How to Wear a Denim Shirt (21 Outfit Ideas)

A blue denim shirt, also referred to as a chambray shirt, is a closet staple. It’s something that’s super versatile, can be dressed up or down and is timeless.

But maybe, like many of us, you’re stuck in a style rut and are only wearing your chambray shirt one way. You’re just having trouble imagining new outfits to try out. Or perhaps you don’t own one yet because you aren’t quite sure how to wear one! A denim shirt is a great addition to every closet and is truly a wardrobe staple.

I’m a firm believer that if something is going to live in my closet then I need multiple ways to wear it or it’s getting donated. So good news for you, I went shopping in my own closet and created a ton of different outfit ideas for you to try!

denim shirt outfit ideas

Just remember – there’s lots of different colors of denim shirts out there! I personally own a black denim shirt (which you will see below), a classic blue denim shirt and a light wash denim shirt. There’s also even different types of denim shirts like short sleeve denim shirts!

So today I’m going to share some stylish different outfits to wear your denim shirt! The best part is, you like have many of the articles of clothing I am wearing in this post in your very own closet. Let’s get a bit more life out of that shirt and open up some possibilities.

21 Denim Shirt Outfit Ideas

How to Wear a Denim Shirt

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Without further ado, here’s 21 different ways to wear your chambray shirt.

1. Black Jeans + Denim Top + Cardigan

long cardigan layered over denim shirt

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Pants | Cardigan (Old, similar here) | Boots

Probably one of the most easies ways to wear your chambray shirt is to pair it with a pair of black jeans or black pants with a cardigan over it. Black skinny jeans paired with a light denim shirt is easy, timeless and a perfect option.

Knot or tuck the shirt to give your waist some definition, throw on a pair of heeled brown boots and away you go!

2. Faux Leather Leggings + Over the Knee Boots + Denim Shirt

denim shirt with faux leather leggings and over the knee boots

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Leggings | Boots | Earrings (Sold out – similar here)

Heading out for a night on the town? Pull on a pair of faux leather leggings, your go to pair of over the knee boots and your denim shirt.

Adding a pair of fun, statement earrings will complete the look!

Want more over the knee boots outfit ideass and tips to wear them? Head here! You can also find more faux leather leggings outfits here!

3. Black Jeans + Denim Shirt + Jacket

long plaid jacket over denim shirt and skinny jeans

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old- this one is similar)| Pants | Jacket | Boots

Another favorite layered look is this one! This outfit is especially perfect for fall or spring when you don’t need a heavier jacket yet.

Be sure to choose a jacket that falls past your denim shirt or tuck in you shirt

4. Chambray Top + Dark Wash Jeans

dark denim paired with a denim shirt and booties

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar)| Pants | Boots | Earrings (Sold out – similar here)

For a casual look, go for double denim! Pair your chambray top with a pair of dark jeans! The best way to avoid the “Canadian Tuxedo” look is to make sure the wash of your jeans is a darker shade the wash of your top.

Dark denim jeans combined with a lighter shirt always looks good!

(Find even more white bootie outfits and tons of different white boots here!)

5. Chambray Top + Light Wash Jeans

light wash denim paired with chambray shirt

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is sold out – this one is similar) | Pants (sold out – similar here) | Boots

On the other hand, another casual denim look you can go is by wearing your chambray top with light-wash denim! Always go at least two shades lighter to make sure your jeans and top don’t completely match.

There’s so many different shades of denim so this outfit and the outfit above all depends on the shades of both your top and bottom.

6. Faux Leather Leggings + Chambray Top + Sneakers

denim shirt and faux leather leggings

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is sold out – this one is similar) | Leggings | Sneakers

An easy outfit combination that can be worn year round is a faux leather leggings and a chambray top! Opt for a chambray top that’s a bit on the oversized fit.

Throw on a pair of sneakers for running errands and your read to go!

Find other faux leather leggings here!

7. Black Joggers + Chambray Top

chambray top with joggers and sneakers

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Joggers (I LOVE these)| Sneakers

Another cool look that is perfect for every day wear is wearing joggers! Joggers are seriously some of my favorite things to wear since they are basically nicer version of sweatpants. 😉

Pull on a pair of fitted, cute black joggers, a pair of white sneakers (or printed sneakers like mine) for the perfect casual outfit.

8. Camouflage Joggers + Chambray Top

camo joggers and denim shirt and white sneakers

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Joggers | Sneakers

Keeping with the joggers vibe, another popular choice to try out is a pair of printed joggers! These camouflage joggers are higher waisted and great for ladies with long legs or long torsos!

The mix of pattern on the bottom and solid on the top is a great combination! Keep things cohesive by wearing solid colored shoes on the bottom. Your denim shirt will look super cute with a pair of printed joggers like these.

9. Leopard Skirt + Chambray

leopard skirt, denim shirt and boots

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Skirt | Boots

Animal print in general paired with a chambray top is a good look! A leopard skirt of any length paired with a denim skirt is a great look. You can try knotting or tucking your shirt in depending on the style of the skirt.

