These $35 Black Denim Shorts Are Equal Parts Stylish and Versatile

Next week, I'm visiting a friend in California, which means I get to ditch my cold-weather Minnesota wardrobe for a week. This upcoming trip has given me the perfect excuse to start building my spring-summer wardrobe, and admittedly, I went a little overboard adding cute shorts to my shopping cart.

But it wasn't all that destructive to my bank account, mainly because the only pair I ended up keeping cost less than $20 (thanks to promo codes!). Enter the Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Straight Black Cut-Off Jean Shorts ($17, originally $35).

Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Straight Black Cut-Off Jean Shorts

From

$17

$17 at Old Navy

Some background: last summer, I fell in love with a similar pair that I got using the fashion rental service Rent the Runway, but I couldn't actually purchase them because they were out of my budget. So when I stumbled across this pair, I knew I had to give them a try — and see if they were as cute IRL as they were online.

The verdict? These black denim shorts are just as cute in person, and the frayed cut-offs are such a cool detail. Upon trying them on, I could tell that these shorts are built to last, too. Like, I foresee myself wearing them not just this summer but for summers to come with a variety of tops, shoes, and accessories.

Heed my one warning before you add these shorts to your own shopping cart: I found that they run a bit small. Take this with a grain of salt, though, because it seems as though I'm one of few people to think so. Many reviewers found that they fit true to size.

Everything from the distressed fray details to the longer length really does bring me joy, too. They feel really fashionable, like something you'd see your favorite fashion influencer wearing as part of a low-key daytime outfit. Run, don't walk to add 'em to your cart — I feel like they won't stay in stock for long.