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NATALIE

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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10 Rules for Effortless, Everyday Style

In this series, I share some simple tips for leveling up your daily looks.

I’m sharing two pairs of shorts with you today that are honestly game-changers for me. Shorts and I have not always been on the best of terms. I used to avoid them because I hated the way my veins and cellulite looked and let insecurity get the best of me. Then one day, I decided life was just too short to worry about things like that because

1) what we look like is the least important thing about us, and
2) wearing pants when it’s hot outside just doesn’t work for me!

So, now that I’ve made friends with shorts—and especially since I live in San Diego—I’ve been on a never-ending hunt for the perfect shorts to work into my wardrobe. I got a pair from Madewell last year that were an almost for me. I wore them a ton, but every time I put them on I felt like there was a little bit of room for improvement. So after seeing the same shorts over and over again on some of my favorite fashion bloggers (and always thinking “those are exactly what I’m looking for!”), and then reading this post by Jess Ann Kirby, I finally decided to make the investment and order the shorts everyone raves about by Agolde.

Initially I ordered just the Parker style since they’re a shorter style, and I typically prefer a shorter cutoff short since my legs aren’t very long. They arrived, they were perfect, and I figured that was that! I found the best shorts! Then I was styling the shorts a bit, and remembered the other style—the Dee shorts—and my curiosity got the best of me. Would they be as good? Were they better? I finally ordered them, and let me tell you—they’re amazing! Honestly they might be even better than the Parker shorts I tried on, but I’m already pretty attached to those so I’ve decided to keep them both.

I’ll go ahead and address the elephant in the room right now—these shorts are expensive. I get it. They aren’t going to be for everyone, and if they aren’t in your budget don’t feel like you MUST have them or anything. But as someone who genuinely shares about the products I find, and also as someone who likes to invest in pieces that are going to last, I wanted to make sure you all knew that if it works in your budget, these are WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Sizing-wise, the reviews were mixed, but I just went with my usual denim size (27) in both of them and they fit great! If anything, the Dee style fits a bit more snug than the Parker, but since it’s a high rise fit, I like that. They’re 100% cotton, but magically very comfortable. I can’t part with either of them, and as a San Diegan, having some good quality denim shorts is kind of an essential for me since I wear them for at least half of the year.

IN SUMMARY:

  • Parker Shorts: These have more of a boyfriend shorts type of feel. They have a lower rise than the Dee shorts, a shorter inseam (2.75″) and a really casual vibe. TTS for me, but you could size down if you don’t have a booty I think.
  • Dee Shorts: Super high rise and a longer (4″) inseam. Perfect casual shorts for moms or anyone looking for a bit more coverage without compromising the “cool” factor. TTS, with a good snug fit right up at your natural waist.

Stay tuned later this week for my style stories on Instagram (plus a post here on the blog) where I share 6 ways to style them for spring and summer. Have you found your perfect denim shorts yet?! 

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The Best Denim Shorts

Read the Comments +

  1. Kate Casebier says:

    Hello! Do you recommend buying a size that fits immediately or are these like other cotton jeans that should be bought snug and broken in? Would appreciate any advice you have. Thank you!

  2. Ray says:

    I’m a little late discovering your blog, but have been trying to decide which of these agolde shorts to order. I have yet to find denim shorts that are flattering on me, but am willing to give these a try (since they apparently have a cult following). Just for reference on the longer style, how y’all are you?

  3. Ellie O'Hara says:

    Do you remember what size you were in Madewell shorts and which style you got?

  4. Sarah says:

    I finally caved and bought a pair of the Parker shorts. I initially went with the 25, which is what I wear in Madewell, but they felt too snug. Exchanged for the 26 and I feel they fit my booty better and are so comfy/flattering, but they gap in the back. You went with your normal size, do you have gaping in the back?

  5. Frédérique says:

    Excellent information! Do they ever have sales:)? Also: thanks for still blogging🙏😊

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Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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