Denim pant trends may be all over the place right now, but denim dresses have never been better! And I just love denim dresses for spring. They’re the perfect transitional piece because they pair well with both booties and sandals. In fact, before we jump into the best denim dresses available right now, let’s discuss how to style a denim dress in more detail.
How To Style A Denim Dress
Footwear: When styling a denim dress, the best footwear is a leather chunk-heel, almond-toe bootie, a modern wedge, or a medium casual sandal. This means not too dressy, and not flip-flops. Leather, espadrilles, cork, or raffia sandals all look great with a denim dress. As for sneakers, they are not the most flattering option unless they’re being paired with a mini denim dress.
Outerwear: To keep yourself warm, my favorite outerwear for a denim dress is a knee-length trench coat.
Layering: If you need a bit more warmth, most denim dresses look amazing with a skin-tight turtleneck underneath. If you just want to layer for the look — and not the warmth — use a snug-fitting sleeveless mock neck top, like this one from Gap.
Jewelry: When accessorizing your denim dress, make sure to match your jewelry tone to any metal on the dress. For example, if you have bronzy buttons, wear bronzy jewelry like the Julie Vos Havana hoop. If your denim dress has silver accouterments, wear a brushed silver like Madewell’s Light Silver Ox drop earrings.
Handbag: Go with a leather or canvas bag that feels a bit utilitarian like a canvas tote bag, or a leather camera bag. You can also go with a woven or rattan bag. Basically anything that feels a bit rougher, earthy, or architectural. The juxtaposition with the denim will be delicious.
Veronica Beard Ruben Cotton Chambray Shirtdress
Available at Veronica Beard, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, Nordstrom, and Tuckernuck.
Sizing: Available in 00-16. Runs true to size.
Material: 100% Cotton
Rails Malibu Dress
Available at Rails, Neiman Marcus, and Shopbop. This denim dress is also available in a different wash at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XL. Runs true to size.
Material: 40% recycled cotton, 42% lyocell, 17% cotton, and 1% elastane
Anthropologie Maeve Button-Front Corset Denim Dress
Available at Anthropologie.
Sizing: Available in 00-16.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane; viscose lining
Veronica Beard Evelyn Chambray Dress
Available at Veronica Beard, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Revolve.
Sizing: Available in 00-16. Runs large, order a size down.
Material: 100% cotton
Good American Fit for Success Mini Dress
Available at Good American.
Sizing: Available in XS-5XL.
Material: 81.5% cotton, 5% recycled cotton, 4.5% elasterl-P, 5% recycled polyester, and 4% elastane
PAIGE Mayslie Dress
Available at Shopbop.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XL.
Material: 98% cotton and 2% elastane
Veronica Beard Hensley Ruched Chambray Dress
Available at Neiman Marcus.
Sizing: Available in 00-16.
Material: 100% cotton
Free People Amber Denim Dress
Available at Free People.
Sizing: Available in 0-14. Runs slightly small.
Material: 93% cotton, 6% polyester, and 1% elastane
Retrofête Gigi Dress
Available at Retrofête and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XXL.
Material: 100% cotton
Ramy Brook Mack Denim Dress
Available at Nordstrom, Ramy Brook, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus.
Sizing: Available in 23-32. Runs true to size.
Material: 98% cotton and 2% polyurethane
Staud Mini Wells Dress
Available at Shopbop and Neiman Marcus.
Sizing: Available in 00-16.
Material: 99% cotton and 1% spandex
Best Denim Dresses from Years Past
I originally wrote this post on the best denim dresses years ago and update it regularly due to its popularity. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.
7 For All Mankind Utility Denim Mini Dress in Utility Rinse
I love the look of this 7 For All Mankind Utility Denim Mini Dress in Utility Rinse. It is best for a longer torso, but the shoulders can be hemmed for someone with an average or shorter torso. It looks best on a flat or smooth stomach. This does not mean you have to be thin. Some women’s stomachs stick out at a size 0 or a size 14. On the other hand, you can have a flat stomach at a size 0 or a size 14, depending on your body type. Tip: You can wear this dress as is or with a tight tee or turtleneck underneath, as shown.
Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.
Madewell Denim Button-Front Tank Dress
I adore this Madewell Denim Button-Front Tank Dress. You can wear it as is or with a tight tee or turtleneck underneath.
Available at Poshmark (another size).
Sizing: Available in 0 and 12. Runs true to size.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Madewell Denim Structured Shirtdress
I am so into the long sleeve denim dresses out there right now. This Madewell Denim Structured Shirtdress is a great example of a light wash style.
Available at Poshmark.
Sizing: Available in 8. Runs true to size.
Material: 96% cotton, 1% elastane
Catherine Catherine Malandrino Keala Dropwaist Chambray Dress
This Catherine Catherine Malandrino Keala Dropwaist Chambray Dress is wonderfully unflattering. It is an absolute bag and I love it. The fabric feels like pajamas and you can eat and eat in it.
Sizing Tip: Runs big, try a size down.
Madewell Adirondack Short Overalls in Denville Wash
I know these are overalls, but they’re so flattering and stretchy — I just had to include them.
Sizing Tip: Runs true to size. You might be able to size down if you want since the fabric is so stretchy.
