Super Simple DIY: Denim Shorts

Now that Gossip Girl is over, I’ve had an extra hour in my week that has ultimately led to an enormously overbearing, month-long closet clean-out session.

This past weekend, I came across a pair of old jeans that I haven’t worn in a year, even though they were once my most lived-in piece for fall. (You know that six month rule, right?) They still fit, but I felt it was only right to breathe a little new life into them.

The DIY Denim Short can look easy, but if you’ve unsuccessfully taken scissors to a pair of jeans before, you know it can end up in disaster (raises hand, RIP). To help you avoid that, here’s a simple two-step approach to DIY’ing a pair of your old duds. Grab your scissors!

What you need: Denim, scissors and an extra pair of jean shorts.

What you do: Start by turning your jeans inside-out. Lie them flat on a large surface (I used my kitchen table) and determine how short you want them to be by placing your other pair of shorts on top of them. Cut in a slight V for a more flattering fit.

Cut the other side, ensuring it’s as even as possible. You can use a ruler or magazine edge to trace a straight line with chalk; but I just eyeballed it, as I wanted a more uneven, distressed look. When you’re done, toss them in the washer/dryer to fray the edges for a natural look.