Normally, I Hate Denim Dresses, But These Outfits Changed My Mind

Let me get this off my chest… I’m not the biggest fan of denim. Don’t get me wrong. I’m aware of the universal appeal of this textile, as jeans are a perennial staple for so many people. But personally? It’s a whole different story. Part of my beef with denim is that jeans are incredibly uncomfortable and can be hard to shop for if you’re a curvier woman like me. On top of that, my distaste for denim is derived from the fact that it can be, dare I say, too basic at times. Frankly, I know I’m not alone in my sentiments, and others undoubtedly despise the mere idea of squeezing into rigid denim. Luckily, an alternative way to adopt this textile is jean dresses.

For those who aren’t fans of denim, dresses are the easiest way to slowly embrace it. (I’m speaking from personal experience here.) Admittedly, some of the same concerns can come up when dealing with this piece. After all, some jean dresses can look dated. However, I’ve learned through extensive image research that there’s no shortage of examples showcasing how denim dresses can be downright chic. In an effort to convert my fellow denim haters to the cause, I’ve rounded up 20 jean-dress outfits with styling tips and shopping recommendations. These looks will show you how to style a jean dress, and they may even make you a denim person.

Pair With a White Polo and Black Mary Janes

What You’ll Need: Denim Minidress + White Polo + Red Crescent Bag + White Socks + Black Mary Janes

Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to make this style a bit more elegant is through layers. Consider styling a lightweight polo underneath your jean dress with socks and flats—it’s a preppy formula that’s sure to make this piece feel polished.

Pair With a Turtleneck, a Crossbody Bag, and Flats

What You’ll Need: Denim Puff-Sleeve Dress + White Turtleneck + Gold Chain + Brown Crossbody Bag + White Socks + White Mary Janes

Styling Notes: For colder temperatures, you can follow the same outfit formula with simple swaps. Instead of wearing a light polo underneath your jean dress, swap it out for a turtleneck. You can still wear ballet flats, or you can switch to boots if it’s later into the fall.

Pair With Metallic Flats

What You’ll Need: Denim Button-Front Dress + Plissé Top + Matching Pants + Mary Janes Flats

Styling Notes: While it’s easy to layer a top underneath this dress, consider re-creating the outfit above if you want to get more creative. Layering a bright plissé set underneath a jean dress with metallic flats will give this item an unexpected twist.

Pair With a White T-Shirt

What You’ll Need: Jean Dress + White T-Shirt + Pendant Necklace + Shoulder Bag + White Sneakers

Styling Notes: For a more effortless take on layering, consider throwing on a basic white tee underneath your jean dress. You can make this pairing feel as cool by finishing the look with a unique pendant necklace, chunky sneakers, and a colorful shoulder bag.

Pair With a Shoulder Bag

What You’ll Need: Tailored Jean Dress + Shoulder Bag + Ballet Flats + Sunglasses

Styling Notes: Think jean dresses are too casual? Think again. The key to making this style a bit more buttoned-up is by pairing it with classic items. A tailored dress feels far more polished when paired with a sleek shoulder bag, ballet flats, and sunglasses.

Pair With Gold Hoops

What You’ll Need: Denim Minidress + Gold Hoops + Gold Necklace + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: If it’s not already clear, let me reiterate: The key to making any jean dress more stylish lies in pairing it with the right accessories. While it helps to wear it with what’s trending each season, you can’t go wrong with classic staples—e.g., stacked gold jewelry and a shoulder bag.

Pair with Knee-High Socks

What You’ll Need: Denim Minidress + Hoop Earrings + Sunglasses + Knee-High Socks + Pointed Pumps + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: If you want to experiment with bolder accessories, consider pairing your denim minidress with high-lace stockings. It’s an unexpected combination that will keep people on their toes.

Pair With Retro Sneakers

What You’ll Need: Denim Halter Dress + Knee-High Socks + Sneakers + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: While being intentional about what you wear with your jean dress helps make it more stylish, it’s also imperative to pay attention to the dress’s shape. Opting for a version in a trending silhouette will do the majority of the work for you.

Pair With a Gingham-Print Dress

What You’ll Need: Denim Shirtdress + Gingham-Print Dress + Shoulder Bag + Chunky Oxfords

Styling Notes: While styling a jean dress with unexpected accessories is a straightforward way to make the style stand out, it’s not the only way to make a statement. Take a cue from the cute ensemble above by styling a button-down jean dress as a light coat layered over a printed dress. It’s the perfect way to make this piece pop.

Pair With a Tote Bag

What You’ll Need: Denim Shirtdress + Loafers + Handbag

Styling Notes: An additional way you can make this type of dress appropriate for corporate settings is by layering other office essentials with it.

Pair With Loafers

What You’ll Need: Denim Minidress + Blazer + Cardigan + Tote Bag + Loafers

Styling Notes: If you’re unsure whether a jean shirtdress is appropriate for a conservative corporate setting, consider adding layers. By throwing your favorite blazer and cardigan over, you can make this item more work-friendly.

Pair With a Shoulder Bag

What You’ll Need: Denim Corset Dress + Pointed Mules + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Let the ensemble above be proof that denim dresses can be daring! Sure, these dresses are sublime for casual occasions, but you can also tap into your inner Carrie Bradshaw by wearing a corset jean dress with pointed mules and a statement shoulder bag for an upcoming date night. It’s a dress style that does it all, okay!

Pair With Knee-High Boots

What You’ll Need: Denim Midi Dress + Shoulder Bag + Knee-High Boots

Styling Notes: While jean dresses are seasonless, there’s something to be said about styling this item for cold-weather days. Nothing will make you fall in love with this type of dress faster than pairing it with staples such as knee-high boots, a shoulder bag, and even a leather coat.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.