You guys. We have a problem.
We have this amazing shirt dress that we can’t stop wearing, but we’ve been getting tired of pairing it with just plain old tights and boots. So we decided to try something new: jeans!
It turns out that a shirt dress + jeans is one of the most versatile outfits you can wear—it’s super casual, but it also looks put-together and chic. And the best part? It works for any season of year (okay, maybe not summer).
So whether you’re looking for inspiration on how to style your own shirt dress with jeans or just want to see some more examples of how other people wear this combo, here are our top tips for how to style your own casual-chic look:
How to style a shirt dress with jeans
1. Try a shirt dress with high-waisted jeans
Shirt dresses are perfect for styling with jeans because they can be worn in so many different ways. One of the best ways to wear a shirt dress with jeans is by pairing it with high-waisted jeans. This look is great because it gives you an instant waistline, which makes your body look slimmer and longer.
2. Wear a shirt dress with a cropped jean jacket and ankle boots
If you love the idea of wearing a shirt dress but don’t want to commit to a full-length garment, try pairing it with a cropped jean jacket and ankle boots for an effortlessly funky look. This is especially great for cooler weather, when you can layer up with thick tights or leggings under your jeans jacket. Whether you go for a classic white shirt dress or something more on-trend in bright colors, this combination will never fail to make you feel chic!
3. Pair your dress with boyfriend jeans and sneakers for an easy, casual look
If you’re looking for a cool, casual look that will go with just about anything, this is the one. Pairing a shirt dress with boyfriend jeans and a pair of classic sneakers is a great way to make your outfit look more put-together than it actually is. It’s also a great way to mix things up if you’re feeling bored with your wardrobe—just add some new sneakers (or even better, ones that are worn-in) and you’ll instantly have an entirely new look!
4. Mix and match different washes for an unexpected look (e.g., white pants with a gray shirtdress)
If you’re looking for a way to make your outfit stand out from the crowd, try mixing and matching different washes. We love the idea of pairing gray with white or black—it can give your look a cool, modern vibe that’s perfect for spring.
5. Layer a long cardigan over your dress when it is cold outside so that you can still show off your legs without freezing!
This is one of my favorite tips for styling a shirt dress with jeans. When it gets cold in the winter, I love to layer a long cardigan over my dress so that I can still show off my legs without freezing!
For this look, I paired my black and white striped shirt dress with dark denim jeans and a pair of black booties. Then, I added a classic black cardigan to really bring out the warmer tones in this outfit.
6. Don’t be afraid to go for a more casual look
If you’re not sure about the idea of pairing a dress with jeans, don’t worry—we get it! It can feel like a big leap. But we promise that if you try it out and play around with different styles, you’ll be able to find something that works for you.
You might want to start by opting for a casual shirt dress over a more formal one. The trick here is to balance your look: keep your jeans and shoes simple and clean, but add some flair with accessories or jewelry (or both!). If you’re going with this approach, then try adding some color—whether it’s through a pair of sneakers or some funky earrings—to keep things interesting and fun.
7. Pair it with sneakers
If you want to dress up a shirt dress, you can’t go wrong with adding a pair of sneakers. The combo is so stylish, and it’s also very versatile. You can wear sneakers with a button-up shirt dress, or you can work them into your look by pairing them with jeans or something more casual. There are so many options!
8. Add a jacket for extra warmth
If you’re looking to add some extra warmth to your outfit, a denim jacket is the way to go. It’s a classic, but also modern and cool—and it’s very versatile. You can wear it with almost anything (jeans and a shirt dress included), but remember that this piece will add bulk to your look, so if you’re trying to avoid that, stick with just a light sweater instead!
9. Wear black or brown boots with it
We love this look because it’s so easy to put together, but still has a bit of an edge. With the white shirt dress, black or brown boots make for an especially cool contrast.
10. Make sure you have a great pair of denim jeans to wear with it
The key to styling a shirt dress with jeans is making sure that the fit and feel of your jeans are perfect. You want them to be snug, but not too tight—you should be able to move around in them comfortably. Also, make sure that your jeans have a clean look and aren’t too distressed or ripped up—a good pair of skinny jeans is always a safe bet!
11. Button the shirt dress all the way up so that it fits nicely on your body and looks professional at work
This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s something to keep in mind: If you’re wearing your shirt dress as a work outfit, button it all the way up.
It may not seem like much, but doing this will help you look more professional and polished, which is exactly what you’re going for when you wear these kinds of clothes to an office environment.
Final words
We hope you’ve found this guide to be helpful! We think that anyone can pull off a shirt dress with jeans—and if you’re feeling bold, we hope that you’ll go out there and try it.
You never know what might happen.
Hi, I’m Isabella! I’m a fashion-obsessed writer who loves everything about it: the clothes, the accessories, and especially the people. I’ve been writing about fashion for nearly 8 years now—and during that time, I’ve learned a few things. First of all, there’s no such thing as bad style. It’s just a matter of what works for you. Second of all, fashion is more than just clothes—it can be a way to express yourself or your personality. And finally: Fashion is fun!