What To Wear With A Denim Shirt: 6 Style Tips

Denim is a closet staple, and this year's runways certainly endorse wearing denim outfits. Everyone should have this versatile and timeless fabric in their wardrobe, and one way of doing this is by having a denim shirt.

A denim shirt is a staple item you can easily dress up or down. Want to know what to wear with a denim shirt? Our styling tips will help you find comfortable and stylish ideas for what to wear with long denim shirts, denim tops, and chambray shirts that will complement your personality and outfit.

1. Denim-On-Denim

Jeans, denim skirts of any length, denim dresses, or shorts are some of the answers to what to wear with a denim shirt. Also known as the Canadian tuxedo, you could throw on an oversized denim jacket and know you’re ticking all the boxes in being stylish and fashionable. Put on some statement jewellery, and you’re ready for any occasion. 

If you want to avoid the Canadian tuxedo look, ensure your jeans or skirts are darker than your shirt. You can also wear your denim shirt with skinny jeans to create the popular monochrome look, a way of instantly looking longer and leaner. 

Another consideration for what to wear with a denim shirt is to tie it loosely around your waist; this looks good over a sweater dress or any trouser and top combo. Looking good is as easy as that. Plus, it’s also on hand if the weather turns cooler.

2. Wear It As An Overshirt

If you’re wondering what to wear with your oversized denim shirt, try pairing it with a dress; this works well with plain or lightly patterned dresses. Wear it loose and unbuttoned, or buttoned and tied in a knot. Knotting your denim shirt at the front is a great option that looks on trend and stylish. If wearing it open, add a statement belt; either cinch at the waist or rest it lightly on your hips.

3. What To Wear With A Black Denim Shirt

Black denim shirts, also known as chambray shirts, are a stylish alternative to blue denim for a casual look, paired with dark-wash jeans and sneakers. Wearing black tailored trousers upgrades your look. Add some heels and statement jewellery, and the outfit will take you from day to evening. Remember to add a belt if you wear your denim shirt tucked in—the same if you wear it unbuttoned and loose over jeans. 

4. Style Your Denim Shirt With White 

Another staple outfit for when you’re deciding what to wear with a denim top is white jeans. Whatever the style, these look good with a denim corset top or a denim shirt. Again, you can wear the shirt tucked in—as long as it doesn't look bulky—or knotted at the front. Add some boots and layer a jacket over the top for autumn wear. 

When looking for what to wear with a denim shirt, white skirts in mini, midi or maxi length, all work well. Dress down with sandals or sneakers, and dress up with wedges or heels. The skirt material can also vary from denim to chiffon! Try pairing a white maxi skirt with a large belt fastened loosely around the hips and your denim shirt over the top. Wearing a plain camisole tucked in underneath the shirt pulls the look together.

5. What To Wear With A Denim Shirt - Layers!

Another option for what to wear with a denim shirt is to layer it under a sweater or cardigan. It adds texture to your look and warmth, so it’s perfect for cooler months. 

• You can wear any bottoms of your choice, from joggers to tailored trousers 
• The shirt is mostly unseen, but choose the sweater carefully for instant style
• Pop up the collar and turn back the cuffs on your denim shirt
• Let the denim shirt peep out from the bottom of your jumper 
• Pair with a loose jumper or a fitted one; they both give a stylish appearance

Another option for what to wear with a denim shirt for those cooler days is to layer it under a jacket. Try wearing your denim shirt over cigarette trousers layered with a blazer for a smart work-to-evening outfit. Slip out of ballet flats for work and add some heels, wedges, or boots. 

If you’re still deciding what to wear with a short-sleeved denim shirt, don't worry. You can layer this shirt under other clothes or over a top. Again, you can dress it up or down with accessories.

As warm months in the UK can bring some cool breezes, wearing your denim shirt as a jacket layered over your summer dresses, shorts, and tops looks great. It’s also useful for wearing as a cover-up over your swimwear. Remember to roll up the sleeves of your denim shirt for a casual vibe. 

Have Fun Trying Out New Combinations 

The key to what to wear with a denim shirt is to have fun and experiment with different styles. Tuck in, wear loose, tie a knot, or slip it around the waist. A denim shirt is versatile and a must-have for year-round outfits. 

What to wear with a denim shirt is simple; just add to jeans, trousers, cargo pants, shorts, joggers, skirts, and dresses. Check out the collections at NA-KD to find great denim shirts and a variety of outfits to wear with them. Plus, check out our fashion tips for what to wear with a denim jacket and cute denim skirt outfit ideas 2023.