Olive + White // Military Shirt + Denim Shorts Reviews

stylish petite outfits express denim shorts review

Express twill shirt xxs c/o (runs big), Express shorts 00 (low-rise; shrunk them via dryer),
Marc Fisher wedges sz 5, Thierry Lasry sunglasses (on sale)

One of my favorite denim shorts from last year that I often get questions on are from Express, so I’ve been keeping an eye out for their options this year. They just got several new arrivals in black, white, dark and light blue, and I’m happy to report it’s a denim jackpot for petite ladies! The white shorts I’m wearing here are low-rise so fit looser on my hips, but I reviewed several other styles below which fit more snugly and higher up on the waist. They are having 40% off everything right now with no code needed, plus free shipping on orders over $50!

express army green military shirt denim shorts petite fashion

I’m partnering with Express today on this outfit post, but also wanted to try on other options for you guys in a range of colors / washes and cuts. The composition of their denim shorts is usually 98 or 99% cotton with a touch of spandex, which makes for a medium-weight, comfortable material with stretch. As an overarching fit note, their high-rise shorts run smaller at the waist and were pretty fitted on me at my natural waist in size 00 regular. Their low-rise styles run a few inches bigger at the waist thus sit lower around my hips, and would need a belt to be worn higher. However, you might be able to shrink their denim a little bit in the machine washer + dryer like I did.

marc fisher chloe dupe wedges petite outfits

This twill shirt here has a soft, slightly draped feel but is still substantial in weight (also comes in several other colors!). It is tunic length with a slightly longer back, so can be worn over leggings (did this for my long flight) and skinny jeans, or tucked in or knotted casually like I did here. The cut is on the relaxed side, so is more loose and blousy than slim and fitted.

I also tried on their white denim shorts in both the low-rise (which I have on here) and high-rise style – although the latter fit smaller, I liked that the low-rise has patches behind the distressed holes so your skin doesn’t actually show through! You’ll be seeing me in these over and over again from outfits pics taken during our current trip.

express cutoff distressed denim shorts review petites

High rise cutoff shorts sz 00 regular in medium wash, ruffle top xs, Bar III sandals

black cuffed cutoff denim jean shorts for petite women

Out of the other styles I tried on, these are the ones I recommend:
– High rise cutoff shorts sz 00 regular in medium wash (only left in sizes 00 and 0!) – these are your wear-with-everything summer shorts in a versatile wash, and not too skimpy 2″ inseam. Someone my size could possibly also do size 0 worn lower-rise style.
High rise cutoff shorts sz 00 regular in black (pictured on the left) – I loved the festival-chic, faded black wash on these, with patches behind the distressing just like my white pair. The denim feel and fit was also great. Their high rise cuts are not super high rise like some denim brands, where it feels like your bottoms are eating up your torso.
Low rise relaxed denim shorts sz 00 regular in light wash (pictured on the right) – Slightly relaxed “boyfriend” style fit, most similar to my pair from last year. These are low-rise so do fit looser at my hips.
Low rise cuffed denim shorts in dark (not pictured) – If you want something with no distressing or rips, these are your standard darker denim cuffed shorts.

casual chic summer outfit petite fashion blog

Something else worth checking out: As you may have seen on my Instagram, scarves worn as a headband have been my latest obsession! It’s easy, quick, chic and functional for keeping hair out of your face. I was so bummed that I didn’t see the selection at Express until later, because they have several options that are boho-elegant. The packaging shows a few ways to style them, from on the neck, to hair, and more. My picks are this beaded one and this blue tile print one that can pair with lots of different colors and looks.

Thank you Express for partnering on this post.

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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35 Comments

  1. Katherine Huang wrote:

    Also! Don't forget, Asos, LOFT and Madewell all carry maternity lines 🙂

    Posted 5.10.17 Reply
  2. Katherine Huang wrote:

    Hi Jothi! I am also a pregnant petite (17 weeks along) and haven't really found any great petite pregnant blogs yet. The Mom Edit is a pretty good resource although it's run by 7 females who are not all petite, unfortunately. You can do a "pregnancy" search on their site to narrow down the info. As of right now, I can still fit into my regular clothes or buy a size larger (I know that will change!). Check out Le Tote for their new maternity subscription boxes. I haven't started to order but will probably need to once the belly is really bumping! Congratulations 🙂

    Posted 5.10.17 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Hi Jenny! Sorry for the delay, I didn't see this. Mine are the perforated ones in blush but the holes are so tiny, you barely notice them from further away.

    Posted 5.10.17 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    Hi! It's the olive green : )

    Posted 5.10.17 Reply
  5. Jeune Toujours wrote:

    Love the outfit, Jean! I was just wondering if your shirt is the olive green or the wren gray?

