Denim shorts have long been a go-to wardrobe staple for celebrities looking to blend casual comfort with bold style. This versatile piece offers endless styling possibilities, whether paired with sky-high heels, rugged boots, or laid-back sandals. Who could forget how Marion Cotillard rocked denim shorts at the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival to the premiere of her film Little Girl Blue?
From red carpets to city streets, stars consistently show how footwear can transform simple cutoffs into standout fashion statements. Below, we highlight some of the most iconic and trendsetting denim shorts and shoe pairings, starting with Lady Gaga’s unforgettable 2013 ensemble.
Lady Gaga Elevates Denim Shorts With Platform Heels and Sheer Lace
Lady Gaga leans out of her car window to warmly greet a fan in West Hollywood, wearing a bold black lace bra, oversized sunglasses, and signature edgy confidence
Lady Gaga appeared at the famous LA gay bar The Abbey in nothing but a black lace bra and black ripped cutoff shorts. Alaia’s boots, with her signature sky-high platforms and heels, completed her look and elongated her petite 5ft 1 ¼ (155.6 cm) frame.
In May 2016, she also wore lace-up platform Alaïa boots with Levi’s denim shorts when leaving her hotel in New York City.
Lady Gaga turns heads in black ripped cutoff shorts, a sheer lace bra, and towering platform lace-up boots while arriving at The Abbey in West Hollywood on August 12, 2013—fully embracing her signature edgy-glam style (Credit: RHS / WENN)
By August 2013, Lady Gaga had already cemented her reputation for pushing fashion boundaries, so her bold appearance in a lace bra and ripped denim shorts was more of a signature move than a shock. She had recently worn a similar bra-baring outfit to the 20th Annual Watermill Center Summer Benefit, further reinforcing her fearless aesthetic.
As she promoted Artpop, Gaga leaned into edgy visuals, often pairing exposed lingerie with avant-garde makeup and sky-high platforms.
High-waisted black cutoff shorts were trending in 2013, and Gaga’s version put a daring spin on the look. For those wanting to recreate the vibe, try customizing your pair with pearls, heavy distressing, or a bold pairing with statement lingerie—Gaga style.
Variety of trendy black cutoff shorts: Pearl-studded by Urban Renewal, classic J Brand, and edgy UNIF ‘Reaper’
Another standout example of bold denim styling comes from British singer Eliza Doolittle, who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries with her offbeat fashion choices.
Eliza Doolittle Rocks Playfully Distressed Denim Shorts
A few months earlier, Eliza Doolittle wore shorts that looked like many playful and curious dogs had just chomped on them. The faded denim shorts were so heavily tattered that a few mishaps could cause the whole thing to unravel.
Eliza Doolittle turns heads outside Radio 1 in London on July 20, 2013, rocking heavily shredded denim shorts, powder blue sneakers, and a cheeky crop top for a fun, rebellious summer look (Credit: WENN)
Eliza’s look channels a distinctly ’90s vibe with a cropped top and a jacket tied at the waist—an effortlessly cool mix of nostalgia and edge. Her heavily distressed shorts steal the spotlight, turning casual denim into a bold fashion statement.
“I like to wear colourful clothes because they make me feel happy: short-shorts with funky tights and big jumpers are what I’m into,” she once shared. Eliza also admires fearless style icons, noting, “Chloe Sevigny is probably the most stylish woman ever, and Lady Gaga is amazing—it’s fun to watch what she’s going to wear next.”
Eliza Doolittle effortlessly combines cozy and chic, pairing a chunky knit sweater with a sleek miniskirt and knee-high suede boots for a polished fall look
Her admiration for daring and unique style is reflected in her approach, as seen in her playful summer outfits, which push boundaries and spark conversation.
Eliza Doolittle showcased effortless fall style at Manchester Piccadilly Station on October 11, 2013, pairing a chunky knit sweater and miniskirt with knee-high suede boots and a classic Louis Vuitton backpack (Credit: Steve Searle / WENN)
Denim shorts are a timeless wardrobe essential, perfect for creating versatile and trendy looks. Celebrities have continuously demonstrated how to style this staple piece, offering endless inspiration for your next outfit.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Rocking Denim Shorts and Footwear
Denim shorts remain a versatile staple in celebrity wardrobes, effortlessly paired with a range of footwear from heels to boots. Here are some standout looks:
Heidi Klum’s Feathered Denim Shorts at Berlin Pride
- Event: Berlin Pride Celebration
- Outfit: Heidi Klum showcased her legs in $595 skimpy denim shorts trimmed with feathers by New York label Area, a leopard-print turtleneck, and a silky blue cropped bomber jacket.
- Footwear: She completed the look with black fishnet tights and black peep-toe heels, adding a flirty finish to her ensemble.
- Read more: Heidi Klum’s Feathered Denim Shorts at Berlin Pride
Selena Gomez’s Casual Chic with Acid Wash Denim Jacket
- Event: Beach Outing at Paradise Cove, Malibu
- Outfit: Selena Gomez layered a Heritage 1981 acid wash denim jacket over a Topshop Daisy Dogs shirtdress, blending casual and cute elements.
- Footwear: She chose Urban Outfitters Twisted T-Strap sandals, perfect for a relaxed beach day.
- Discover more: Selena Gomez’s Acid Wash Denim Jacket Style
Vanessa Hudgens’ Boho-Chic Vibes at Coachella
- Event: Coachella Music Festival
- Outfit: Vanessa Hudgens exuded boho-chic vibes in a Polo Ralph Lauren fringed suede jacket over a graphic tee and denim cutoff shorts.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black fringed ankle boots, embodying a free-spirited style.
- More details: Vanessa Hudgens’ Boho-Chic Style
Chrissy Teigen’s Shopping Attire with Over-the-Knee Boots
- Event: Shopping Trip
- Outfit: Chrissy Teigen’s shopping attire consisted of One x Oneteaspoon “Bandits” shorts and a Janessa Leone “Stephen” fedora hat.
- Footwear: She paired her tiny shorts with brown 3.1 Phillip Lim “Ora” over-the-knee boots, adding a touch of sophistication.
- See her look: Chrissy Teigen’s Tiny Shorts
Lucy Hale’s Effortless Chic in Denim Cut-Offs
- Event: Lunch Date in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Lucy Hale kept it effortlessly cool in Urban Renewal turn-up hem denim shorts, a retro ‘Farewell Tour 1982’ tee, and a plaid shirt tied around her waist.
- Footwear: She added a boho vibe with fringed Louie ankle boots from Sam Edelman.
- Read more: Lucy Hale’s Denim Cut-Offs Style
These celebrity looks highlight the adaptability of denim shorts. From casual outings to festival styles, discover more denim shorts styling tips to inspire your next outfit.