
Ask any girl to name her top five wardrobe essentials, and you’re guaranteed to find at least one denim item on the list. Whether it’s a pair of white jeans, ‘90s-era overalls or an effortless chambray shirt, lazy girls and #OOTD enthusiasts alike can agree that no closet is complete without a little all-denim everything. The all-American fabric lends itself to some of the most versatile pieces in your arsenal, taking you from casual Friday to Sunday morning shenanigans like it ain’t no thing. With that in mind, we scoured the interwebs for 21 perfect denim pieces that go above and beyond your average pair of skinny jeans. Brace yourselves — they’re about to flip the script on your on- and off-duty style game.
1. Madewell X Vans Sk8-Hi Slim High-Top Sneakers in Denim ($70): Synonymous with the cool-kid crew that has skateboarding, surfing and hardcore chillin’ on their daily to-do list, hightop sneakers make an unexpected addition to any sophisticated ensemble. Slip them on with a slinky slip dress, lightweight turtleneck tee and shimmery drop earrings for after-work drinks or a leisurely lunch at your favorite sidewalk cafe.
2. ASOS Premium Rain Trench in Coated Denim ($98): Gray days won’t get you down when you have a show-stopping rain slicker like this on standby. Give new meaning to double denim by teaming it with laid-back boyfriend jeans, statement sneakers and an oversized printed blouse.
3. Zara Cropped Embroidered Jeans ($70): With their RN styling and effortless ease, cropped jeans are a fashion enthusiast’s dream, especially when there’s edgy embroidery involved. Balance out the badass vibes with a mock neck top, trend-right trench and platform ankle boots. Don’t forget to throw in a messy topknot and berry lip for good measure.
4. Alexa Chung for AG Cool Denim Skirt ($365): Don’t even think about letting Labor Day pass you by without adding a denim midi skirt to your new season capsule wardrobe. Take a note out of Alexa Chung’s style book and pair this dreamy button-front number with a cozy sweater, souped-up Mary Janes and a studded satchel bag for a look that reads cool girl with a sweet twist.
5. H&M Denim Bucket Bag ($35): No on-point outfit is complete without a bit of killer bag swag. Sling this patchwork stunner over your shoulder before heading out the door for the perfect finishing touch to a sleek boyfriend blazer, skinny jean and pointed-toe ankle boot ensemble.
6. Mother Denim Letterman Snap Jacket ($325): Borrowed from the boys goes south of the border in this vintage-inspired letterman jacket. Patterned textile and a preppy silhouette translate to a topper that you won’t want to take off. Play it cool with high-waisted jeans and Oxfords, or dress it up with a flowy midi skirt and lace-up booties.
7. Pixie Market Dark Chambray Cut Out Shoulder Top ($53): Why should off-the-shoulder numbers get all the attention? Unlike their bare-it-all counterparts, cold-shoulder tops can kick it all year round. Enlist this denim style for off-duty shenanigans, pairing it with a suede button-front skirt or belted high-waisted trousers for a casually cool look.
8. Madewell Cotton and Linen-Blend Chambray Shirt Dress ($100): A shirt dress is a wear-anywhere essential that will do your style sensibilities proud, no matter what the season. Soak up the last few sunny summer days with gladiators, a Jane Birkin-approved straw bag and a bright mani, then bring on the fall vibes with leather leggings, peep-toe booties and a pastel duster jacket.
9. Rag & Bone Varick Patch Denim Skirt ($225): A denim midi is a major wardrobe must — but why settle for anything less than ah-mazing? Ditch tradition and embrace two-tone styling and patchwork detailing to add instant panache to your getup with zero effort. Tap into your inner bohemian goddess by wearing it alongside a peasant blouse, bolo wrap necklace and metallic block heel boots.
10. McGuire Denim Bessette Culottes ($230): Once considered a style reserved solely for the fashion set, the culotte has taken off over the last few seasons, strongly positioning itself as a must-have silhouette on the denim front this season. Wear it now with a silk cami, lariat necklace and glitzy box clutch for GNO, then give it the cool-weather treatment post-Labor Day with a longline cardigan and shearling-lined slides.
11. Levi’s Boyfriend Trucker Denim Jacket ($98): Can a wardrobe even be considered complete without a jean jacket on hand? This classic trucker staple is the piece your everyday essentials have been missing. Whether you’re kicking back on the weekend or navigating the city streets on your morning commute, this laid-back number has you covered.
12. The Great Rope-Detailed Lace-Up Denim Top ($325): Whether you dig preppy, nautical vibes, or see yourself as a free-spirited femme, this lace-up chambray top is the things wardrobe dreams are made of. Take it along for a Saturday morning farmers’ market sesh with a pleated midi skirt and colorful clogs.
13. Junarose Chambray Jumpsuit ($89): Have a denim jumpsuit, will find a way to wear it for every occasion. Dress it up with embellished heels and a shimmery collar necklace for a gallery opening or casual dinner date, or keep it real for brunch or an afternoon in the park with slip-on sneakers and don’t-care hair.
14. Urban Outfitters Cotton Patterned Square Neck Scarf ($12): Forget on-trend chokers and statement necklaces — this striped chambray bandana will make you rethink your approach to accessorizing this season. Knot it neatly around the neck, then proceed to pair with everything from flirty frocks to military jackets for a note of girl-next-door charm.
15. Kubban Black Overall ($162): Segue into fall without a pair of overalls on hand? Not a chance! While they’re the perfect partner to t-shirts and sleek sneakers, why not take them to the next level with a ruffle-neck blouse and pointed-toe ankle boots? Add on a structured satchel and glam cat-eye eyeliner for a look that makes the transition from day to night SO easy.
16. Current/Elliott Dorothy Denim Shirt Dress ($350): No matter the season, this effortless off-duty piece is the one you’ll reach for every single time. Go all-out It girl and team it with gladiators and a fringe-flecked bag for a vintage shopping extravaganza, or dial up the style factor with funky block heels, statement-making socks and an arm party like none other for a night out on the town.
17. H&M Boyfriend Low Ripped Jeans ($40): Boyfriend jeans are the closet basic that keeps on giving, whether it’s the dead of winter or a balmy summer day. When the cool weather settles in, style it with an oversized sweater, Dr. Martens and a snuggly scarf for apple-picking adventures, hot cider in hand.
18. Express Embroidered Back Yoke Fitted Denim Shirt ($60): Enter the standout chambray shirt you needed yesterday. The denim fabric is straight-up timeless, and pretty floral embroidery gives this tried-and-true cover-up just the right amount of RN edge. Tuck it into a suede skirt or lazy girl-approved joggers for an Insta-ready look in a snap.
19. Topshop Moto Scoop Pocket Pini Dress ($66): If you’re looking to spice up your denim routine, add this playful pini dress to the mix ASAP. Styled alongside a retro rib knit top, bomber jacket and metallic platform Oxfords, it’s ready for everything from game day at your BFF’s abode to cappuccinos with your crew.
20. Guilhermina Rustica Heels ($188): The only thing better than a pair of chambray sneakers? A set of heels decked out in metallic leather and denim. Pop these puppies on with an It-girl take on a traditional suit (think: bright colors and unexpected prints) for an on-the-job getup that will send a case of the Mondays packin’.
21. M.i.h. Niki Jean High Rise Cropped ($255): White jeans pretty much epitomize effortless chic, so don’t even think about letting another season go by without adding a pair to your lineup. Be it a pair of on-trend culottes or foolproof skinny jeans, they make the perfect partner to just about every piece in your closet, from badass leather jackets to flirty ruffle-trimmed blouses.
Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
Photo via Shutterstock