After all, summer is the perfect time to embrace a little chaos in your wardrobe—because who wants to blend in when you can stand out?