How to Wear a Denim Dress

Co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo

Last Updated: January 30, 2024 References

A denim dress is one of those classic wardrobe staples that never seems to go out of style -- and there's good reason for that. It's one of the most versatile pieces that you can have in your closet because you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. The key to wearing a denim dress stylishly is choosing the right style and color, but you must also find the right complementary pieces and accessories to pair with it. Layering over and under your denim dress, choosing accent colors to wear with it, and finding ways to create a striking contrast with it can make sure that you look chic and on point every time you slip the dress on.

1

Consider the wash of the dress.

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The wash is how light or dark the denim is. Denim comes in a variety of colors, but most denim dresses are usually some shade of blue. However, you still have options when it comes to the depth of the blue. Some denim washes work best for more polished looks, while others are ideal for a relaxed outfit.^{[1]
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- Dark wash denim tends to have a more dressed up look, so they work well for work or an evening out.
- Lighter wash denim dresses usually have a more casual appearance, which makes them ideal for daytime wear.
- Medium rinse denim dresses are versatile, and can work for a variety of looks.

2

Keep it simple with a tank dress.

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For warm weather, a tank style denim dress is a versatile option. Some options are fitted, while others are shift style without a defined waist. Depending on the accessories that you pair with it, you can easily dress them up or down so it’s ideal for both day and night.^{[2]
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- A tank style denim dress is an ideal option for layering over and under, which allows you to transition them into colder weather.
- Tank style dress also make ideal coverups for the beach or pool.

3

Choose a shirt dress for a polished look.

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Shirt dresses tend to be tailored and sophisticated. Add a belt to help define the waist, and pair it with menswear-inspired accessories for an outfit that’s appropriate for school, a casual work setting, or running errands.^{[3]
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- Wear a denim shirt dress with suede oxfords or loafers to play up the menswear look.
- Choose classic patterns, such as stripes or plaid, for your bag and other accessories to keep the look polished.

4

Opt for a fitted dress for an evening out.

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A form-fitting dress is best for a date or evening out. A bustier style denim dress is a particularly good option. Wear it with heels or wedges and a statement necklace or pair of earrings for a flirty, dramatic look.^{[4]
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- If you prefer a more sedate look, a denim sheath dress is an ideal alternative. It is also a fitted style but usually has a higher neckline to provide more coverage.
- A wrap style denim dress is another fitted style that works well for an evening out. It’s a particularly good option if you have a curvy or hourglass figure because it emphasizes the waist.

5

Go with a tunic for a casual look.

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Tunic dresses are perfect for everyday wear. Their loose fit gives them a more relaxed feel and makes them more comfortable for most figures.
- If you feel like a tunic style dress is too shapeless, you can add a belt to define your waist.
- A tunic dress pairs well with casual shoes, such as tennis shoes, flat sandals, ballet flats, or even flip flops.

6

Opt for bright accent colors.

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Bright, bold shades pair especially well with dark denim. Choose a vibrant color for a layering piece, such as a tee shirt or cardigan; an accessory, such as a belt, scarf, or hat; or your shoes.^{[5]
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- Bright shades of red, blue, yellow, orange, green, and purple can work well with dark, medium, and light rinse denim dresses.
- Be careful when pairing neon colors, such as hot pink or lime green, with a denim dress, particularly if it’s a light wash. That combination can have a very dated look.

7

Go for a soft look with pastels.

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Pastels can give the denim a more feminine feel. If you prefer a more subdued look, wear your denim dress with pastel accents. Add a necklace with pale pink, blue, and mint beads or throw on a pair of pale yellow ballet flats with your dress.
- While pastel shades can work with a denim dress in virtually any wash, they do pair best with dark and medium wash because it creates more of a contrast.

8

Wear the dress with bold prints.

