12 Ways to Wear Denim When It's So Hot Out

Ask anyone in the Who What Wear office and they’ll tell you: I love wearing jeans. Whether it’s 90° out or 9°, I will find a way to pull off my go-to cropped flares—because for me, nothing says comfort like formfitting denim, and as I like to say, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Recently, however, it was brought to my attention during a roundtable that not everyone feels the same way about jeans as I do. They claim they’re not as seasonless as I seem to think they are and that they are actually not suitable for sweltering summer days. Naturally, I’ve since set out to prove them wrong. So after spending the last few weeks gathering ammunition in the form of street style, I bring you today’s post, where I’ve rounded up 12 next-level ways to wear jeans—no matter how hot it is. See the looks for yourself below, and then of course continue on to shop my summer denim picks!

Try pairing your jeans with a one-shoulder top that’s light in both fabric and color.

For a casual weekend look, white jeans will help you beat the heat. 

In addition to opting for loose-fitting jeans, wearing a side-tie top will help you stay cool.

Take your off-the-shoulder top to the next level by tying it, too.

Style your denim with a barely there bodysuit and light wrap jacket for a street style–inspired look.

Add standout accessories to a tee and jeans to make a comfortable look feel special.

Bring back your Birkenstocks for the weekend!

Make a loose (and breezy) button-down feel like a fashion top by tying the front and pairing it with high-waisted jeans.

When in doubt, opt for the crop top.

Make white jeans feel extra special by pairing them with a cool graphic tee.

Exaggerated sleeves are one of those trends that just happen to make summer office dressing so much easier.

Pair your go-to jeans a tee with a loose, kimono-like jacket for a third piece that’s stylish without weighing you down.

Shop our favorite jeans:

Opening Image: We the People

This post was originally published on August 1, 2016.