    Posted 5.5.17 Reply
  6. Unknown wrote:

    Love the outfit! Just wondering if your shirt colour is olive green or wren gray?

    Posted 5.5.17 Reply
  7. Natasha Cox wrote:

    Love this post! Thanks for sharing and please take a minute to check out my latest post too if you can, I would love to hear your thoughts. http://www.nataschacox.com
    Looking forward to your next one 🙂 xxx

    Posted 4.18.17 Reply
  8. Jothi Murali wrote:

    Thanks Jean! I'll still look to your blog for inspiration/ideas 😊

    Posted 4.18.17 Reply
  9. Jenny wrote:

    Hi Jean! I love this look on you. 🙂 Are the Marc Fisher wedges you're wearing in this outfit the suede perforated version or just the regular suede ones? If so, what color are they?

    Thanks so much!

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Hi Sarah – mine are regular 00 and as mentioned in the post, they sit looser on my hips. If you can find petite 00 I'm sure it will fit better! Unfortunately I almost never see that size available at Express.

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  11. Sarah wrote:

    Hello! I believe you and I are very similar in size. Did you get the regular 00 in the white shorts, or petite 00?

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Hi Jothi – ahh, congratulations! I can't think of anything more exciting. I actually don't know of any petite bloggers who are pregnant, though!

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  13. Jean wrote:

    Hi Nicole – yes, some stores carry that size! Use the store locator on their website, which should be on each item listing right under where you select a size/color to add to cart.

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  14. Jean wrote:

    Hi Valeri – I was just trying it on in the fitting room so have my regular bra straps pulled down, but I have been LOVING the Bristol 6 stick on nipple covers (which I've re-used dozens of times). Of course they won't work for anyone who actually needs support in that area. You can also check out the strapless bras from the little bra company (I have the Sasha).

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  15. Jean wrote:

    Thank you! Grace Kelly is definitely one of my style icons : )

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  16. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – yes I have…I'm not sure how tall you are or how long your torso is, but for me the neckline is a little low. The fit otherwise of an xxs is good, but I wish they'd make more in petites for a higher neckline.

    Posted 4.17.17 Reply
  17. Jae wrote:

    Hi Jean! I'm on the hunt for a good pair of white denim shorts. Thank you for sharing and I always appreciate your detailed product descriptions!
    xx, Jae | all that jae
    http://www.allthatjae.com

    Posted 4.16.17 Reply
  18. Charmaine Ng | Architecture and Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    Love, love, love the olive and white combo! Works so well for a petite build!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 4.16.17 Reply
  19. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    I love your outfit, Jean! Absolutely gorgeous pieces!

    Happy Sunday!
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk

    Posted 4.16.17 Reply
  20. Briana Nicole wrote:

    I've never bought denim at express! I'll have to try some on! You look gorgeous as usual!

    Briana
    http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/

    Posted 4.16.17 Reply
  21. Jothi Murali wrote:

    Hi Jean! Continue to love your blog as a resource. Could you suggest a fellow blogger who does fashion for pregnant petites? I am in first trimester and we are overjoyed! I thought it would be fun to get inspired by some affordable fashionable finds by a fellow petite. Thanks so much.

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  22. Nicole Giaquinto wrote:

    Hi Jean! Were you able to find the 00 shorts in stores?

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  23. Valeri wrote:

    This outfit really looks sharp Jean. Tell me, what kind of bra do you wear with the off-the-shoulder ruffle blouse?

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  24. Sarah Lilly wrote:

    I love that khaki twill shirt! It looks super cute knotted and paired with those white shorts!

    The Lilly Mint Blog

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  25. Nicole Giaquinto wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  26. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    Love the off the shoulder white top!
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  27. Ewa Macherowska wrote:

    Great shorts! 😉

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  28. Khanh Nguyen wrote:

    Love those shorts! Great style <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  29. BLES Magazine wrote:
    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  30. Neeltje | Thoughts in Style wrote:

    I love this look! X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  31. Dressed With Soul wrote:

    In love with the amazing looks with the shorts!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  32. Mizeats wrote:

    I can't get enough of your pics from Maui…the tropical backdrops are so lovely!! Your outfit pairs perfectly with your surroundings! And great recommendations for the shorts and scarves! I love how you are using your scarves as headbands…so smart!!It reminds me of old Hollywood – very Grace Kelly-esque!!

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  33. MelDoReMi wrote:

    Hi Jean, have you tried any of the Express Portofino shirts? I'm eyeing a few of their slim fit ones, but it looks like they don't come in petite. Any thought on the fit?

    Posted 4.15.17 Reply
  34. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    Love the looks … shorts for Summer! 🙂

    ��LA BIJOUX BELLA�� | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    Posted 4.14.17 Reply
  35. Anonymous wrote:

    I love those denim shorts!

    http://www.pennyanddash.com

    Posted 4.14.17 Reply

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