Best Denim Shirts for Ladies and How to Style
I’ve always loved a great denim shirt. They’re versatile, comfortable, and have an undeniably cool vibe that works for my casual lifestyle. Its fabric can vary from a soft chambray to a stiffer fabric with contrast stitching, like your favorite pair of jeans. Styles can range from classic to feminine with ruffle details and a pattern. The right denim shirt can be styled in countless ways and is a great basic to have in your wardrobe. Today, I’m sharing some of the best denim shirts for ladies and tips on how to style them.
Ways to Style a Denim Shirt
Over a Column of White
I often pair a denim shirt over a column of white. It’s an effortless way to achieve a fresh look that exudes summer vibes. The combination of a crisp white tank or tee, paired with white pants or shorts, creates a clean canvas that allows the denim shirt to take center stage.
Denim on Denim
Denim on denim is perhaps my favorite way to wear my denim shirts. The key is to vary the washes to create visual interest. I’ve also been known to wear three denim washes in a single outfit… so the Canadian Tuxedo is alive and thriving in my wardrobe.
Play with different washes and shades to add dimension and interest to your outfit. Dark indigo with a pale wash or even black denim makes an interesting combination. Try soft denim with structured and toss in some distressing if that’s your vibe. Try a fitted denim shirt with loose, wide-leg jeans. Experiment until you find what combination you like because there is no right or wrong way to pair them.
Elevate a double-denim outfit with your favorite accessories. A suede belt or strand of chunky pearls is unexpected and adds polish to a denim outfit. Statement earrings and/or a silk scarf are personal favorites with my denim shirts.
I matched my denim washes in the above look, giving me a column of color effect under a white linen blazer. This outfit is head-to-toe Talbots, which they duplicate year after year with small tweaks to the style.
Paired with Chinos and White Sneakers
Pair your denim or chambray shirt with colored chinos, white sneakers, and woven accessories. I added some simple pearl studs and a coordinating tee. Unbutton a few of the denim shirt buttons and tie it at the waist, or tuck in and let the tee peek through.
I also love the juxtaposition of a denim shirt with a long, flowy skirt. It adds a casual vibe to what could otherwise be a more formal look. You can pay a small fortune for a denim shirt, but you certainly don’t have to. Here are some great denim shirts at varying price points:
The Best Denim Shirts for Ladies
Best Denim Lookalike: Chico’s No Iron™ Linen 3/4 Sleeve Shirt
This one isn’t technically a denim shirt, but it’s still making my list of top denim shirts for ladies. Denim is traditionally made from 100% cotton, and this top from Chico’s is 100% linen. Linen is hands-down my favorite fabric for warm weather, and it just so happens that this is a wrinkle-free, no-iron top. This means you get the look of a denim top with all the benefits of linen without the hassle of any ironing.
Best Short Sleeve Denim Shirt: Caslon Chambray Camp Shirt
I’m a big fan of camp shirts like this chambray version from Caslon. They’re perfect for those relaxed days when I want to feel comfortable yet put together. The short sleeves make them ideal for warmer weather.
Best Light Wash Denim Shirt: J.Crew Factory Signature Fit Chambray
I have owned this shirt for several years, and it just keeps getting better with every wash. It’s a major player in my capsule wardrobe because it mixes and matches so well with all of my other pieces.
Best Dark Wash Denim Shirt: J. Jill One-Pocket Button-Front Shirt
A darker denim wash tends to look more polished than a washed-out, faded denim. Whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for coffee, this J. Jill One-Pocket Button-Front Shirt strikes the ideal balance between casual and sophisticated.
Most Affordable Denim Shirt: Time & Tru Camp Shirt
If you’re shopping for a denim shirt on a budget, then I highly recommend this one! I personally own this top that’s under $20, and I love it! You can see me wearing this shirt and others from Walmart in this post.
Best Sleeveless Denim Shirt: J.Crew Factory Sleeveless Chambray Top
If you live in a warm climate with hot summer days, you’ll appreciate this sleeveless denim option from J.Crew Factory. It gets phenomenal reviews, and it would layer nicely under a third layer without bulk or fear of the sleeves bunching up.
