How to Style a Denim Dress (Modest, All Year)

A denim dress is one of those pieces I keep reaching for, no matter the season. It's sturdy, it hides wrinkles, and it goes with almost every color in my closet. Dressed down it's perfect for errands and school pickup. With the right shoes and a nice coat, it looks put together enough for a lunch out.

The trick is choosing the right cut and knowing what to pair with it. Here's how I'd wear one modestly, from the first cold mornings through spring.

What to look for in a modest denim dress

Not every denim dress works for a modest wardrobe, so it helps to know what to look for before you buy.

• Length. A midi that falls well below the knee, or a full maxi. Denim is a stiff fabric, so it can ride up when you sit. Try sitting down in the fitting room before you decide.
• Sleeves. Long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves save you from layering in warm weather. If you love a dress that's short-sleeved, plan to wear a fitted top underneath.
• Neckline. A shirt collar that buttons all the way up, a crew neck, or a high band collar are the easiest. A V-neck works with a shell or turtleneck under it.
• Shape. A-line, tiered and shirtdress cuts are the most forgiving. A very fitted denim sheath can pull across the body, which isn't the look most of us are going for.

Wash matters too. Dark indigo looks dressier and is easier to wear to more places. A medium wash is the classic everyday color. Light wash and chambray feel fresh and summery.

The denim shirtdress

If you only own one denim dress, I'd make it a long shirtdress. The button front and collar give it structure, and a belt at the waist gives it shape without making it tight.

For fall, I like a medium-wash shirtdress with a long camel coat over the shoulders and tan suede ankle boots. The warm brown tones next to blue denim always look good together. For a softer look, swap the boots for loafers and add a cream knit scarf.

If the front buttons gape a little when you move, a small safety pin on the inside between buttons fixes it right away. You can also wear a thin camisole or fitted tee underneath for peace of mind.

Layering under a denim dress

Layering is how a denim dress goes from one season to the next, and it's how a sleeveless or short-sleeved style becomes modest.

A fitted turtleneck. A thin ribbed turtleneck in cream, oatmeal or chocolate brown under a dark-wash dress is one of my favorite winter outfits. Keep it thin so it doesn't bunch under the arms.

A long-sleeve tee. For everyday wear, a plain cotton tee in white, gray or black is all you need. Striped tees look cute under a solid denim dress too.

A blouse with a collar. A white collar peeking out over a crew-neck denim dress is sweet and a little preppy. It's a nice choice for Shabbos afternoon walks or a family visit.

Leggings or tights. With a midi length, opaque tights in brown, black or navy make the outfit feel finished in cold weather, and they help if the hem rises when you sit.

Toppers that work over denim

Denim is a casual fabric, so the layer you put over it changes the whole mood.

• A chunky cardigan. An oatmeal or cream cardigan over a dark-wash dress feels cozy and soft. This is my go-to for a slow morning at home or a coffee date.
• A long wool coat. Camel, gray or black wool makes denim look polished. It's the easiest way to dress it up.
• A quilted or barn jacket. Olive, tan or navy quilted jackets keep things relaxed for weekends and outdoor errands.
• A trench coat. In spring, a classic beige trench over a light-wash dress is hard to beat.

One thing I'd skip is a denim jacket in the exact same wash. Denim on denim can work, but it's much easier when the two pieces are clearly different shades.

Shoes for a denim dress

Since denim is casual, you have lots of room here.

• Ankle boots in tan, cognac or black for fall and winter. Make sure the hem of the dress meets or covers the top of the boot so there's no awkward gap.
• Loafers with opaque tights for a neat, classic look.
• White leather sneakers for spring and summer days when you're on your feet.
• Ballet flats to make a midi feel a little dressier.
• Knee-high boots under a midi length for real cold, so no skin shows between the hem and the boot.

Taking a denim dress into spring

When it warms up, swap the dark wash for something lighter. A light-wash or chambray tiered maxi with long sleeves needs nothing underneath, so it's perfect for warmer days.

Pair it with white sneakers or simple sandals, a woven straw tote and a light cardigan for the evening. Blush, cream and terracotta accessories look especially pretty with pale blue denim.

Quick outfit ideas

1. Weekday errands: medium-wash shirtdress, white tee underneath, olive quilted jacket, white sneakers.
2. Cozy at home: dark-wash midi, cream turtleneck, oatmeal cardigan, brown tights and loafers.
3. Lunch out: dark indigo maxi, long camel coat, cognac ankle boots, gold hoops.
4. Spring weekend: chambray tiered maxi, straw tote, white sneakers, light beige trench.

Caring for your denim dress

Wash denim inside out in cold water and hang it to dry. It keeps the color from fading and stops the fabric from shrinking. If the dress feels stiff after drying, a quick steam softens it and smooths out the creases.

A good denim dress lasts for years, and it really is one of the easiest pieces to style. Start with a cut you love and a wash that matches the rest of your closet, and you'll find yourself wearing it all year.

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