If you've got a denim shirt tucked away in your wardrobe that you're not quite sure how to wear for the warmer months, then you've come to the right place. Edgier than a classic white shirt, lighter than a denim jacket yet *just* thick enough to protect you from Britain's famously unpredictable weather (without breaking you out in a sweat), the humble denim shirt is an underrated summer style hero that's well worth adding to your regular rotation this season.
The world's chicest women know just how versatile it is, too: we've spotted countless street style snaps lately featuring denim shirts worn in a refreshing variety of ways, from the uber-casual to the more elegant and even the downright unexpected. Below, five effortlessly chic ways to style the wardrobe staple this summer – beyond the classic double denim.
With a silky slip
The denim shirt's innately casual vibes make it the perfect item to pair with something more elegant for the ultimate in high-low style. Case in point: this chic New Yorker who styled hers over a silky cream slip dress (a clever bridal re-wear, perhaps?) and added leather flip flops for an extra dose of effortless cool.
Over short shorts
Much like a white button-down shirt, if your denim shirt is on the more oversized side, it can be belted and worn alone as a dress for an easy warm-weather look. But if the hem comes up just a little too high? Style it slightly unbuttoned over a pair of tailored black shorts. They'll save your modesty and make the whole 'fit more polished, too – especially if paired with glossy kitten heel slingbacks.
Tied at the waist
Get a bit playful with proportions by knotting a denim shirt at the waist, with a voluminous A-line skirt beneath. I especially love this stylish fashion week show-goer's choice of a dark blue cotton skirt that nods to the classic double denim look, but is actually far more light, breathable and appropriate for summer. Genius.
With matching jorts
Speaking of double denim... I couldn't *not* find a way to include such an oh-so-perfect pairing, and luckily, Ashley Roberts recently served up a particularly fresh take that deserves a place on your moodboard this season. By opting for a lighter denim wash and knee-length jorts, she's brought the classic Canadian tuxedo straight into summer 2026 – and ticks off the ‘pop of red’ trend with her accessories, too.
Western style
A denim shirt will always carry cowgirl connotations, but this chic look gives the aesthetic an unexpected Aussie twist. Straight from the streets of Sydney, this stylish gal has leaned into the brown-and-blue Western vibes, but paired her denim shirt with jazzy printed cotton trousers (much better in the heat) and a snake-print bag instead of the usual jeans and suede accessories.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
