How To Style Jeans In Spring: 3 Fresh Outfit Ideas

For the jeans and a cute top loyalist, the warmer months can sometimes spark seasonal anxiety at the thought of possible forgoing their favourite denim jeans. However, light wash denim — with its natural cotton composition and loose, trend-forward silhouettes — is still very much a warm-weather essential.

But the 90s dress-over-jeans look that’s going viral again, isn’t the only answer to bringing your denim into this season. Tunic tops, lace tanks or broderie anglaise blouses can all help transition your wardrobe from winter to spring.

Rather than treating denim as a single winter staple, I’m looking at my jeans wardrobe a little differently this season and considering the cuts, washes and styling combinations that can take me from casual weekends to evenings out.

How Can I Transition My Wardrobe From Winter To Spring Staples?

Transitioning your wardrobe from winter to spring starts with removing layers and adding in some key spring staples. These can be tops, tunics and dresses that can all be styled with different types of jeans for a more elevated everyday look.

For me, the key to making denim work beyond winter is choosing the right cut and balancing it with everything else in the outfit.

Here are the combinations I’ll be wearing on repeat this spring through to summer:

Dress Over Light Wash Denim Jeans

I’ve long been obsessed with this look. It feels fresh, wearable and I love that more of my wardrobe can be used in unexpected ways. It’s the street style stars at recent fashion weeks that truly inspire my look, but to get it right, I needed a collection of well-rounded denim staples. A straight-cut light wash style is best to ensure length and a floatier feel under the mini dress. I’ve been pairing mine lately with a kitten heel and embellished bag for an easy after-dark look.

denim-jean-styling-dress-over-pants — Pair a lace trimmed tunic or dress over white or light wash denim jeans for a spring take on styling jeans. Image: writer’s own + Getty

Embroidered Blouse Over Light Wash Denim Jeans

Cottagecore, embroidery anglaise, crochet and ‘doily dressing’ is spring/summer’s most coveted look. This more feminine ensemble is begging for a grounding contrast like denim. Styling these pretty tops with a rigid, light wash jeans instantly brings this look into spring. The best denim cut for a more relaxed weekend outfit would be the barrel jean. This exaggerated, fashion forward shape brings structure and interest to a typically ‘pretty’ top and its often-cropped length means sandals are the ideal shoe of choice.

Jeans-styling-with-white-blouse-embroidered-top — Add a crisp white embroidered blouse or top to a light wash jean for a fresh weekend look. Image: Getty

Sheer Top Over Light Wash Denim Jeans

Light wash jeans or even a cream, ecru colour creates a great summer base under sheer tops. Longer-line tops, like a tunic with high side splits bring this look into a more spring focus. Pair with barely-there sandals, basket totes and a pair of sunglasses to complete the perfect golden hour look.

sheer-dress-top-styled-with-jeans — A sheer dress in any colour over light wash jeans creates an easy breezy contrast, perfect for warmer weather – throw a blazer over for an easy office fit. Image: writer’s own + Getty

TIP: Turn up the cuff of your light wash denim jeans to create an entirely new look. It will feel cooler having your ankle exposed on those warmer days and easier to style with flat flip-flops or sandals without the drag.

What Shoes Work Best With Different Styles Of Jeans?

The shoe that works with your jeans is decided by the leg, not the mood. A straight-leg jean pairs well with anything that follows the leg’s clean line such as a slim kitten heel, or thin flip flop. A wide-leg jean needs height and substance to avoid dragging, so reach for a block heel or platform sandal. And a cropped or cuffed jean — like the barrel leg — reads best with a bare ankle, so barely-there sandals or a ballet flat are the natural partners.

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For me, the golden hour test has never failed: whatever shoe lets the jean sit the way it was cut to sit is the one to wear. When the proportions feel balanced at the hem, the whole look lands.

Why Light Wash Denim Is A Summer Essential

Light wash denim is a summer essential because it reads fresher and more casual than a dark indigo wash and pairs easier with the season’s neutrals. There’s one pair I’ve been reaching for all season and that’s my light-wash straight-legs from Flo & Frankie. They go with anything from a white tee, a linen blouse, or barely-there sandals and even swimwear. Loose, baggier styles are key to transitioning my wardrobe from winter to spring and even through to summer.

For me, the best spring wardrobe isn’t necessarily a bigger one. It’s one where the pieces I already own can be styled in more ways. And this season, I’m finding that denim has far more potential than I gave it credit for.

The right pair of jeans can be a foundation for almost anything, it just comes down to changing what you wear with them.