Learning how to wear a denim shirt is one style trick you can use to create a versatile wardrobe.
A denim shirt is often on lists of “classic pieces you must own”. Because of this, I’ve found many women already have a denim shirt in their closet—perhaps you do too. However, even though this shirt is versatile it often sits unused in closets because it can be hard to choose a bottom to go with it.
That’s why we’re going to go though 21 options of how to wear a denim shirt, focusing specifically the bottoms to pair it with.
I hope this gets your mind fired up and thinking about different ways you can wear what you already own in different and interesting ways.
How to wear a denim shirt with…
1. dark jeans
Pair dark jeans with a light coloured denim shirt and a crystal necklace.
2. light jeans
Pair light jeans with a denim shirt at least two shades darker.
3. black jeans
Black jeans can be worn with any shade of denim shirt for a rockstar look.
4. white jeans
White jeans with any colour denim shirt looks relaxed and is easy-to-wear.
5. skinny khakis
Skinny khakis are easier to pull off than wide leg khakis and look modern paired with a denim shirt.
6. a tulle skirt
This is a funky look that juxtaposes an über feminine tulle skirt with a classic shirt for an overall creative look.
7. an animal print skirt
A bold animal print skirt is a sophisticated way to make a denim shirt more sexy.
8. a floral skirt
Another feminine, classic combination a floral print skirt looks amazing with a denim shirt.
9. a black pencil skirt
A black pencil skirt + a denim shirt… two classics = a right!
10. a midi skirt
A denim shirt tucked into a bold midi skirt is both playful and sophisticated.
11. cotton shorts
An easy-to-wear spring look, any colour and any length cotton short with any colour denim shirt.
12. a dress
How to wear a denim shirt with a dress? Tie your shirt over a light-weight dress for a pulled together casual look and a bit of extra warmth.
13. skinny joggers
One of my favourite pairings, skinny joggers and a denim shirt is one way to wear sweats out of the house and still feel like yourself. (I would be wearing flats rather than heels personally, but both work well.)
14. leather leggings
Like the black jeans, a denim shirt with sexy leather leggings has a rockstar feel to it—the combo makes you look like you care, and you don’t care, all at the same time.
15. cotton leggings
Cotton leggings with a denim shirt, funky necklace and your favourite boots might become your go-to casual uniform because it is oh-so-comfy!
16. dress pants
Mix it up on with a denim shirt and dress pants—an awesome idea for casual Fridays at work.
17. as a bathing suit cover up
I love the idea of wearing a denim shirt tied around a one- or two-piece swimsuit with the sleeves rolled up. You could also roll them down for extra sun coverage when needed.
18. any bottom—denim shirt tied around your waist
This look reminds me of my youth but still feels grown-up. I picture this look mostly with pants or shorts or a dress or a pencil skirt, but you could try it with a full a-line skirt too.
19. any bottom—under a sweater
When your denim shirt is worn under a beautiful sweater virtually any bottom will do because the colour of the shirt is mostly hidden.
20. any bottom—under a blazer
Like a sweater, a well-fitted blazer really breaks up the colour of the denim shirt, so pretty much any bottom will work when you wear your shirt like this.
21. all of the above—open like a jean jacket
If you know how to wear a denim shirt, you might not need a jean jacket in your closet. Just open up your favourite denim shirt and wear it like a jacket.
Now that you’ve seen a few ideas on how to wear a denim shirt, which of these combinations can you easily try with the pieces already in your closet?
{some of the links included on this page are affiliate links, meaning we’ll make a bit of money when you click them}
Personal Style Coach Wendy Woods is fiercely committed to inspiring women to feel beautiful with incredible ease. A true expert in her field, Wendy is continuously called upon by worldwide media outlets including Vogue, BBC and Forbes. She is happiest working with beloved clients from around the world and sharing free style advice, which you can get your hands on by signing up below!
WOW I’m so inspired to try many of these I would have never thought of. I have a light and a dark denim shirt and will for sure be wearing one of them tomorrow. 🙂 Thanks!
That’s awesome to hear Alyson! So happy to be of service. 😀
I love the leggings look. I never would’ve thought of that one! I have one that’s stone colored too and it’s a great with dark jeans. The only downside is that it shows sweat so I have to be careful when I wear it. I should keep my eyes open for a darker blue denim as I doubt it would be as bad.
Hi.can I ask.can I wear denim dress with black leggings?
Thanks for all these suggestions.
Can I also say, as someone who wears a size 12, thanks for posting some pictures of curvy ladies rocking the look!
My pleasure!
I just bought a floral skirt and I had no clue what to wear with it. But then I thought, “What about a denim shirt!” So I searched it and I came across this blog. I just love all of the ideas you suggested and the combinations. Super helpful, because I always think of things to wear but then I get nervous about what people may think! Your blog is extremely inspiring and confidence boosting!
I’m so happy to hear this article was helpful for you and confidence boosting! So great to hear, thank-you!
Thanks, for showing some common and where some are unusual ways to wear denim shirt,
Denim is versatile and classic. I also love fashionable and trending denim accessories. I learnt lot of things from your post. Thanks for sharing.