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Sorry, Jeans—My Spring Uniform Involves This Unexpected Denim Staple Instead

By Swedan Margen

Sorry, Jeans—My Spring Uniform Involves This Unexpected Denim Staple Instead

If you find yourself engaging with the odd seasonal trend, you'll be all too aware that after a little while, certain once-fresh pieces can start to feel firmly anchored to a particular moment. Take the flannel shirt, for instance. While it undoubtedly brought a welcome lift to autumn wardrobes, its rapid saturation has left it feeling intrinsically tied to last season. As we edge closer to spring, the fashion set is turning its attention to a lighter, more timeless alternative: the classic denim shirt.

Influencer @deborabrosa wears a denim shirt with jeans and suede flats.

The ultimate throw-on layer, the denim shirt sits neatly between a crisp cotton button-down and a lightweight jacket, offering an in-between layer that brings the best of both. It’s relaxed, but not sloppy, whilst the fabrication's utilitarian roots lend it a cool edge.

Influencer @anoukyve wears a denim shirt with blue jeans and suede heeled boots.

Whilst I’ll always have a soft spot for a denim-on-denim moment, this spring staple styles well with tailored trousers, taking on a sharper, more considered silhouette. If you want the garment to see you through the warmer months entirely, then a lighter chambray version will serve you well, while this season’s thicker denim iterations offer a little extra warmth that makes them perfect for styling right now.

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Influencer @_livmadeline wears a denim shirt over a rugby shirt with jeans and suede flats.

Unlike brand new trend-led pieces that come and go, denim shirts are a wardrobe constant. That enduring appeal means there’s no shortage of compelling options, from high-street heroes to designer standouts, not to mention the wealth of chic finds waiting to be uncovered second-hand.

Influencer @theannaedit wears a denim shirt with white jeans and a woven bag.

Read on to discover my edit of the best denim shirts to invest in now.

Shop Denim Shirts:

Denim Shirt - Dark Denim Blue

This also comes in five other shades.

Alba Shirt - Denim Blue - Organic Cotton - Organic Textile - Sézane

Layer this over a white tee or style on its own.

The Classic: Denim, Blue

With Nothing Underneath

The Classic Shirt

This chic, throw-on shirt also comes in three other shades.

The Honor Roll

Mother Denim

The Honor Roll

I always come back to Mother for their chic range of denim.

The Oversized: Chambray, Blue

With Nothing Underneath

The Oversized

The lighter chambray finish makes this perfect for styling across the warmer months.

Relaxed Fit Flag Embroidery Denim Shirt

Tommy Hilfiger

Relaxed Fit Flag Embroidery Denim Shirt

With a neater fit, this can sub in for a classic cotton shirt.

Citizens of Humanity Carter Denim Button Down

Citizens of Humanity

Carter Denim Button Down

This is cut to an oversized shape, for a slightly slouchy silhouette.

net-a-porter,

Ami Paris

Paneled Denim Shirt

This rich indigo shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.

Women’s Vintage Levi’s Denim Shirt Size L

Pre-Loved Levi's

Denim Shirt

There are so many chic denim shirts on Ebay at the moment.

The Polished Denim Shirt

Frame

The Polished Denim Shirt

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Sorry, Jeans—My Spring Uniform Involves This Unexpected Denim Staple Instead - Vanity Fair Fashion