What to Wear With a Denim Shirt
A reader asked, "I love jean shirts, but I don't know how to wear them. What can I wear with a denim shirt?"
Although this utilitarian work shirt has been a mainstay in the closets of cowboys for years, the denim buttondown is now reinvented for modern trends, providing the perfect juxtaposition to this season's floral dresses and frilly skirts. The versatile jean shirt is a timeless staple for your wardrobe—and can probably be found in your dad's closet!
Don't be afraid to wear denim with denim, as long as the washes are different. To avoid looking like you're going to the rodeo, try interesting shapes such as cut-out shoulders or crop tops. To stay conservative and put-together for class or work, throw an on-trend tudo jacket over your shirt. Still want to look girly? Jean tops look great with soft maxi and floral skirts. For a night out with friends, you can easily dress up your shirt with a smart blazer or dress it down with a crazy pair of leggings. You probably already have at least two (or 20) pairs of jeans, but consider your next wardrobe investment to be the perfect denim shirt. This is one piece in your closet that not only will never go out of style, but it will get even better with wear—and with all of these ideas, that's a good thing!
1/17Perfect Jean Shirt
Look for a jean shirt in a sturdy denim fabric with a slightly tailored silhouette. Shop around for a top that’s fitted enough to tuck into skirts, but loose enough to roll up the sleeves and knot at the waist. Avoid trendy washes, and opt for a classic faded blue that’s bound to be a go-to all year long. Consider a lightweight chambray alternative for the steamy summer months.
Madewell perfect chambray shirt in ferrous wash, $68. madewell.com.
2/17A reader reaches out for advice about what to wear with a classic staple: the denim shirt.
3/17Ombre Maxi Skirt
Unbutton the last few buttons of your shirt and tie the ends together to make a crop top. Wear it with a pastel maxi skirt to balance out the length.
Rina Dhaka endless ombre skirt, $148. anthropologie.com.
4/17Dotted White Dress
Cover up this adorable polka-dotted dress on those breezy summer nights with a halfway-unbuttoned jean shirt.
J.Crew candace dress in ink dot, $148. jcrew.com.
5/17Flamingo Print Romper
This adorable romper, adorned with pink flamingos, looks good with any basic pieces. Throw on a faded denim shirt for the ultimate summer fun getup.
Yumi candace dress in ink dot, $88. modcloth.com.
6/17Floral Print Leggings
Reference the early ’90s and throw on a pair of bold printed leggings underneath an oversized denim shirt—à la Kimmy Gibbler from Full House.
Sparkle & Fade high-rise printed legging, $28. urbanoutfitters.com.
7/17Chino Pants
You can borrow a look or two from your dad—steal his old denim shirt from his college days (he won’t miss it) and pair it with preppy and classic boyfriend chinos.
Rugby by Ralph Lauren slim boyfriend chino, $45. rugby.com.
8/17Skinny Bow Belt
Leave your shirt unbuttoned, wear a cute camisole underneath, and cinch your waist with a skinny bow belt.
Skinny bow belt, $10. fredflare.com.
9/17Whimsical Loafers
You want footwear as comfortable as the rest of your ensemble. These whimsical loafers look as good with a pair of chinos as they do with a tank dress.
Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff wendybird loafers, $129. bassshoes.harborghb.com.
10/17Scallop-Hemmed Shorts
Too hot for everything besides short shorts? These ladylike ice cream-colored shorts would look great with a casual jean shirt.
Nishe scallop-hemmed shorts in salmon, $63. modcloth.com.
11/17Long Blazer
Have a summer job or internship? Throw a long blazer over your denim shirt. After work, you can take the blazer off to go have fun with your friends. (Though you probably won’t want to take this one off.)
Theyskens’ Theory jipso linen blazer in slate, $378. shopbop.com.
12/17Floral Ruffled Tank
It’s what’s inside that matters! Be sure to wear something colorful and bright underneath your basic denim shirt.
Abercrombie & Fitch floral ruffled tank, $27. abercrombie.com.
13/17Floral Skirt
Tuck it in, tie it as a crop top, or cinch it at the waist—with this sweet floral skirt, you can wear your denim shirt in a myriad of ways.
Abercrombie & Fitch elsie floral skirt, $17. abercrombie.com.
14/17Lace Skirt
Mix textures with this dainty lace skirt. You’ll look more Southern belle than country western!
Haute Hippie rhinestone lace skirt in swan, $305. shopbop.com.
15/17Bright Structured Bag
Bright colors look great against denim blue. Wear this structured ladylike purse for a pop of color!
ASOS PREMIUM leather small vintage style frame lady bag, $103. asos.com.
16/17Retro Bell-bottoms
Yes, it is possible to wear denim with denim! Just make sure the washes are different—and try something retro, like these bell-bottoms.
Paige USA high rise bell canyon jeans in breckenridge, $199. paigeusa.com.
17/17Pearl Necklace
Like the perennial jean shirt, this limited-edition pearl necklace is the perfect mix of classic ease and edgy reinvention.
Eddie Borgo at J.Crew pearl cone necklace, $150. jcrew.com.
