Dressed Up Denim

Traditionally, denim shirts are worn as part of casual outfits as the fabric has a soft visual appeal due to the way the cotton is woven during the production process. However, more recently I've seen denim shirts teamed with ties and jackets to create a look that sits between formal and casual attire.

I am aware that this style isn’t to everyone’s liking and it can be very tricky to pull off as there are certain rules which must be adhered to so it’s not for the faint hearted.

For those of you with an adventurous sense of style, we have a few tips to help guide you in dressing up your denim.

The Shirt

To ensure that you get the look right, getting the shirt right is essential. This means no faded or distressed denim. The shirt must be a solid blue colour whether it be light or dark denim.

Getting the style of collar right is also crucial. Avoid large collars as the fabric doesn’t hold well as it doesn’t enjoy the same stiffness of a classic cotton shirt and will tend to flap around and look untidy. 

The best collar style is the cutaway which comes in varying degrees including classic, semi and extreme. Having minimal fabric on the collar of a denim shirt ensures it holds it shape which is vital when worn with a tie.

The Tie

Ties with more texture work best with denim shirts. This means that the ubiquitous woven silk tie worn with most traditional work suits won’t do as they have a little texture. 

As the denim shirt is a casual piece, knitted silk ties and cashmere ties that have a richer texture are better suited and they are more off-duty accessories which will compliment the smart/casual look.

The Jacket 

Our advice for the jacket follows on from the tie. Opt for textured jackets such as tweed, flannel or cashmere. Also add layers under the jacket to give a different feel from your everyday work wear with either a waistcoat or a cardigan.

Houndstooth Check Blazer

Grey Cashmere Jacket

Street Style Inspiration