If I were to ask you how to style a denim dress, your mind might still go straight to a cowboy hat at a Beyoncé concert. It’s a piece that carries a slightly more obvious Western undertone than its denim counterparts (jackets, jeans, jorts), which is perhaps why it can feel a touch trickier to place.
Luckily, it comes into its own in summer. Whether you lean towards a strapless mini or something with a bit more volume and a cinched waist, most denim dresses earn their keep when styled with a bit of thought. The easiest way to approach it? Treat it like you would your favourite jeans. It’s not the full outfit - it’s the starting point. Once you see it that way, it becomes far more versatile (and far less costume-adjacent).
Glamour’s denim dress styling edit
That said, it’s also surprisingly easy to miss the mark. Go too literal and you’re suddenly in full Western territory; play it too safe and it can feel a bit plain. This season, swap anything heavy for lighter layers, bring in sleek sandals or polished flats, and keep the overall look feeling easy but pulled together.
Ahead, the chicest and most wearable ways to style a denim dress for summer. (And yes, for what it’s worth, my partner once referred to mine as a ‘joutfit’ - jeans meets outfit - which, mildly annoying as it is, isn’t entirely inaccurate.)
A denim dress with ballet flats
A denim dress and ballet flats is one of those combinations that just works. The softness of the shoe balances out the structure of the denim, especially if you’re wearing something strapless or fitted. If red is your colour, we think it pairs best with a dark indigo wash, but classic black or cream shoes offer an equally polished look.
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Add a netted bag
If your denim dress feels a bit too wintery, a netted or macramé bag instantly relaxes it for summer wear. The rope-like material adds texture and makes the whole outfit feel more summery without needing much else. Keep everything else simple - flat sandals, minimal jewellery - and let the bag do the work.
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A denim wrap dress
A denim wrap mini is about as straightforward as it gets. It’s flattering, easy to throw on in a heatwave, and doesn’t need much styling. Add a small shoulder bag and simple sandals or flats and you’re done.
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With Snakeskin Shoes
If it’s good enough for Rihanna, it should be good enough for all of us. The makeup mogul loves a good denim-and-snakeskin moment, having worn the combo on dozens of occasions throughout the years. Test-drive the outfit idea for yourself by styling your own long-sleeve denim dress with a pair of knee-high faux-snakeskin boots, like the street-style look above.
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A denim dress with belts and buckles
If your denim dress feels a bit shapeless, add a belt. It defines the waist and makes the whole thing feel more put together. Go for something slightly chunkier rather than anything too delicate, and pair with a suede or leather bag to keep it balanced.
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Over Jeans
Allow me to introduce the new and improved Canadian tuxedo. Layering a button-down midi, mini, or even maxidress over matching jeans is an undeniably stylish take on the classic all-denim look. Genuinely, who knew jeans could look so sophisticated? Go for heels or other dressy shoes that’ll also elevate the otherwise casual outfit.
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With Leather Accessories
Dark-wash denim and leather is a love story for the ages. No matter how many years pass, the classic duo still plays just as well together as it did on the first day. You could always go with a leather jacket on top, or get the same effect with moto boots and a punk-inspired leather belt over an A-line dress.
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Nipped at the Waist
One of the year’s most striking silhouettes involves a fitted waist with barrel sleeves. These design details are typically found in the blazer space, but you can’t go wrong with wearing an oversized one as a jean dress look. Black, blue, or indigo options work best for this, and we’d recommend wearing with knee-high boots and/or your best leggings. You can always add a pair of black shorts or a miniskirt underneath if you’re not sure about the length.
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A shorter denim dress with chunky boots is my default when I want to look put together in the summer. I blame Sabrina Carpenter - she’s made a convincing case for pairing the highest hemlines with the heaviest boots. It gives denim just the right amount of attitude, and feels far more directional than reaching for the usual sandals.
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For those of us who do vibe with the yee-haw look, a touch of suede – a jacket, boots, or a bag —with a denim midi-dress can amplify that energy in the best way. Finish with simple silver jewellery to keep the ensemble from looking too costumey.
As a rule of thumb, I avoid aviator sunglasses any time I am dressed in denim. The combo can feel too costume-like, so I reach for a pair of trending shield sunnies instead. The posh addition, combined with a silk bandana and denim maxi, feels boho in a more fashion-forward way.
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This article was originally published on Glamour US.
