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Maximizing your wardrobe is essential. Who doesn’t like making the most of their classic pieces? There are many such closet staples, and the most unexpected of the bunch is a denim shirt.
A great denim shirt is essentially a neutral piece. It is a true wardrobe classic and a workhorse. These are not the denim shorts of yore.
The new iterations are available in just about every wash, length, and style.
Denim shirts come in a plethora of textures. There are thicker jean shirts that resemble jackets, that are perfect for the cooler weather. The thinner denim shirts provide an extra layer for transitional weather.
How To Wear A Denim Shirt
You may think your options are limited solely to the Canadian tuxedo, but there are a litany of ways on how to wear a denim shirt that feel modern.
When in doubt, throw an oversized denim shirt over a mini dress or a pair of leggings. Pair the button-down shirt with leather leggings or trousers for a foolproof fall outfit combination.
Scroll below for inspo on how to wear a denim shirt.
1. Trench Coats
Denim shirts are a wardrobe staple and are carving out an ever-bigger presence in the outfits of fashion insiders this year.
The easiest way to style the denim piece is to pair it with a timeless trench coat—a certified seasonless style star, if you will.
Here, it makes all the more impact when styled with a pair of leather trousers. The leather trousers add an edgy element, while the khaki trench incorporates a more classic touch.
Ballet flats bring the cool factor.
A timeless khaki trench coat is an effortless and polished way to pull together any look, no matter what you choose to pair underneath.
A double denim look in a relaxed, baggier form is the perfect off-duty weekend look. A wider, slouchier cut is a fresh way to up your denim game.
2. Trousers
While a blue denim shirt may be the typical go-to option for denim jeans, swap out the pairing with black pants. If it feels too cooperate, let the accessories be the star of the smart-casual look.
A sharp black leather belt, a cap and a luxurious handbag give the overall look maximum visual appeal.
A light chambray shirt and casual pants will be your weekend go-to look.
It also goes without saying that the stylistic opportunities of wide leg black pants are endless, whether you choose to dress them up with a pair of heels or dressed down with a pair of sandals.
Dress up denim tops while keeping comfortable, and what is better than to consider an outfit that balances function and fashion?
Plissé is the best because it is soft avant-garde. It gives a fresh look without sacrificing comfort.
The right denim shirt, in all denim washes, will get you through every season, even the transitional weather.
And though they make great tops for the springtime, the denim shirt game really thrives during the fall months, especially when tucked into a high-waisted trouser and a sweater thrown over the shoulder.
Finish off the classic combo with eye-popping metallic shoes.
White trousers are the perfect clean slate to a wardrobe, and a very welcome addition to our capsule wardrobes. Turn to a jean shirt for instant sartorial success.
Take the guesswork out of getting ready, and reach for a pair of white trousers and a denim shirt.
Finish off with sandals or a pair of sneakers for a smart casual outfit.
With breezy fits and lightweight fabrics, these are the kind of trousers that fit flawlessly with the best denim shirts.
These trousers will suit pretty much every occasion, thanks to their relaxed and wide-leg silhouettes.
Swap out a white t-shirt for a denim shirt for an elevated take on these relaxed pants.
3. Shorts
The western denim shirt is not just for the colder months. It is a great addition to easy cotton shorts.
Sometimes the baggy silhouettes can be tricky to pull off, but it’s all about balancing proportions.
Keep the long denim shirt untucked and slightly open for a balanced approach to the overall look.
While historically double denim might be associated with Noughties styling, currently it has taken on an unexpectedly elevated twist.
Regardless of personal style, double denim is a general rule for when you are not sure what to wear.
No matter the season, it is comfortable and super quick to style.
Finish off with the right accessories – a structured tote and sharp heels are the outfit inspiration we need to style the classic combo.
4. Leggings
The oversized silhouette works just as well buttoned all the way up as it does left open with a tank or tee underneath.
There are countless ways to style an oversized denim shirt, but leggings are the easiest way. Either way, go for a cropped base layer for fun play on proportions.
5. Skirts
While denim shirts are most often styled with casual looks, opt for a polished skirt. There are few other pieces that transition so seamlessly between aesthetics as the satin skirt.
This outfit taps into the silky silhouette that has been on the rise since last year.
For breezier days, add a leather jacket for extra warmth.
Denim is a blank canvas that can be used to highlight your unique personal style.
Because of its innate cool-girl vibe, a denim shirt pairs well with the quirky and unexpected.
Give your jeans a break this fall and try a pleated skirt, instead.
A pleated skirt adds a welcome flair to the usual pair of pants. When paired with a denim shirt, the style is taken to another level.
Keep on trend with a pair of cowboy boots or knee-high boots.
6. Jeans
The combination of statement-making baggy jeans and an open denim shirt is a certified sartorial success.
Layer a white tank top underneath an open denim shirt to break up a matching top and jeans.
Then, add a clogs and a rich, brown tote to complete the look.
This double-take of denim comes as no surprise given the recent rise of casual, yet cool dressing where solid, everyday wardrobe essentials shine. Whether it be black jeans or white jeans, a classic blue pair takes the cake.
The top tucked into slightly flared jeans is the perfect sleek (but casual) outfit.
Even better, the outfit combination can be just as easily dressed up with a heeled sandal as it can be dressed down with a pair of menswear-inspired loafers.