Best Popover Denim Shirt: Tuckernuck Chambray Flutter Sleeve Top
Not a fan of button-front shirts? You can still enjoy wearing a denim shirt by looking for a popover style like this feminine one from Tuckernuck.
This denim shirt has a ruffle detail at the neckline, which adds a touch of femininity to the look.
More Denim Shirts:
Are you a fan of denim shirts? Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi Jennifer,
I purchased a long sleeve button up denim shirt from Talbots that n the fall but have not worn it yet! Fear of mixing denim has been an issue.
Thanks for all the great ideas.
Have no fear! You can’t get it wrong!
I love the outfit with the white jeans and the denim shirt with the brooch. Can you believe that I have never owned a denim shirt? I guess because I’m high contrast, it’s never appealed to me, but I so admire these looks on you. My niece just returned from an Alaskan cruise and a few days in Vancouver with Covid.
Hope you feel better soon.
I’m sorry she got it. It’s the pits! Take care of yourself!!
I also love a denim shirt. Different washes are a great addition too!
In the heat, 100 yesterday on our patio, I love light neutrals and pale chambray is my go to cover up for ac. I actually purchased that Walmart shirt and wear it in this heat. Like you, the paler shades are my best colors. Please take care of yourself. Covid is no joke and isn’t the flu. People want it over so they ignore it and that isn’t wise. Long Covid is the real scourge of our country and can follow a very mild case. We just don’t know enough about this disease. Rest between tasks. I love your blog but your health is more important.
You’re very sweet, thank you Sydney.
Oh I have a denim obsession these past few years!!!
I love all your ideas here…my denim pieces are mostly second hand and vintage. Soft, worn long sleeve shirts in light and faded denim. Then i found a cute sleeveless pin tuck Gap denim top for summer…a bleached out chambray dress and a new denim shirtwaist…I love these hardworking pieces!
Good to hear that you got out for some fresh air! It was a beautiful day here in Victoria yesterday so you probably had similar weather across the pond :-))
Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
I’m a denim lover through and through too! I hope to get over and see you this summer.
I love a good denim shirt. They never go out of style. These all look great! Get well soon 🙏
Love the denims today. I am glad you are feeling a bit better. Take care.
Thanks so much for this post. I’ve realized that the chambray shirt is my go to piece and to have choices is wonderful. I ordered the ruffle neck shirt from Nordstrom through your post. Looks very versatile. They all look wonderful on you.
Let me know how you like it! I’m seriously tempted by it.
I just received the shirt and really like it. Glad I read the comments so ordered a medium. I’m 5’3″ and 138 lbs and it fits just right. It’s really soft and feels like Tencel. The ruffles are actually a nice touch. Thanks again for your recommendations.
I’m so glad you like it!
Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks! It’s flow but I’m getting there.
Loved this post with the great ideas for wearing denim shirts. Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks Cathy
I’m with you, Jennifer. Love my denim shirt! Need to purchase a few more!
I like unique ones too. I’m in the market for one that may have ruffled collar, which is not my usual.
Who knew there were soooo many shades and styles of denim shirt? I do now! You’ve provided a great assortment of options. Loved the post, Jennifer.
I just wore my Canadian tux yesterday! Part of redoing my wardrobe after being diagnosed dark winter was giving up my light chambray pieces in favor of medium and dark denim. What a difference! With my silvering hair that chambray really washed me out! (I’ll still wear lighter denim jeans away from my face.) I love the J Crew Garçon shirts – one of the few I can button without gaps, and I’m usually a petite on top. I have a darker wash denim version and it’s a go to, also excellent for travel.
Love a fun Canadian Tux! Good to know about the Garçon. J Crew really excels at denim. I’m better off in the chambrays and paler denim so I keep my eyes out for them.
Hi Jennifer
Jm sorry to hear that you’re still suffering side- effects of Covid. I’ve heard from others at the center where I work out that this is indeed the case for this latest Covid. (Extreme fatigue and lack of energy). Hopefully you bounce back soon and feel as you did before.
Thanks for letting me know. My husband fared better but he’s still got lingering symptoms. Stay well!
Great post on denim.
My favorite for summer is the white and denim combination.
I love it too!