Try this new way to wear your favorite denim dress this season.
Denim Dress
You love your jeans…and love your dresses…but have you ever thought about marrying the two? Likely not. Until now. This summer, try out a denim dress. You might never go back.
In this article, we will let you know the variety of denim dress (also called a jean dress) styles and how to wear them with very helpful tips!
How to Shop
You may think of denim as being thick and heavy, but denim dresses are often crafted of a lighter weight and softer fabric making them durable, comfortable, and fashionable.
If you want to stick with the sturdy material of your favorite jeans, opt for a shorter hemline so you stay cool.
RELATED: Best 15 Work Dresses: Stylish and Comfortable
Viva Cabana Pick!
We love this denim dress from J.Crew.
Perfect length to wear to any where. Plus, it’s on sale now!
Denim Dress Styles
Denim is one of the most versatile and classic materials, so denim dresses run the gamut. The same styles of summer dresses are available as denim dresses, like shirt dresses, minis, and slips, but with traditional denim characteristics, from heavy topstitching to acid washes.
While the material is casual at its core, there are many designers that have accepted the challenge of crafting cocktail party ready frocks out of the heavy cotton weave that will rival your go-to LBD.
What to Wear with A Denim Dress
Denim is ubiquitous in virtually every style from prep to grunge. Add your own personal flair with your favorite espadrilles for a flirty summer look, combat boots for an edge, or white sneakers for a laid-back vibe.
Style Tip: the variety of fits
There are still denim dresses aplenty with a slightly looser fit, easeful silhouette, or casual vibe for your everyday wear.
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From structured corsets from Oscar de la Renta to slip dresses from Zara—all crafted of denim, we’ve gathered our favorite denim dresses to make finding the right weight and style to make your shopping easier.
Our Top Picks
Best Flirty Style
Why We Love: Opt for a fun and flirty mini dress that is—yes—crafted of denim. With a faux wrap and ruffle detail, you’ll be party-ready in your classic heavy cotton weave.
Helpful Tip!  Instead of the denim-on-denim look, go for white-on-white. Whether you prefer a more laid-back sneaker, classic heel, or retro chunky loafer, make this feminine look yours with a stylish white shoe.
Material: 75% cotton, 24% polyester, 1% elastane
Size: 0-14
Best Tiered Mini
Why We Love: Meet the easiest denim dress you will ever own. Styled like a shirtdress, it buttons all the way down the front and yet boasts a slight V-neck to allow for a little breathing room.
The body is tiered to make the most of your movements. It is crafted of a mid-weight denim that feels both weighty and comfortable all at the same time.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-XL
Best Dramatic Flair
Why We Love: This might very well be the most dramatic silhouette to ever be given to a denim dress. But that comes as no surprise from Alexander McQueen, a design house that is known for their expert dress structure. Yes, even in denim.
For a party-ready look, shop this asymmetric dress with slight corseted detail. It’s worth every penny.
Helpful Tip! Pair this statement dress with a pair of platform boots to play up the length of the asymmetrical hemline.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: IT38-IT44
Best Denim Shirt Dress
Why We Love: Shop this denim dress for an easy throw-on-and-go. With a classic shirtdress silhouette, you can button up the front as much or as little as you want.
You’ll love this dress for its lightweight weave that will flow like a cotton jersey and not stand stiff like traditional denim.
Helpful Tip! If shirt dresses make you feel shapeless, you’re not alone! Add a belt around the waist to accentuate your figure while still staying comfortable.
Material: 100% Tencel lyocell
Size: XS-XXL
Best Babydoll Silhouette
Why We Love: There are few throw-on-and-go shapes when it comes to dresses that have quite the same ease as a Babydoll.
With a loose body and empire waist, they are—yes—crafted after the dresses of your youth, but when constructed of a cool-girl material like denim, have that edge factor that few others do.
Helpful Tip! Wear them with any kicks from sneakers to ballet flats; moto boots to white heels.
Material: 100% rigid denim
Size: 0-12
Best Ruffle Detail
Why We Love: While a swinging mini dress is a great go-to, especially come summer, this tiered denim dress takes it to the next level.
Crafted of embroidered denim trim, the eyelet detail on each section of the dress ups the ante and officially makes it the sweetest denim crafted frock we’ve ever seen.
Material: 100% Tencel lyocell
Size: XS-L
Best Grown-Up Overalls
Why We Love: When you want to wear the grown-up version of an overall dress, try this one.
