13 Things to Wear With Jeans During Summer

last updated 14 August 2019

As far as I’m concerned, there are two kinds of people in this world… There are those who read this headline and think: Why even wear jeans when it’s so hot anyway? Then there are those who feel that wearing denim is not a choice but a lifestyle (and thus a year-round endeavor). If you fall into the latter category, you’ll want to stay with me. I can’t part with my beloved (drawer full of) jeans no matter what the season is, but as you can imagine, the outfits become more of a struggle in summer when staying cool slides into first place on our list of priorities—at least in hot, humid NYC. On the same page? Thought so; that’s why I’m rounding up the savviest summer denim outfits I’ve come across for us all to take notes on, shop if needed, and re-create in the weeks to come. To get started, keep scrolling.

For a perfectly ’90s-inspired night out look, opt for a throwback halter top and kitten heels.

Out From Under

Drop Needle Halter Tank Top

I can’t be the only one blown away by this one-shoulder tank, paperbag jean, and strappy sandal combo right now.

The Line by K

James One-Shoulder Cotton-Jersey Top

I love the look of a silky shirt layered over a silky cami—wow.

Pixie Market

Silky Beige Shirt

I don’t think it gets more summer-friendly than the strapless top—which just so happens to pair perfectly with high-waisted jeans.

Staud

Gigi Top

A fun top plus sensible sneakers is ideal for those weekend days when you could be out from morning to night.

Converse

Chuck Taylor® High Top Sneaker

Never underestimate the versatility of a classic white button-down.

Vince

V Neck Button Down

All I can say is please, please do yourself a favor and buy this breezy Zara top before it’s gone.

Zara

Organza Blouse with Full Sleeves

White puff-sleeve tops and high-waisted jeans will never not be a perfect pairing. Start off by styling yours with matching white sandals.

Reformation

Salina Top

Right now, thong sandals are the shoe choice to make any outfit feel instantly trendy. Even if it’s just a tank and jeans.

Gianvito Rossi

Calypso 70 Leather Sandals

If you read the last caption, you know why this outfit is so much cooler than just a black tank and jeans.

Vikki V

Tank Top

Another white-top outfit for you. This time, note how classic accessories such as a shoulder bag and cap-toe heels can totally change up the look.

Sam Edelman

Leah Cap Toe Pumps

The silk cami is ideal for summer nights because it looks dressed up but isn’t overly restrictive or uncomfortable.

Cami NYC

The Axel Draped Stretch-Silk Charmeuse Camisole

When all else fails, you can never go wrong with a classic white tee.

Ninety Percent

+ Net Sustain Jenna Organic Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

Up next? 7 things literally every NYC girl is wearing right now.

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Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.