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Denim is a material you can wear any time of year, but there’s something about it that just looks so good in the summer. Of course, it’s not as breathable as, say, linen bottoms, but it’s an undeniable staple that looks fab with a white top in these warmer months. That’s just one ‘fit that trends every summer, but below I’ve rounded up a bunch more summer denim trends to give you some ideas on how to style your jeans, jorts, cutoffs, and everything in between.
Whether you’re trying to go for a standout bottom and top combo, you’re trying to make it allll about the top, or you’re letting your shorts speak for themselves, there’s no shortage of ways to play around with your look this season.
Here, I rounded up 11 trends that have been popping up on my IG feed… though some of these pop up every summer, which proves that they’ve moved past the trend cycle and cemented themselves as certified classics. From tried-and-true straight-leg and light-wash styles to the ever-divisive jorts and low-rise designs, I guarantee there’s a trend or two here you can vibe with. Keep scrolling below for all the inspo.
White tank and light-wash jeans
A white tank and lighter jeans will never do you wrong in the hot temps. Bonus points if your pants are high rise and extra baggy in the legs to catch the breeze.
Sleeveless Full Length Ribbed Fitted Racerback
$16.99 at amazon.com
501 ’90s Ankle Jeans
$98.00 at revolve.com
Microfiber Leather Memory Foam Support H Sandals
$34.99 at amazon.com
Jeans with a detailed white top
Super detailed white tops that have a vintage look to them really stand out against darker denim. Features like lace trim and ties make it dainty, and you can contrast it with more edgy accessories like a baseball cap and chunky jewelry.
Short-Sleeve Ruffle Collar Eyelet Crop Top
$34.96 at ae.com
Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean
$54.00 at abercrombie.com
Leather Huarache Sandals
$54.99 at amazon.com
Straight-leg jeans with loafers
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Jeans and loafers are always a great pair, especially when the jeans are a great-fitting straight-leg style. For summer nights that get a bit chilly, throw them on with a knit or layer a tank under a sweater like Emma Chamberlain here.
Ribbed V-Neck Polo Tee
$49.50 at madewell.com
501® ’90s Straight Leg Ankle Jeans
$98.00 at nordstrom.com
Whitney Leather Loafer
$175.00 at nordstrom
Medium-wash jeans with flats
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A structured top with medium-wash jeans and pretty flats is a surefire way to turn heads this summer. If you’re looking for a summer date-night look that seems like you tried without being too dressed up, this is a definite win.
Puff-Sleeved Poplin Blouse
$24.99 at hm.com
High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
$90.00 at abercrombie.com
Gatsby Mary Jane Pump
$139.00 at nordstrom.com
Tube tops and shorts
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Channel a Y2K-inspired ensemble with a cropped tube top and shorts. You can pare it down with minimal accessories or pile on beaded jewelry for that “just-got-back-from-summer-camp” kind of look.
Bubble-Knit Tube Top
$39.50 at jcrew.com
Raye Mid Rise 6” Relaxed Jean Shorts
$148.00 at thereformation
Baby Bell Bottom Smooth Belt
$140.00 at revolve.com
Baggy dad jorts
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How low can you go? Though not everyone is into these dad-like jorts, there’s no doubt that they’re eye-catching. The exaggerated silhouette looks best with a more fitted top and fun accessories.
Surplus Rib Scoop Neck Tank
$45.00 at buckmason.com
Mega Rise Dad Short
$65.00 at urbanoutfitters
Nelson 101
$99.00 at cocoandbreezy.com
Loose jeans with lightweight knits
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If you’re near the ocean this summer, it can be quite breezy. Looser jeans paired with lightweight knits in a summery hue will keep you a tad warmer while still looking v cool.
Clara Cardigan
$198.00 at thereformation
Mid-Rise Baggy Ripped Jeans
$59.00 at zara
Greg Shoe in Cow
$395.00 at brothervellies.com
Loose jeans and slim sneakers
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The sneakers this year have gotten only gotten slimmer. Low-profile shoes like the Adidas Taekwondos and Puma Speedcats have been making waves and are only gaining popularity this summer. Wear yours with loose-fitting jeans to contrast the shapes and make your shoes the focal point.
North Light Tee
$40.00 at revolve
The Low Slung Vintage Straight
$118.00 at justblackdenim.com
Aleta Sneakers
$125.00 at anthropologie
Denim on denim
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Okay, yes a long-sleeve shirt might seem absurd in summer temperatures, but there are chambray styles that have a thinner fabric and you can replicate this look with a short-sleeve or sleeveless denim top. For a night out on the town when the air cools down, this is a statement look with a pair of comfy black heels.
Boyfriend Button-Down Jean Tunic
$22.49 at oldnavy.gap.com
Soft Tech Good Curve High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
$169.00 at nordstrom
Oblong Bag / Black
$130.00 at standoil.kr
Low-rise jeans with a sporty top
Go sports! Jersey-inspired tops have been gaining steam and they look even better with low-rise jeans to counterbalance the oversized top. Add a belly chain and/or wide belt to give it a summer spin.
Scrunched Spectate Top
$19.75 at shopbop
Low Rise Straight Jean
$128.00 at revolve
Classic Buckle Belt With Hip Detail
$95.00 at coach
Shorts with a swimsuit
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Why not wear your swimsuit as a top? Whether you’re heading to the beach or not, layering a swimsuit under shorts is a combo I’ve seen time and time again these past couple of months. Add a floral hair clip and a straw bag to keep the effortless vacation vibes going.
Two Piece Swimsuit
$24.99 at amazon.com
Raye Mid Rise 6” Relaxed Jean Shorts
$148.00 at thereformation
6 Pack Large Claw Clips
$9.99 at amazon.com
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