A denim shirt is the friend who shows up to every event and somehow fits in perfectly. Casual coffee run? Check. “Smart casual” dinner plans you forgot about? Also check. There’s a certain ease to wearing denim that feels cool without being extra, and a well-cut chambray shirt can easily make any low-key, lazy day outfit shine.
I’ve got a roundup of easy (and non-cringey) ways to incorporate denim shirts into your wardrobe. I’ve got several casual chic pairings to style a denim shirt to make your outfits elevated and look intentional—even if you secretly just rolled out of bed! If you can’t get enough, don’t forget to check out my guide on timeless denim jacket outfits to wear on repeat!
How to Style a Denim Shirt
If you’re wondering whether denim shirts are still in style, the answer is yes—and I’m breaking down exactly how to wear them in ways that feel trend-savvy, flattering, and effortless. After reading this guide, you’ll be able to style denim shirts with different items in your closet so you can make the most out of this timeless staple.
Are Denim Shirts in Style?
They never left. Denim shirts are the type of piece in your closet that quietly survives every trend cycle. Cropped denim shirts one year, oversized the next, always showing up in a new silhouette or a different wash of denim. A literal definition of timeless, denim is one of those materials that are practically considered neutral and can be styled with nearly anything.
What to Wear with a Denim Shirt
- Sleeveless Tops: The ultimate base layer. Tanks and camis are minimal and pair well under any wash of denim.
- T-Shirts: You can never go wrong with a white t-shirt layered underneath a denim button down.
- Matching Sets: Picking a soft 2-piece set is the easiest way to create a cute last-minute look with any chambray shirt.
- Athletic Dresses: An effortless way to style a denim shirt is by throwing one over a fitted tennis dress. Bonus points if the dress has built-in shorts!
- Flowy Skirts: Denim shirts create a chic contrast against flowy textures and ruffled hems—adding a nice feminine touch to the look.
- Casual Shorts/Skorts: Whether its in a cotton blend, a plaid patter, or even a pair in black denim, shorts are a classic option to pair with a denim shirt.
- Wide-Leg Pants: The wide-leg cut of linen pants or trousers create a flattering silhouette against the structure of a denim shirt (wear it open or half tucked-in).
- Knee-High Boots: Knee-High Boots with a chunky heel elongate the legs and adds an extra lift to elevate any denim shirt outfit.
- White Sneakers: Wearing denim with white sneakers is like the PB&J of outfit combos—timeless and effortless.
- Sandals: Sandals are a cute and simple way to finish things off when you style a denim shirt with shorts or skirts.
- Gold Hoops: The warmth of gold-toned jewelry gives your overall look a nice pop of color against the cool hues of denim.
- Crossbody Bags: When I want to complement the laid-back vibe of a denim shirt, a crossbody bag is the first style of purse I grab.
- Shoulder Bags: Whether its vintage-inspired or vegan pleather, I love the timeless structure of a shoulder bag paired with denim.
How to Wear a Denim Shirt
Denim Shirt with Neutral Tank and Gingham Shorts
Layer a soft ribbed tank under an open denim shirt and pair it with plaid shorts for a laid-back look. The gingham pattern adds a touch of interest, while the denim shirt keeps things grounded. I finished it off with these super comfy Birkenstock look-alikes, making this a perfect casual denim shirt outfit for weekend errands or coffee runs.
Denim Shirt with Tennis Dress and Sandal Slides
You can incorporate denim shirts with sporty looks while still keeping things chic! I layered my go-to denim shirt over this sleek tennis dress (thank you, built-in shorts). Denim shirts are lightweight and great for summer layering and can also be tied around the waist to add shape. Just add neutral sandals and a vintage bag to soften the vibe. It’s polished enough for a day out shopping or casual Fridays, but still comfy and moveable for all-day wear.
Denim Shirt with Athletic Romper and Sneakers
Flip the script by styling your denim shirt with a fitted one-piece romper. Add crisp white sneakers and gold hoop earrings to give the neutral base a bit of personality. For added texture, I paired the look with this faux leather crossbody bag. This is a great denim shirt outfit for travel days when you want to be comfy and stay cool.
Denim Shirt with Ruffle Mini Skirt and Knee-High Boots
Pair a tucked in denim shirt with a white bubble skirt for a flattering, on-trend silhouette that feels playful without being over the top. The structured fit of the denim shirt balances out the volume of the ruffle hem of the skirt. Pull on some cute knee-high boots to add just the right amount of edge. I also love wearing this cute denim shirt outfit for brunches or casual dates.
Why Denim Shirts Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
A good denim shirt should do more than just fill up space in your closet. It should really be pulling its weight in outfit potential throughout the year. They can be layered over something as simple as your fave band tee or paired with a black denim skirt for a double denim look. If you’re craving even more ways to make denim feel fresh, this Nashville outfit inspiration guide is packed with stunning denim styles that prove casual can still be chic.
