How to Wear a Dress Shirt with Jeans

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: April 11, 2024 References

A well-fitting dress shirt can add a touch of class to your casual jeans for day or night. From casual nights out to more dressy events, there are a lot of ways to style a simple dress shirt and jeans to be fashion-forward. A good fit is key to looking chic—just remember to stay true to your style!

1

Pair darker dress shirts with white or light wash denim.

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You can create classy looks by mixing and matching colors. Wear black, navy, or gray dress shirts with white or light wash denim for a fun contrast.^{[1]
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- If your shirt is sheer, throw on a nude tank top for extra coverage.
- Add a pop of color with some red pumps and a clutch.^{[2]
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  Kathi Burns, CPO®
  Fashion Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
- Or, keep it neutral with black dress shoes and a watch.

2

Try lighter dress shirts with dark wash denim.

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Pale and pastel shirts look great contrasted with dark wash pants. Throw on your lightest dress shirts and add a pair of dark wash jeans for a cool, suave look.^{[3]
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- You could also mix it up with a pair of black jeans.
- Dark wash denim looks great with brown shoes and handbags.

3

Use a T-shirt to create a super casual outfit.

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This everyday look can be worn almost anywhere. Throw on a solid-colored or graphic T-shirt, then layer your dress shirt on top without doing up the buttons.^{[4]
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Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
- Choose a light-wash jean for a daytime-casual look and dark-wash distressed jeans for nighttime.
- Roll up your sleeves just below the elbow to stay cool during the summer.

4

Tuck your shirt in for a put-together look.

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If you’re heading somewhere a little fancy, don’t let your shirt tails fly. Instead, tuck your dress shirt into your jeans for a chic and sophisticated outfit.^{[5]
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- If a fully tucked shirt is a little much for you, try tucking just the front to define your waist.
- If you’re rocking an oversized dress shirt, gather the excess fabric and knot it at the front to show off your figure.

5

Create casual looks with distressed jeans.

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Contrast the formality of your shirt with casual bottoms. Pick jeans that are ripped or distressed to look cool and casual every time.^{[6]
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Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}
- You can pair your look with sneakers or boots.
- Try tucking in your dress shirt for the ultimate cool outfit.

6

Layer a sweater over your shirt for more variety.

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If your dress shirt is feeling a little plain, grab a bright sweater. Pull the collar of your shirt out on top of the sweater for a cute pop of color, then pair it with your favorite light or dark wash jeans.^{[7]
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- If you’d like an even brighter pop of color, throw a tie on underneath your sweater, too.
- Pair your look with heels or dress shoes to look put-together.

7

Dress up with a blazer.

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The right outerwear can transform your look for a night out. Throw on a fitted blazer before you hit the town for a cool yet sophisticated outfit, and pair it with dark wash jeans for a cohesive look.^{[8]
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- If you want to get really fancy with it, add a tie or a pair of suspenders too.
- Finish off your look with a pair of dress shoes or high heels.

8

Stay warm in a long overcoat.

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This outfit is perfect for chilly winter days. Throw on an overcoat that hits about mid-thigh to look classy while bundling up.^{[9]
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- Try pairing a dark overcoat, like black or gray, with dark wash jeans.
- Or, pair a light overcoat, like camel or tan, with light wash jeans.
- Finish off your look with dark dress shoes or ankle boots.

9

Sport cutoffs with a dress shirt for a summery look.

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You don’t always have to wear pants with your dress shirt! Throw on a pair of jean shorts to stay cool and casual during the summer.^{[10]
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- Leave 2 or 3 buttons open at the top for an ultra-cool outfit.
- Wear sandals during the day and heels for a night out.

10

Make your outfit pop with simple accessories.

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Dress shirts already look pretty formal on their own. Stick to small watches, bracelets, necklaces, or studs to let your shirt and your jeans be the star of the show.^{[11]
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- If you’re feeling fancy, you could also throw on a pair of suspenders or a tie with your dress shirt.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Which jeans are best for a dress shirt?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Image Consultant
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

It really depends on what you're trying to do in terms of the outfit. I'd say everyone should have a pair of dark-washed jeans in their wardrobe. They just go so far with today's styles and they work in a variety of different situations.

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Question

What do jeans go with?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Image Consultant
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Depending on the color, jeans can work with basically anything. I mean, you can throw on a T-shirt and flip flops, or high heels and a suit jacket. It really doesn't matter. It's all about what you're doing around the jeans.

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