14 Denim Outfit Ideas to Try This Spring

Photo: Courtesy of Phil Oh

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Few pieces are as foundational in a wardrobe than denim. And with new fashion trends constantly vying for our attention, there’s something to be said about being able to fall back on the closet classics we know and love. This spring, however, we’re all about elevating these essentials through strong styling—and when it comes to crafting an outfit completely centered around denim, who better to take inspiration from than the street style scene?

Vogue’s Favorite Spring Denim:

• The Everyday High-Rise: Agolde ’90s high-rise organic jeans, $230
• The Dark-Wash Wide-Leg: Madewell superwide-leg jeans, $148
• The Light-Wash: Nili Lotan B-Sides Marcel jeans, $385
• The Subtle Flare: Re/Done The Riding flared jeans, 295
• The Straight-Leg: Khaite Bonnie jean, $520
• The Denim Skirt: Veronica Beard Patricia denim skirt, $298
• The Barrel-Leg: Loewe high-rise barrel-leg jeans, $950
• The Baggy Blue Jean: Slvrlake Mica low-rise wide relaxed jeans, $290

Start by choosing a style with ample versatility, like a straight-leg jean or one with a more relaxed fit. From there, companions such as a timeless trench coat or a chic city sneaker will complete the look to polished perfection. ’Tis also the time for transitional dressing—and the street style stars show us how they pieced their denim outfit ideas together with everything from lightweight outerwear options to breezy knitwear.

Whichever blue jean (or skirt!) you choose, there is a delightful denim pick for each and every occasion, no matter if you’re commuting to and from the office or dressing up for an elegant evening out. Ahead, 10 fresh denim outfit ideas to guide you to sartorial success this spring.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Combine Classics with a Twist

The typical Canadian tuxedo takes a walk on the wild side here, in the form of a cropped denim blouse and black, bleach-dyed jeans. Punky extras, like Acne’s heavy black bag, emphasize this look’s rebellious feel.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Add Polish to a Chambray Shirt

The cowboy staple is city-ready here, with an elegant tweed blazer and chocolate brown pants. Bonus points for a slick bun and oversized sunnies.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Go Long and Lean

While each element of this outfit is considered a classic (ballet flats, black trench, jeans), cut, proportion, and details take this look out of basic territory. Start with Chloe’s extra-long patchwork jeans and build from there.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Turn Up the Volume

Lean into voluminous shapes by pairing a billowy blouse with wide-leg denim. Keep the palette soft and the accessories minimal to let the silhouette do the talking.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Denim for Your 9-to-5 (or 9-to-9!)

A pussy bow blouse underneath a blazer feels right for the office and dinner after, especially when marrying various shades of blue in one look.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Lean in With Head-to-Toe Denim

If you like the idea of a denim coat but have no clear vision on how to pull it off, apply the more-is-more logic: wear it with jeans! Sneakers and a black T-shirt are model-approved, off-duty choices to round out the look.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Girl Meets Boy

An oversized T-shirt (vintage band tee, football tee, etc.) creates just the right amount of tension when worn with a denim skirt and sandals. Bookmark this look for peak summertime when it’s too to think about what to wear.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Thinking Pink

Wearing the color of the season, Vogue’s jewelry director and Vanity Fair’s accessories director Daisy Ellis-Shaw demonstrates how to style pink with jeans in a ways that’s not as obvious as it looks—by doubling up on it. A high-rise jean in a light to medium wash is the perfect choice here.

Photographed by Phil Oh

The Classics Feel Instantly Cool With Low-Rise Jeans

Inherently preppy styles like a button-down, argyle sweater, and trench coat feel way more cool and contemporary when teamed up with low-rise, slouchy denim.

Photographed by Phil Oh

With a Barn Jacket—For the City or Country

At first glance a straightforward formula to replicate, it’s the details here that are worth paying attention to when recreating the look. Both her oversized aviator sunglasses and handbag come in shades that play off the colors in her barn jacket, the same goes for her choice of denim and shirt. It’s subtle but highly impactful.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Denim Goes Ladylike

Vogue’s senior market editor Madeline Fass styles out the ladylike jacket here with high-rise barrel-leg jeans and a simple white tee. By opting for a jacket in similar shade of blue, the overall look has a tonal effect that’s offset nicely with cheeky mittens and a suede handbag.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Embrace ’70s Sensibilities

Bring Chemena Kamali’s boho codes to life by with a shaggy coat, clogs, and yellow-tinted lenses. The look reads retro but still feels modern thanks to this showgoer’s denim of choice: a light flare in a medium-blue wash.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Maxi Skirt Styling (for Snowy Forecasts!)

On a slushy morning during NYFW, this showgoer opted for a feminine take on the Canadian tuxedo: a nipped-in denim jacket with a maxi denim skirt. Punchy accessories, like a python print tote and graphic scarf, bring the classic-as-it-gets duo into the now.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Denim and a Button-Down, With a Twist

This classic outfit formula gets a fashion-forward spin with an asymmetrically button-down and sweater layered on top.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Go Preppy With a Two-Piece Skirt Set

Take on the challenge of styling a school girl-like skirt set by making it the focus of your look; here, it’s the jacket and pleated are pared it back to a simple black turtleneck and leather knee-high boots.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Elevate Denim With Layered Proportions and Textures

The volume of a horseshoe jean gets toned here with longer layers, such as a cotton poplin shirtdress underneath a tweed jacktet. Black leather boots and a neutral-colored tote complete the look.