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Show off your inner diva with this look. Because the denim serves as a neutral, you can pair your dress with accessories and other pieces in striking prints. It’s best to focus on one print at a time, though, to keep your outfit from looking too busy.^{[6]
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- Animal print works well with a denim dress. Incorporate a scarf, belt, or shoes in a the print to spice up your outfit.
- Bright floral prints can pair well with a denim dress. Layer a colorful floral print cardigan over it, or carry a bag in a floral design with your dress.
- Colorful stripes, polka dots, and checks are other patterns to consider with a denim dress.

9

Wear the dress with delicate items for a contrast.

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The mix in textures will be really pretty. Because denim is a rough, sturdy material, you can create an interesting contrast by pairing your dress with delicate items. For example, you might layer a lacy camisole under it or use a satin ribbon belt to define the waist.^{[7]
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- Delicate pearl earrings and/or a necklace can help soften the look of a denim dress.
- Ballet flats with bow details are ideal when you want to add a delicate, feminine touch.

10

Accessorize the dress with edgy pieces.

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Bring a daring flair to your outfit with tough accessories. If your denim dress feels a little too casual or basic, adding some edgy accessories to it can help give it a more modern look. Smooth leather creates a nice contrast with the rough denim, so layer a leather jacket over it or pair a leather cuff bracelet with it. Spiked items, such as necklace, earrings, or bag, can also work well with a denim dress.^{[8]
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- Pairing a denim dress with leather motorcycle boots can also help give your look some edge.

11

Pair the dress with textured fabrics.

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Unique textures will create contrast with your denim dress. You might layer a velvet blazer over it or pair it with colorful silk scarf. Corduroy and tweed can also work well with a denim dress.^{[9]
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- You might carry a suede bag or weird suede boots or booties with your denim dress.
- A tweed or corduroy jacket layers well over a denim dress.
- For a more polished, dressed up look, layer a silk blouse under a denim tank dress.

12

Layer a T-shirt underneath the dress.

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Stay cozy by putting a soft layer against your skin. It’s an ideal option with a tank style dress, but you can also do it with short and three-quarter sleeve styles.^{[10]
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- With a tank style denim dress, you can layer a short sleeve tee, tank top, or camisole under it. In cooler weather, a long-sleeve tee is a good option.
- With a short- or three-quarter sleeve dress, layer a long-sleeve tee underneath it.
- You may also want to layer a tank top, camisole, or short-sleeve tee under a denim dress with any sleeve length to provide more coverage for your chest.

13

Add a jacket over the dress.

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In cooler weather, a jacket will keep you warm. Wear a cardigan or a fitted blazer over the dress to give it a more polished look. For a more dramatic look, layer a flowy duster over your dress.^{[11]
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- While you can wear nearly any jacket over a denim dress, it’s best to avoid a denim style. Too much denim can give you a dated look.
- You can also layer a sweater or shirt over the top of your dress and use it as a skirt if you prefer.

14

Pair the dress with tights.

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Tights will keep you warm if you wear your dress in cooler weather. While denim dresses are usually popular in warmer weather, you can easily transition yours to cooler weather by wearing tights with it. Tights in neutral colors, such as black, gray, and brown, work best with denim, but you can also use a bolder color.^{[12]
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- Boots pair especially well with a denim dress and tights. Both to the knee and ankle styles are flattering options.
- If you want more coverage for your legs in cooler weather, you can substitute leggings for tights with your denim dress.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you style a denim dress?

Stephanie Fajardo
Professional Stylist
Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week.

Stephanie Fajardo

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Play around with bigger jewelry if you want a more casual look. Try styling a denim dress with chunky turquoise, silver, brass, or wooden jewelry.

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What kind of jacket/blazer I can wear with my denim dress?

Community Answer

You could wear a leather black jacket or, if you have a different style, you could wear a Montar ladies comp jacket.

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Can you wear a denim dress with pair of jeans?

Community Answer

Not with almost the same color and texture. It would look best with slim-fit, differently colored denim pants.

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