How to Wear a Denim Shirt

Author:: Leah - University of Georgia
Publish date:: Jan 12, 2014

A few months ago, a super sweet College Fashion reader from South Africa requested an article on how to wear a denim shirt. Lisa, I hope you are reading this, and if you are, sorry for taking so long! I love requests, so please feel free to leave them in the comments. (Although they might take me a while because I write articles pretty far in advance!)

As you scroll through these pictures, take note that you can also substitute a denim shirt for a flannel shirt to create the same look.

1. A Denim Shirt... as a Shirt

This is the most obvious way to wear a denim shirt: as a shirt! However, if you're bored of this, I've come up with a few different ways to spice up that average ol' denim. Let's go!

2. Over a Shirt

The second most common way to wear a denim shirt is to layer it over another shirt. Many people like wearing denim shirts over graphic tees. In the look on the left, I'm wearing some beach surfer top that I thought was "too cool for school" back in my high school days (hence, my expression. I apologize). My second shirt is French toast! Why don't people get that?! No one understands....

3. Under a Sweater

Wearing a collared shirt under an oversized sweater is a great way to layer and stay warm.

How warm? Warmer than a cowboy lassoing a stallion in July while drinking English breakfast tea. You get the idea. This makes a denim shirt look cuter and smarter.

4. Casual-izing Your Fancy Clothes

Chances are, if you're reading this, you're a fashionable person. You like to dress up. That is fantastic! However, sometimes, you might feel a little overdressed (as if there is such a thing, you say). A denim shirt adds a casual element to an otherwise dressed up look. Rolling up the sleeves a bit or tying the bottom in a knot increases this effect.

5. Choosing the Right Accessories

Since denim shirts are on the laid-back side, this is the perfect chance to show off astatement necklace. They make the most basic outfits - like black pants, boots, and a denim shirt - look put-together. Statement necklaces can add color, as mine did above, or sparkle. Likewise, I think infinity scarves look super cute with denim tops.