I'm Convinced Everyone Needs This Unexpected Basic

This is the only way we're wearing denim shirt outfits right now. Inspiration ahead.

I'm Convinced Everyone Needs This Unexpected Basic

At this point, you’e probably caught on that I love got curate a great collection of wardrobe basics in my closet. From turtlenecks to oversize button-down shirts, there’s no shortage on cool basics straight off of the runways that are in the pipeline for spring. But there’s another one that I’ve been seeing bubbling up on the Instagram fashion scene as well: denim shirts.

Yep, the top has been popping up everywhere recently and I’ve been taking notes on cool ways to style one. Whether you’re pairing one with a midi skirt, sweatpants, or tailored pants, there are endless cool ways to wear one. Or, you could always slip into a head-to-toe denim look—in my opinion, the perfect balance of casual and cool. But there’s even more inspiration for how to pull it off. Here are nine stylish ways to wear denim shirt outfits, straight from the fashion set.

A denim-on-denim look

Pictured: Mango top and jeans

I truly never get tired of all-denim looks but always love to see fresh takes on them. Here, I think the top tucked into slightly flared jeans is the perfect sleek (but casual) outfit.

Shop the look:

H&M Denim Shirt ($30)

Agolde Organic High-Rise Flared Jeans ($190)

With a midi skirt

Pictured: Mango skirt

I've had my eye on denim midi skirts for a few years now but have never been able to figure out how to pull one off. This outfit pairing the long skirt with a denim button-down and knee-high boots is definitely one I want to copy immediately.

Shop the look:

H&M Denim Shirt Jacket ($30)

Mango Midi Denim Skirt ~~( $60)~~ $40

Add sleek boots

Pictured: Agolde jeans; Khaite boots

What really makes this outfit work? The white tee and collared shirt that are layered underneath the denim top. Add a pair of sleek boots and it's simply flawless.

Shop the look:

Mango Dark Denim Shirt ~~( $60)~~ $30

Khaite Leather Ankle Boots ($890)

With '90s-inspired jeans

An upsized top with skinny jeans

Pictured: Acne jeans

Loose, '90s-inspired jeans are making a major comeback, so it's only natural to spot a denim shirt outfit styled with them.

Shop the look:

Citizens of Humanity Jules Denim Shirt ($278)

RE/DONE 90s High Rise Loose Jeans ($260)

Pictured: The Attico top

If there's one style lesson I've picked up on in general these days, it's the movement to add upsized pieces into your wardrobe. Sometimes the baggy silhouettes can be tricky to pull off but it's all about balancing proportions.

Shop the look:

Zara Denim Shirt ($26)

H&M Embrace High Ankle Jeans ($40)

Styled with knee-high boots

Pictured: Khaite boots

Knee-high boots are the easy way to instantly make your outfit feel more polished and sophisticated. Case in point? This stunning look.

Shop the look:

Triarchy Denim Shirt ($145)

Khaite Suede Knee Boots ($1480)

With tailored trousers

Slouchy, tailored trousers are destined to be one of this year's biggest trends. Here's the perfect way to pull them off.

Shop the look:

Madewell Classic Chambray Button Down Shirt ($75)

Loulou Studio Sbiru Pleated Wool Straight-Leg Pants ($275)

Add one to cozy sweatpants

Pictured: Chanel shoes

If you're still living in sweatpants like I am, here's a cool way to make them feel fresh. Add a pair of slides and you have the ultimate comfy outfit.

Shop the look:

Caslon® Easy Button-Up Shirt ($59)

Lioness Academy Sweatpants ($69)

With wide-cut jeans

Pictured: Ganni shirt; Solace jeans; Tongoro Studio hat

Yep, another great take on an all-denim look. Here, a great way to style a wider-cut silhouette of jeans.

Shop the look:

Mango Chest-Pocket Denim Shirt ($60)

Denimist Evelyn Wide Leg Jeans ($225)

Paired with loafers

Pictured: Aeyde shoes

Loafers are the cozy/sophisticated shoe trend that every fashion person has in their closet, so who wouldn't want more inspiration for how to style them?

Shop the look: