Julia Roberts Broke Out the Quintessential Summer Shorts We've Seen Jennifer Aniston Wearing

Yes, relaxed denim styles can be comfy

*Credit: Maya Dehlin Spach/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty*

Denim Shorts Inspired by Julia Roberts

“Modest but Are Still Very Flattering”: Levi’s A-Line Shorts, $25 (orig. $55); Amazon
Distressed Hems Like Hers: Quince Bella Rigid Cutoff Shorts, $40; Quince
Longer Length: Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts, $68; Nordstrom
Over 10K Perfect Ratings: Modarani Distressed Denim Shorts, $28 (orig. $32); Amazon
Close Match: Cotton On Original Denim Cutoff Shorts, $45; Nordstrom
Regular, Petite, and Tall Inseams: Gap 4-Inch Mid-Rise UltraSoft Relaxed Cutoff Shorts, $60; Gap
Lowest Price: Vipones High-Waisted Denim Shorts, from $25; Amazon
Under $45: Quince Bella Stretch Vintage Shorts, $40; Quince

What do you do when you see the original Pretty Woman walking down the street? Take style notes, of course.

Earlier this week in New York City, Julia Roberts was spotted out for a stroll with her son, Phinnaeus. For the low-key outing, she kept things simple in a black button-up shirt, a burgundy crossbody bag, white sneakers, and the quintessential summer bottoms we had plans to get rid of: jean shorts.

While we’ve been sticking to linen pants and breezy maxi skirts, there’s been a resurgence of classic cutoffs lately — first Jennifer Aniston, and now Roberts — so we’re rethinking our whole wardrobe strategy. Oh, you ditched yours, you say? Don’t worry, we found similar pairs to get you back on the right denim track.

Related: Jennifer Garner, 54, Just Wore the Sun-Friendly Hat Style Jennifer Aniston, 57, and Lily Collins, 37, Also Reach For

Levi’s A-Line Shorts

~~$55~~ $25 at Amazon

The difference between a dated-looking pair of airy denim shorts and a trendy one all comes down to the fit. Instead of sticking to styles that squeeze your legs in a skinny-jean kind of way, opt for looser, baggier silhouettes like these from Levi’s.

And if you’re worried about the length, don’t be: “The shorts are modest but are still very flattering. They have great coverage. Even pulled up high, I know my bottom is covered,” said one shopper. They’re also plenty “stretchy,” claimed others, and are even “thick thighs-approved,” according to a second reviewer.

Quince Bella Rigid Cutoff Shorts

$40 at Quince.com

If you want a pair with the same lived-in look as Roberts’, these are for you. The hems are distressed and frayed, and they come in a medium-blue wash that’s on the more casual side and ideal for beach days and errands. They also fit more “rigid and not stretchy,” meaning they won’t sag as quickly as others. Plus, they’re one of the more affordable pairs on the market.

Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts

$68 at Nordstrom

Like your shorts a little longer? This Wit & Wisdom pair is a great option to have in your back pocket. Thanks to their higher waist and 8-inch inseam, you can sit on patio chairs, walk around the city, and even bend over to pull weeds without feeling exposed. What’s more, they have a zipper-fly, which, in our opinion, is much easier and more secure than a button-fly. (No more awkward gaps!)

If we still haven’t convinced you to pick up a pair of jean shorts inspired by Julia Roberts, keep scrolling to shop more options — we’re sure one of these will do the trick!