So, you have a denim dress lying idle in your closet or you want to dive in and finally get yourself one and don’t know what to do with it? Your dark days are over! I’m here to help you style your denim dress for that classy, chic, and timeless look.
Denim is a very structured and sophisticated material, so I understand how overwhelming it may get for women to find their way around it, especially in styles other than pants and skirts. There are many options available, including denim dresses with pleats, which add a stylish touch to your wardrobe, some with a bit of stretch, and some that look like denim but are a softer more lightweight material.
Without further ado, let’s get into the business of the day!
My Ideal Outfit Details
My ideal denim dress is comfortable and soft enough to move around yet versatile. Denim dresses come in various shades and fabric compositions. I prefer a lengthy dark-washed, button-down denim dress. Like this one with two slits on the sides and great sleeve length with lovely cuffs to cover your upper arm.
The fabric of this denim dress is breathable enough for summer or spring looks. But also not stretchy, which means you have to get one that’s true to your size or go a size up. You can style this dress in so many ways, which I’ll show you as you read on.
More Style Inspiration For Your Denim Dresses
Casual Vibe
Styling a denim dress casually is all about comfort and effortless chic. Start with a versatile, dark-washed denim dress with a relaxed fit. Pair it with nude flats or white sneakers for a laid-back vibe. If it’s a bit chilly, layer with a lightweight cardigan or a denim jacket for a cool, double-denim effect.
You can run quick errands to the store in this look or even head out on a chill picnic by pairing it with a long strappy bag in black or a raffia mini bag to match the nude flats. You can ditch those flats for strappy sandals, too, if you’re not a fan of covering your feet, or even throw on a pair of heels for a twist to make it more elevated. Another hack to give a cool 40+ effect is to do a cross-body bag look to hold your dress in place and spice things up.
Work Mode
You can absolutely make this denim dress work for a day at the office. A belt is your secret weapon! Find a tiny shirt belt or a big, bold one, depending on your style of denim, to cinch the waist of this dress and give it that definition and lift (for mine, a tiny belt works best with the buttons).
Pair this fit with black, white, or nude pumps (make sure they match the belt) and a medium-sized handbag for that sophisticated look. If your denim dress has tiny straps for sleeves and no buttons or collars, throw on a fitted blazer, preferably with a button to accentuate your waistline, and ditch the belt for an elevated office look. Finish things with matching pumps and a bag, and watch your confidence level increase.
Flats can also work for office looks, but pair them with a shorter-length denim shift dress so you don’t look too relaxed or casual.
Girls Night Out
When I described the denim dress as versatile, I wasn’t joking. You can totally add this as a third layer to your outfit maybe to a BBQ with friends! Mimicing a kimono or long jacket or duster. Or go for a strapless look for a fun summer evening out with flats for the daytime and some cute sandals for the evening.
The 99% cotton on this dress work perfectly to double as a body shaper to give you a nice finished look, plus you have enough space for a statement necklace or earrings. Wrap up your nighttime look with boots or sandal heels to give that classy and timeless look, and throw in a bright red lipstick in your shade. Opt for a messy bun to add volume and show off your neck and shoulders. This look is great for cold nights too, because you can simply throw a lightweight sweater over your shoulders for some added warmth and style.
Light Blue Beach Day
I have two super stylish ways to incorporate a denim dress into a beach day look as third layers. If you won’t be getting in the water, you can put your denim dress over a pair of shorts and a tank top to protect your legs from the sun and hide any imperfections you don’t like when you are by the beach. Complete the look with a wide beach hat, tote bag, and matching wedge heels for balance and a more stylish vibe walking around in town.
If you’re getting into the water but not comfortable showing too much skin, give your “third layer denim dress” a nice, fashionable, and quick knot up to your waist, so it works as a temporary jacket. The slit at the sides lets you get those knots super easy. Pair your ensemble with oversized sunglasses to protect your eyes and add a bit of edginess to your daytime look.
Accessories For Women: A Denim Dress
Gold-plated jewelry is my preferred go to these days. It is affordable, light, and there are so many options and because it contrasts with whatever shade of blue denim I’m working with so smoothly. I find gold can easily transition from day to night time looks without major modifications and always looks elevated yet effortless.
Loafers, boots, sneakers, heels, sandals, slides, and flats are excellent partners for your favorite style denim dresses, and you should experiment with complementary colors for more fun. Think of a denim dress as a canvas for you to build from the ground up. Let the color and cut guide your styling process, and you’ll discover how easy it is to put together.
Bags with unique details like fringe, fur, and tassels can really add volume and fun to your denim dress, so always be on the lookout for these kinds of fun touches. Or just opt for a pop of color and that is a classic way to pump up the look.
There you have it, my friends! The denim dress is your ultimate multi-tasker. From day to boss-chic office wear and everything in between, this little number has got you sorted. With the right bits and bobs and a dash of imagination, you can turn your denim dress into a showstopper for any occasion. Don’t let it sit in your closet—let it out and let it sparkle in your wardrobe. Happy styling, and remember, confidence is key!