10. Layered Over a Dress

denim shirt layered over a dress

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Dress | Boots

Another unique way to wear your chambray top is layered over a dress. Wear it unbuttoned for a casual look, buttoned up and knotted for a bit more pulled together look or tied around your waist depending on the time of year.

11. Layered Under a Sweater

chambray top layered under sweater with skinny jeans and boots

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine sold out – this one is similar) | Pants | Sweater (Mine is sold out Similar Sweater | Boots

One way I love to wear my chambray top during colder months is layered under a sweater! The best way to pull off this is to have your denim jacket peaking out at the bottom of your sweater and at the sleeves.

The texture of a denim shirt along with the texture of a sweater gives you such a stylish appearance! You can pair this with a more fitted sweater like I have one or a cozy, oversized sweater!

leopard sweater layered over chambray shirt

Depending on what you choose to wear on the bottom will dictate that as well as what color you should choose for the sweater. This is one of my favorite chic looks that always makes you feel and look put together!

12. Sweater Dress With Denim Shirt Tied Around Waist

sweater dress with chambray shirt tied around waist

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Dress | Boots

Tying denim shirts around your waist is super chic and can be done year round. Do this with shorts in the summer, dresses in the winter or any other time!

13. Sweater Dress with Denim Shirt Layered Over

denim shirt layered over a sweater dress

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Dress | Boots

Want a bit of added warmth or just want a cute layer over your sweater dress without adding bulk? Try a denim shirt!

14. Pencil Skirt + Denim Shirt

denim shirt paired with a pencil skirt and booties

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Skirt | Boots

Heading to the office or a more professional place? Try pairing your denim shirt with a pencil skirt and booties!

You can either knot your shirt like I did or tuck it in, depending on the fit and fabric of your skirt. Since this skirt is a knit fabric I knotted it so it didn’t add bulge.

15. Denim Shirt + Vest

denim shirt with vest and skinny jeans

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Pants | Vest (sold out – similar here) | Boots

Bring on the sherling and the sherpa! I love cozy vests and denim shirts are a great base for them.

Throw on any sort of vest that you have in your closet and a pair of skinny jeans and boots.

16. Denim Shirt + Black Jeans + Boots

denim shirt with black skinny jeans and boots

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is sold out – this one is similar) | Pants | Boots

The most classic and timeless way to wear your denim shirt is with black jeans and booties! This combination is so simple and foolproof.

Tuck your shirt, knot it or leave it loose – it looks great every way!

17. White Jeans + Chambray Shirt

white jeans and denim shirt and booties

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine’s sold out – this one is similar) | Pants | Boots

Another timeless look is to wear your denim shirt with white denim! This is great for spring or fall and can be paired with booties like I am wearing, flats, loafers or heels!

18. Denim Shirt With Shacket Layered

denim shirt with shacket layered over

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Pants | Shacket | Boots

Feeling chilly? Add a shacket! Similar to the other layered options in this list, a shacket is a great item to layer over a denim shirt.

Knotting or tucking in your denim shirt will give your waist some definition and keep you from looking frumpy!

Love black boots? Check out more Black Boots outfit ideas here!

19. Black Jeans + Stripe Top + Denim Shirt

ankle booties and jeans and chambray and stripe top

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Pants | t-shirt (sold out, similar here) | Boots

For a more casual out, leave your chambray shirt unbuttoned! One of the general rules when it comes to leaving your shirt undone is to wear a fitted shirt tucked in or knotted. You want to define your waist and tucking or knotting will do just that!

20. Pink Skirt + Chambray

denim shirt and pink midi skirt

Shop the Outfit: Denim Shirt (Mine is super old – this one is similar) | Skirt (similar here) | Boots

Heading out for a date night? Yes you can still wear your classic denim shirt for a more formal look! The bright pink of the skirt is a nice contrast to the blue shirt. The printed boots give it an added flair!

Love ankle boots? Find more ways to Wear Ankle Boots here!

21. Chambray Shirt + Green Cargo Pants

woman wearing green cargo pants, chambray and white sneakers

Shop the Look: Cargo Pants | Chambray | Sneakers

Green cargo pants are a trendy way to rock your denim shirt! I love how the blue pops against the dark green. This chambray is a bit more oversized than the other one and I love the look and feel of it!

Check out other green cargo pant outfit ideas here!

So there you have it! If you haven’t yet picked up a chambray shirt yet or you don’t know how to wear yours, now you have 21 different outfit ideas!

I hope this helps!

If you want more posts like this one, check out of of these:

Author

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  • Jen Biswas

    Jen has styled women for photo shoots, fashion shows, board meetings, work trips and most importantly, every day life! She's been hired to style many homes as well. Her aesthetic aims to make style approachable and practical, and most of all fun! She's a mom of 3 who loves frozen cookie dough, plants and a generous pour of creamer in her coffee. Her biggest joy is helping others find joy in personal style through practical tips and inspiration. She loves to share all of her styling secrets on Paisley & Sparrow! Feel free to send Jen a message or join the fun on Instagram!

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