There’s something about denim on denim that just works, especially when the pieces are lightweight and well-fitted. It’s one of those uniforms I find myself reaching for again and again this time of year. Denim on denim for spring and summer feels effortless but still intentional, and with a few thoughtful accessories, you’ve got a full look that’s easy to wear anywhere.
Denim on Denim for Spring and Summer
The Madewell Emmett Denim Shorts
Madewell Denim Emmett Short | J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray Shirt | J.Crew Fine Rib Shelf Bra Tank Top | Similar Leather Belt | Alternative Buckle Sandals | Talbots Straw Foldover Clutch | Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses
The Denim Emmett Short from Madewell is relaxed through the thigh with a high rise that pairs perfectly with tucked or cropped tops. They don’t some in petite sizes, so the length is a little longer on me than on the models, which is great! I am wearing a regular size 25. The soft denim has just enough structure to feel tailored, and I love the patch pockets, very on-trend this summer. The denim Emmet shorts are that ideal sweet spot between comfortable and pulled together.
Shop the Outfit
The J.Crew Chambray Shirt
Layering on a denim button-up is a perfect way to wear a denim on denim look, especially if you’re trying it out for the first time. Whatever top you wear underneath is going to break up the denim-on-denim look just enough.
Madewell Denim Emmett Short | J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray Shirt | J.Crew Fine Rib Shelf Bra Tank Top | Similar Leather Belt | Alternative Buckle Sandals | Talbots Straw Foldover Clutch | Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses
I have had this Wren Slim Western Chambray Shirt from J.Crew for several years. It’s lightweight and fitted without being tight, with just enough structure to feel polished. I often use this shirt as a third layer in the spring when it’s still a little chilly, and in the summer when I expect the AC is going to make places too cold. It gives that soft, broken-in feel that works perfectly for casual spring days. I am wearing a petite size 0, but I have it in a size up too, for a looser, more laid-back fit.
The Fine Rib Shelf Bra Tank
Madewell Denim Emmett Short | J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray Shirt | J.Crew Fine Rib Shelf Bra Tank Top | Similar Leather Belt | Alternative Buckle Sandals | Talbots Straw Foldover Clutch | Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses
Underneath, I layered the Fine Rib Shelf Bra Tank Top in white, also from J.Crew. It’s simple but well-made, and the built-in shelf bra is a game-changer—supportive without feeling bulky. I have had this tank for a couple years now, and I have it in a few different colors and stripes. This tank is one of those staples you’ll want in every color, especially when you want something that keeps its shape and holds up to layering.
Accessories That Pull It All Together
To add polish, I reached for a classic brown leather belt—a timeless accessory that works year after year. My sandals are a Ralph Lauren buckle pair I’ve had for a couple of seasons, but I found a great alternative for this season with the Archival Buckle Flat Sandal from Coach. Think simple lines, warm neutral leather, and a comfortable flat heel.
Madewell Denim Emmett Short | J.Crew Wren Slim Western Chambray Shirt | J.Crew Fine Rib Shelf Bra Tank Top | Similar Leather Belt | Alternative Buckle Sandals | Talbots Straw Foldover Clutch | Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses
I also love the Straw Foldover Clutch from Talbots as a finishing touch. It adds texture, a nod to the season, and keeps the whole outfit feeling relaxed but thoughtful.
And of course, no spring and summer uniform is complete without sunglasses. I’m wearing Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses—a classic style that adds a little edge to an otherwise neutral palette.
Another Way to Wear Denim on Denim
One of my other favorite ways to wear denim on denim is to mix it up between white and blue denim. Recently, I wore the Madewell Darted Barrel Leg Jean in White and used the same style uniform strategy I used today; layering my denim button-up over a tee. I went with a navy and white striped tee from Talbots, to bring together the blue and white of my denim pieces. Then, I have my Slim Western Chambray Shirt back in action as my third layer.
Madewell Darted Barrel Leg Jean in White | Talbots Effortless Jersey Stripe Bateau Neck Tee | Dolce Vita Roxie Brown Leather Sandals | J.Crew Palma Bucket Bag in Straw and Leather
To give my outfit a seasonally appropriate vibe, I have sandals (mine are from last year from Madewell, but the Dolce Vita Roxie Brown Leather Sandals are perfect similars), and a woven raffia bag (mine is a few years old, from Rag & Bone, but the J.Crew Palma Bucket Bag in Straw and Leather is a great match). And finally, a brown leather belt to tie it all together.
Closing Thoughts
Denim on Denim for Spring and Summer
I am a casual gal through and through, and this is the kind of look I’ll wear on repeat all season long. It works for errands, brunch, a casual dinner, or just about anything in between. Denim on denim for spring and summer is all about ease—easy to wear, easy to love, and easy to make your own. Want to dress up your denim a bit? Check out my post on a New Way to Wear Denim From Head to Toe.
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