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DIY: Denim Cut Offs - Shades of Blue

I’m not singing the blues as Vancouver’s glorious summer weather as finally arrived. To celebrate, I decided to make denim shorts. It’s time to bare these pale legs of mine. I had posted a comment on Twitter a while back asking if I was too old to be wearing denim cut off shorts. I got some great responses back saying that “age is just a number” and that “if you still got it, rock it”. However, I still think you have to be “age appropriate” when you are wearing your shorts, (no butt cheeks hanging out for me please).

I found this great post from the Glamourai on D.I.Y. denim shorts and I thought it was so timely. It really helped me on the “cutting side” of things. So, I just wanted to share my denim cut off experience with all of you guys.

Step 1. Find a pair of old jeans that are nice and worn in. Mine happen to be a pair of 8 year old American Eagle Outfitter’s jeans (that I still can not believe I fit into)!

Step 2. Take a ruler to measure at least 3 inches from the inseam. I measured at least 3.5 inches just to be safe. (Now remember, I’m NOT going for ultra short). Cut along in an angle with a pair of good scissors. A pair of bad scissors will make this a frustrating process as you’ll struggle with your denim.

Step 3. Once you’ve made your first cut on one leg, I suggest trying you’re jeans on to see if you are relatively happy with your length. Then, to do the other leg, just fold them over and cut along to match the first leg.

Step 4. Once you have both legs cut to your liking, from the outseam cut a 1 inch notch into the denim and cut a sliver of a piece off the front. This is going to give you some more shortness while leaving the length and coverage on bum.

You can actually cut the notch more or less than an inch if you like. It all depends on how much thigh you’d like to show.

Step 5. Voila, give them one more try and see if the length is good for you and make mild changes. In my opinion, it doesn’t have to be PERFECT. These are relaxed, worked in, denim cut off shorts so if they are a little off here and there…I think it’s totally appropriate. Throw them in the wash for a good tumble and dry to get a fray on the cuff and trim off any access thread - You’re off and ready to go!

I decided to go all blue with the casual outfit today. Blue chambray button up shirt {J. Crew}, denim cut offs, cage sandals {Sam Edelman}, leather satchel {Chloe}, gold watch {Michael Kors}, gold spike bracelet {Birds of a Feather}, crystal necklace {Lisbeth}, blue nail polish {OPI Dating a Royal}, sunnies {SEE optical}, photo credits {www.stylequotient.ca}