10 Stylish Ways To Wear Denim Beyond Jeans

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If there's one item in our closets that we gravitate to more than any other, it has to be our trusty jeans. They're so easy to style, and they're appropriate for a number of occasions. For example, the fall 2025 trouser jeans trend took denim to a new level and can be dressed up for work, given a sporty vibe, or lean into a boho aesthetic. Still, jeans don't need to be the only denim in your regular rotation.

As Katie Schuppler, founder of KS Style Consulting, exclusively shares with us, there are many other pieces that should be staples in your wardrobe, including denim tops, skirts, and jackets. But that's just the tip of the denim iceberg. We scoped out the latest street-style trends to get inspired by other ways to wear denim beyond jeans. From elegant full-length coats to on-trend maxi skirts, our go-to jeans may have competition for the title of wardrobe workhorse.

A denim top should be a wardrobe staple

In our exclusive chat, Katie Schuppler tells Glam, "A denim top or button down is a great staple piece." Plus, it works in any season. "A denim top in the summer always looks nice with a white or cream trouser pant or a white jean. In the fall and winter months, denim tops always look nice paired with other neutral tones such as black or chocolate brown," Schuppler adds. She recommends the ba&sh Lio Denim Top, whose ruffled shoulder detailing gives this piece an extra element of interest when worn on its own.

A denim cape brings drama to your outfit

Denim may be considered a wardrobe basic, but that doesn't mean it needs to be boring. If you want to create a showstopping look, then a denim cape may be exactly the drama you need. Don't overthink this option when styling it; throw it over just about any outfit, add some statement accessories, and be on your way. Check out the stunning Wolf & Badger Denim Cape Jacket, or for a more affordable option, opt for the Tankaneo Cropped Denim Jacket.

Add denim touches to your outfits with accessories

"I love to work denim into my looks on an accessory like a handbag, headband, or scrunchie," Katie Schuppler exclusively tells Glam. She recommends the Coach Chain Tabby Shoulder Bag for a small handbag that will hold all of your essentials. For hair accessories, Schuppler suggests the Holly Denim Headband or the Light Denim Antoinette Bow Barrette, both from Lele Sadoughi. Any of these pieces can be worn as a neutral element, meaning it can pair well with patterns, colors, or other neutrals.

Consider maxi skirts a dressier alternative to jeans

While we're here for any length of denim skirt, the maxi is perfect for fall and winter. Styling it is easy with a chunky wool sweater or leather bomber, and just about any footwear works, from ballet flats to low-profile sneakers and loafers. And don't forget, denim isn't only about basic blues. Katie Schuppler exclusively recommends to Glam the Free People We the Free Come as You Are Denim Maxi Skirt, which comes in fashionable khaki and black options in addition to blue.

One-piece denim is an easy alternative to jeans

Every time we spy someone on the street wearing a denim jumpsuit, we do a silent nod of approval. The easiest way to wear one is as-is, paired with your favorite accessories, which can either dress the look up or down. But you can also wear it with a sweater over your shoulders or a white top underneath. The Lana Roux Women's Aviator Utility Denim Jumpsuit is a prime example of one that provides the perfect base for creating an outfit that's sporty, sexy, sophisticated, or hip, depending on the accessories you add to it.

Denim jackets have come back around

Denim jackets should also be wardrobe staples, according to Katie Schuppler. She exclusively recommends to Glam the Kut from the Kloth Julia Crop Denim Jacket, which is a classic cut and wash. Get creative with how you style it: Wear it with denim on the bottom for an on-trend look, or drape it over the shoulders as a cool French-girl styling trick. Again, this denim staple works in any wash of blue, as well as black, off-white, and any other neutral hue.

Say yes to a denim dress

We've seen so many gorgeous examples of denim dresses filling our fashion feeds lately, including evening-wear looks, casual weekend options, and work-appropriate silhouettes. We particularly love pairing denim with suede for fall and winter. It hits all kinds of notes, ranging from luxe to hints of Westerncore. The Loveimgs Casual Sleeveless Denim Dress is a great neutral base layer for adding accessories and extra pieces, depending on the look you're going for, whereas the Freemarket Printed Strapless Denim Dress is a showstopper all on its own.

Denim shorts for all seasons

Something we love most about denim? How universal it is. It works on any body type and any age, and that includes shorts. We've already covered how to wear jean shorts at any age, but how about pulling them off in cooler temps? Wear a long, knee-grazing pair with knee-high boots and warmer layers on top. You can wear the same pair with a linen button-up and pointed-toe mules in the spring. Get the look with the Cicy Bell Wide-Leg Denim Short or the Diesel Knee-Length Denim Shorts, available in an elegant dark wash.

Up your elegance factor in a denim coat

We already know that denim jackets are a fashion go-to, but have you considered its longer cousin? Denim coats, especially in a dark wash, epitomize modern elegance. We love how they can nip in at the waist, either with buttons or a belt, and add immediate sophistication to an outfit, regardless of what you have on underneath. Two styles to check out are the Ladyful Oversized Denim Trench Coat and the Paige Rain Denim Trench Coat.

Wear denim like a boss

Denim on denim has been trending for a while now, and we love how effortlessly cool it can look. The next iteration for taking your Canadian tuxedo to the next level is to wear an all-denim suit with a blazer and trousers. Depending on your mood or personal style, you can try the look with figure-hugging pieces paired with heels or oversized trouser jeans and a jacket paired with loafers. Either way, this outfit oozes confidence.

How we chose these denim pieces

Our expert, stylist Katie Schuppler, provided a number of excellent recommendations for denim basics. We rounded out the options with pieces that hit a variety of price points; sometimes you want to sample a trend, and sometimes you want to invest in it for the long haul — and we understand both perspectives. We also get that finding items that come in a variety of washes is important, as you may love something so much that you want it in more than one color. Finally, we looked at reviews to ensure that we were only offering beloved and high-quality recommendations.

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