The top has a pinafore-style silhouette, while the bottom boasts a slim mini shape with off-duty patch pockets.Â
Helpful Tip! Wear it alone or layered over a white bodysuit for a multitude of styling options, all summer long.
Material: 100% denim
Size: XS-L
Best Cocktail Dress
Why We Love: If Grace Kelly owned a denim dress, it would be this one. The fashion house of Oscar de la Renta has done it again with a mid-length, full-skirted, corseted tank dress that’s fit for a fancy evening affair, though made of 100% denim.
Zipping up the back, it’s elegant and cool, all at the same time.
Helpful Tip! This sweet denim dress just begs for a pair of kitten heels and a pair of statement earrings to finish off the look.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Size: 00-16
Best Tailored Silhouette
Why We Love: This is a denim dress for the ladies who lunch. With a midi length and wide pleated bottom, it carries with it vintage appeal with a modern twist.
While the elegant silhouette is flattering on all, the brand has gone above and beyond to ensure the perfect fit with a back panel that is made of smocking to move with your body.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: 00-24
Best Edgy Option
Why We Love: Found: your denim mini dress for the edgy girl. All you need is a pair of combat boots or a leather jacket to throw over the top.
This structured tank dress has a ‘90s appeal with visible seams and a zipper that travels down the front. It’s casual and cool while still fit for an after-hours date night.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-L
Best Retro Style
Why We Love: This button-front denim dress almost has a ‘70s-style vibe to it, especially when buttoned most of the way up the front.
With large silver buttons that mimic those on the waistband of a pair of jeans, it has a casual cool look that continues with a waistband that is just begging for a statement belt or the like.
Overall, reviewers find that the dress runs on the small side without much stretch, so we recommend sizing up.
Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
Size: XXS-XL
Best Head-Turning Look
Why We Love: Miu Miu has a flair for the extra detail, be it feathers or rhinestones, always placed on the most unexpected of materials.
Denim has officially joined their list of members, with their iconic tank shift dress crafted of the heavy cotton weave, trimmed with a statement-making black feathered hem around the bottom.
Helpful tip!: Rock this fun number all year round, just add a black turtleneck underneath in the winter.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: 36-50
Best Stitched Detail
Why We Love: Stella McCartney has been master of the body seams since day one, and she’s taking that signature design to her denim dress this season. You’ll love this mini for its structure and simultaneous ease.
Though quite detailed in design, the simple silhouette balances out the stitching, requiring little more than a pair of flat sandals to finish off the look.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: IT24-IT50
Best Slip Denim Dress
Why We Love: Yes, even ‘90s slip dresses have gotten the denim treatment, thanks to affordable fashion brand Zara.
You’ll love this back-baring easeful halter dress that hits at mid-calf and can be topped with cropped lady jackets, edgy leather bikers, and more.
Helpful Tip!Just because it’s made of denim doesn’t mean you have to style it any differently than your favorite slip dress.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-XXL
White Denim Dresses Under $150
What to Look for
Material: Look for a mid-weight denim dress for most silhouettes. It will allow your dress a bit of movement, while still retaining structure.
Fit: Opt for your favorite silhouette—just in denim. Structured corsets, tiered shift dresses, you name it!
Size: Much like jeans, denim will stretch, so keep that in mind when shopping. As such, you might want to air on the smaller side. Just make sure the garment feels comfortable and fits well.
Pro Tip 😎
Make sure that the denim isn’t too heavy, as you want your denim dress to move a bit more than, say, a pair of jeans. Mid-weights work best for their ability to move but also hold its structure.
Mix in a little denim dress from time to time this summer. Swap out those jeans for their fun and flirty sister.
FAQ
How to style a denim dress?
Most denim dresses style themselves. While some offer a pinafore or jumper style, under which you can layer a bright white tee or the like, most are perfect just the way they are.
Denim dresses are quite casual and best when paired with sneakers or flat sandals. There are a few special favorites that are fit for a party, paired with heels or dressed-up flats.
Are denim dresses in style for 2023?
Yes! It’s totally in. Denim dresses have been a lesser-chosen relative to your beloved jeans, no matter the year or the season—until now.
They’ve been trending on the runway, from Alexander McQueen to Carolina Herrera, and with your favorite celebrities (think Ashley Graham’s distressed denim illusion maxi dress).
This summer, see what all the buzz is about: it’s time you try it out for yourself.
What kind of jacket should you wear with?
You can fashion a Canadian tuxedo of sorts by pairing your denim dress with a denim jacket in a contrasting wash, or opt for a totally different material with a cropped wool lady jacket or buttery soft leather biker.
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