Figuring out how to style a denim shirt takes some trial and error. Why? We all know our way around jeans and denim skirts, but the ubiquitous blue fabric gets a little trickier to figure out as soon as it jumps somewhere else—especially to our tops. It’s worth putting in a little extra effort on this front, though: One of fall’s biggest denim trends is the Canadian tuxedo, meaning you’ll get plenty of mileage out of a jean shirt in the months ahead.
While you might only think of denim shirts as cowboy-ready Westernwear—a valid association—that’s not the whole picture. Lightweight chambray shirts are breathable and great for layering, and they’re a cornerstone of preppy style, which is gaining momentum this season. Proper denim tops, meanwhile, are now available in classic shirting silhouettes, which look surprisingly put-together paired with trouser jeans or leather bottoms. And you can even wear a denim jacket as a shirt on chillier days, paying homage to classic Americana and making layering a breeze. Here’s how to style a denim shirt this fall, according to our fashion editors.
1. Under a blazer
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One of the easiest ways to elevate your denim shirt is to treat it like any other button-down and throw it under a blazer. Start with just a shirt and a nice-fitting jacket; when you feel confident in this look, feel free to try additional layering like in the outfit above. (Looks like there’s a plaid shirt and a tank top underneath the denim top—genius.) You can always fall back on straight-leg jeans down below, though trousers that match your blazer or bring in another neutral tone will add even more polish to your final look.
2. With jeans and a belt
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