Just because it's summer doesn't mean we do away with our denim. In fact, it's quite the opposite; we wear jeans all season long—from early June to late August and beyond. Don't get us wrong: Breezy sundresses and lightweight shorts are summer staples, and we wear them with delight, but we also rely on our jeans to take just through the season. We just need to make sure that we have the key pieces to pair with them. Once we have those, we’re all set.
Fashion girls know what we’re talking about. With the amount of outfit inspo we have saved on Instagram, it’s clear to see that jeans are the basis for some of the best summer outfits, whether they're wide-leg culottes; a slouchy, distressed style; or ever-classic skinny jeans. Keep scrolling to see the 10 things fashion girls always wear with their jeans in the summer.
1. A Classic Striped Shirt
You can't ever go wrong by pairing jeans with a simple striped T-shirt (whether it's short- or long-sleeved). It creates an outfit that's casual, summery, and French girl–inspired (especially if you add a beret as a finishing touch, like Janelle from @waityouneedthis does here).
This long-sleeve, striped tee is soft and comfortable. Plus, since it's stretchy and formfitting, it will become your go-to layering piece once the temperatures begin to drop in the late summer and fall.
2. A Cropped Halter Top
There are three things we'd like to point out about cropped halter tops. The first is that the '90s-inspired design is very on trend. The second is that they don't cover much skin, which makes them nice and cool for wearing on hot, humid days. The third is that they look amazing when worn with a long pair of flared jeans.
We can always count on Urban Outfitters for trendy basics, like this seamless halter top.
3. A Graphic Tee
Is there any outfit combination that's more classic than jeans and a graphic tee? We don't think so. Fashion girls don't think so, either. They wear this combo all the time and especially in the summer. The best part is that with so many graphic tees, the outfit variations are almost endless.
Anine Bing's cool graphic tees are a particular favorite among the fashion crowd.
4. Silk Camisole
Silk camisoles are our go-to piece when we want to look casual yet polished. No matter what color or design they come in, they bring a certain sophistication to an outfit. We like pairing them with high-waisted jeans so they billow out a bit around the waist, showing off their shiny texture and light-reflecting sheen.
We think this camisole would look best when tucked into a pair of high-waisted, light-wash jeans.
5. Strappy Sandals
It's no secret that strappy sandals are the unofficial shoe style of summer. Slip them on with your favorite pair of jeans to create an outfit that's approved by fashion girls far and wide.
It seems like the exact pair of & Other Stories shoes @karenbritchick is wearing is currently out of stock. The good news is that this similar black pair is still available. Shop them while you can.
6. Sporty Sandals
The other shoe style that fashion girls love to pair with jeans is the humble sporty sandal. While it might be rather controversial (you either love sporty sandals or you hate them), these shoes are certainly popular among the fashion elite.
This fabric pair from Chanel embodies the high-fashion way to do sporty sandals.
7. Button-Down Shirts
A button-down shirt takes a casual pair of jeans and makes them office-appropriate—especially when you add a structured bag and a pair of those aforementioned strappy sandals. Make sure you keep yourself cool and comfortable by opting for a cotton or linen button-down.
We like the vertical stripes that run down this linen shirt.
8. Bandeau Tops
Fashion blogger Brittany Xavier proves that bandeau tops offer the perfect structured and sleek opposition to a pair of slouchy jeans. We like the way she plays up the bright-orange color of her bandeau; it feels particularly summery. We're getting major vacation vibes from this outfit.
The top that @brittanyxavier wears is from fellow fashion blogger Camila Coelho's collection.
9. Straw Bags
Straw bags don't have to be the big and floppy tote bags of yore. (Although, they certainly can be.) They can also be subtle, structured, and petite. Fashion girls pair these straw bags—which are either of the top-handle or crossbody variety—with culotte jeans, skinny jeans, and everything in between.
How chic and summery is this wicker bag from Botkier? Hold it by the top handle or sling it over your shoulder with the attached crossbody strap.
10. Bucket Hats
A bucket hat is another foolproof accessory to pair with jeans since both items have a certain effortless and casual air about them. It's an outfit combination that's all over Instagram right now and probably will be all summer long.
The best part about bucket hats is that they're usually incredibly affordable. This canvas hat from Madewell is only $30.
Next up, the four comfortable shoe styles that look best with skinny jeans.
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