12 Denim Outfit Ideas That Highlight Classic Versatility

Needing no introduction yet never going unappreciated, denim is the foundational fabric unifying most of our wardrobes. Its magic lies in its versatility and range: Between different compositions, weights, and finishes, there’s endless versatility to explore with this cotton-blend fabric. Dressed-up denim skirts, distressed overalls, and a casual pair of low-rise jeans are all out to play, among. countless others. The material is just as iconic as Beyonce’s referential Levi’s ads, but we’d be willing to bet you’re already well-acquainted. Ahead, discover 12 fresh denim outfit ideas to elevate your style this year, including our top product picks to recreate the look for yourself.

Boho-Glam Layering

If there’s anything we took away from this season’s New York Fashion Week, it’s that free-spirited fabrics are back Take inspiration from the latest spring 2025 runways—and designers like Chloé, Christian Cowan, and Collina Strada—by building your ensemble around a decidedly fashion-forward (and wearable) spin on 2010s boho trends.

Wild Side

Skinny jeans are making a triumphant return—and like it or not, we’re embracing the once-dated silhouette with a modern approach. Allow us to break it down: Polished, slim-cut jeans play nicely with fashion-forward pieces, like an exaggerated cheetah print coat and knee-high boots. Keep that contrast grounded with a simple nylon bag and a streamlined turtleneck.

Effortless Elegance

Jeans might fall short of business casual in most environments, but this particular look on Abisola Omole is nothing less than sophisticated. Bring your tailored denim up a notch by pairing it with a crisp, oversized button-down and subtly chic accessories (including timeless chunky gold hoops). Before you head to that work happy hour, don’t forget to slip into pointed-toe kitten heels in a playful print.

Double Denim

Haven’t you heard? Double denim qualifies as fall’s most underrated cool-girl uniform, and we’re giving a well-deserved nod to the Canadian tuxedo with this spin on the monochrome look. Keep it classic by combining two similar fabrics—in Ashley Graham’s case, mid-wash denim with a hint of wear—then creating a contrast with high-glam accessories.

Shrug It Off

Tired of pairing a denim skirt with a graphic tee or standard turtleneck? Consider this your cue to add a sweet bolero to your outfit rotation. Here, Toni Bravo creates an entirely new neckline on her blouse by pairing a sweet strapless top with a matching shrug.

Transitional Textures

We’ll keep it short and sweet: Pop powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter knows how to breathe fresh life into countless outfits, including an otherwise standard pair of denim. Here, she positions one of fall’s hottest colors, burgundy, with a gauzy white top, adding a bit of texture and charm to a classic pair of jeans.

Baby Blues and Basics

Jeans and a t-shirt, meet your match. This timeless formula is getting a makeover, thanks to Kelly Rutherford’s iconic elevator selfies. Pair a contrast-stitch jacket (preferably found in an intriguing texture, like sherpa) with dark wash denim and suede booties. Accessorize with the fall’s most-loved bag (a key Gossip Girl throwback, we might add).

Sculptural Silver

Denim tends to run a bit more laid-back, but it really all comes down to the styling. Show a bit of your glam and glitzy side with a delicate silver belt, such as this selection by Lapo Lounge, over a skirt or jeans. An elegant black handbag and simple heels keep it all in perspective.

Cargo Chic

Contrasting pieces is one way to add liveliness to an otherwise tried-and-true piece. In this case, refresh your go-to cargo jeans with a metallic foil top. This ultra-cool combo evokes a futuristic feel without crossing into unwearable territory, hitting upon a sartorial sweet spot.

Breezy Blazer

During sunnier autumn days, skip that heavyweight jacket for something a bit more polished: a longline, oversized blazer. Balance out this dressed-up piece with cooler pieces, like a camo tee and platform Chelsea boots. A well-worn pair of denim is the ideal finishing piece for this comfy-cool look.

Overall Vibe

Overalls, in all their humble glory, are a tricky piece to pair. To breathe new life into the functional-yet-stylish piece, why not go matchy-matchy with a coordinating denim jacket? We’d envision this working well with a pair of vintage-inspired sneakers, too.

Cream Contrast

White jeans deserve a spot in your year-round wardrobe, even if we’re long past Labor Day. Add a bit of visual interest by cuffing a pair of straight-leg cream or beige denim, then add a sweater on top. A vibrant blue button-down and saturated socks will especially pop here, so let your imagination run wild.