The struggle for a good pair of jean shorts is REAL, you guys.

Here are the requirements these days:

+ High-waisted–usually (don’t judge)

+ Decent length–no lower butt cheeks showing

+ Can be dressed up or down

And now, my favorites. Today I’m talking about the pairs that are on heavy rotation these days!

First, these guys from Agolde.

Candidly, these are definitely on the shorter side of all of the pairs I’m showing, but I still wear them during daytime hours without getting arrested. (Nothing like an indecent exposure charge to get the moms talking.)

The reason I’m highlighting these is because they’re SO versatile. I’ve worn them during the day with t-shirts, and I’ve also dressed them up at night with heels and a tank and blazer.

As far as good jean short investments go (is that a thing? Let’s make it a thing), these have been worth every penny when you break it down to cost-per-wear.

I also bought this pair about a month ago and have been wearing them nonstop. They’re a little longer and sit lower on the waist, but I also like styling them with a chic low heel and cute tank (this one is on my radar) for a dressier look.

Now, let’s talk great budget options…

I remain OBSESSED with everything Universal Thread has to offer. Honestly, they hit it out of the park when it comes to casual basics.

There’s a reason I’ve written time and time again about their pieces (here and here and here, just to name a few), because every season they seriously deliver. So it should come as no surprise that I turned to this line for some great options for jean shorts, too.

Most of these come in UNDER $20. Let me give you a moment to fan yourself because certainly you caught the vapors when I said (I repeat)… THEY COST LESS THAN $20.

The style pictured here is from last year so unfortunately no longer available, but these would be a similar fit. But I wanted to include them because this line is definitely worth checking out for a cute budget option!

Check ’em out:

The Denim Diaper

I’m gonna throw this out there at the start and say, these guys aren’t the ones you’ll reach for when you’re headed to the school pickup line… But they are the pair you’ll grab when you’re headed out of town for the weekend with your sweetie to the beach!

I call them my denim diaper for a reason. They’re short, and definitely not the style for all days. But in the right environment, they are bonkers cute. (By the way, the right environment is a negotiable thing, but for me has been South Beach and other beach-centered getaways where people frequently dress in very small items of clothing, very frequently.)

I had to include them here because when you have a beach trip planned, I promise, they are so cute. Keep it casual by pairing them with a basic tank and flip flops, or throw on a bodysuit and heels if you’re feeling a little saucier.

That’s it! Some jean short styles to get you started off on the right foot this summer. Did I miss any cute styles? Let me know below!