Denim skirts first became popular in the 1970s as a way to recycle jeans. They gained renewed popularity in the 80s and haven’t been out of style since. Below you’ll find some of the best denim skirt outfits to try that look timeless yet modern.

Thoughts about styling your denim skirt

While jeans are totally timeless, a denim skirt can look dated depending on the style you choose as jeans skirts can be associated with decades gone by.

However, the denim skirt has definitely had a makeover and looks classier than ever for 2021.

This year, the denim skirt can come in a pencil style, buttoned, or a midi style. Yes, the jeans skirt can look off trend if you choose a stonewashed 80s style, but if you choose the right skirt and pair it with modern clothes, shoes and accessories, it will look fresh and completely up-to-date.

The best denim skirts in stores now

Do you already have a denim skirt in your closet? Or is the one you have looking a little dated now? Let’s take a look at some of the most stylish jeans skirts you could choose and then look at outfit inspiration.

asymmetrical denim skirt

I’m a big fan of asymmetrical clothing as I think it adds a twist to an outfit and can be very flattering. The wash lab skirt (below) could be dressed up or down, and I think it would lend itself to bohemian styling.

If you’re looking for denim skirts, pants, jackets or dresses that are a little out of the ordinary, you’ll find Washlab is a good brand to start with.

WASH LAB long jean skirt | 40plusstyle.com

WASH LAB long jean skirt

denim maxi skirt

When you think of denim skirts, you’re likely to have a knee length version in mind, but you could also try a denim maxi skirt like the one from the Skirt BL store on Amazon (below). Reviewers advise that you should size up.

Skirt BL maxi pencil jean skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Skirt BL maxi pencil jean skirt

pull-on denim skirt

Emms in a skirt and green sweater | 40plusstyle.com

The Liverpool denim skirt (below) comes in an easy pull-on style. It’s a little shorter than some of the choices in this article, so might be a good option instead of shorts for summer. Or, you could wear with tights and boots for the cooler months.

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk, above, wears a similar style with her green sweater and summer mules.

Get her look with this similars sweater, skirt, woven mules, straw tote and sunglasses.

Liverpool pull-on pencil skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Liverpool pull-on denim pencil skirt

wrap skirt

Wrap styles are flattering on most body shapes, and the wrap skirt is no exception. The skirt from Marks and Spencer (below) has a touch of silk added for a luxurious finish.

Marks & Spencer buckle midi A-line skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Marks & Spencer silk denim buckle midi A-line skirt

front slit denim skirt

If you don’t mind showing off a little bit of leg in your outfits, but don’t want to go too short, how about opting for a front split in your denim skirt like the Washlab option (below). This also has the advantage of making your denim skirt easier to walk in.

WASH LAB front slit skirt | 40plusstyle.com

WASH LAB front slit denim skirt

white denim skirt

While most denim skirts that you find tend to be shades of blue, how about a white denim skirt for summer instead of your white jeans?

A2Y pencil skirt | 40plusstyle.com

A2Y denim pencil skirt

wash denim skirt

A complete classic for you now. A denim midi skirt in a mid-blue wash will never go out of style and can be worn throughout the seasons. You’ll find the Marks & Spencer skirt (below) comes in this light indigo, or a slightly darker indigo shade.

Marks & Spencer midi skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Marks & Spencer denim midi skirt

dark blue button down

Susan wears a button-down denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

A denim skirt with buttons is particularly on-trend right now and can be the perfect addition to your denim skirt outfits.

Susan @susanjakovina, above, shows how you could style yours simply yet effectively with sandals and a vest top for summer. If you don’t like showing your upper arms, you could always opt for a t-shirt instead.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, skirt, sandals and shoulder bag.

luvamia button down frayed raw hem denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

luvamia button down frayed raw hem denim skirt

stripe skirt

A denim skirt with stripes would add a little unexpected twist to your outfit, and is great for adding vertical lines if you want to create the illusion of being a bit taller and slimmer.

WASH LAB gather button front denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

WASH LAB gather button front denim skirt

colored denim skirt

Of course, you don’t have to stick to blue, white or black for your denim skirt. Just as with your jeans, you’ll find denim skirts come in plenty of shades so you can choose your favorite.

Marianlous below the knee denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Marianlous below the knee denim skirt

plus size denim skirt

If you’re looking for a flattering plus size skirt, denim can be a great option as pencil skirt styles look great, and you’ll find the denim material helps to cover any lumps or bumps.

SLINK Jeans stretch cotton denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

SLINK Jeans stretch cotton denim skirt

NYDJ skirt

If you’ve been reading me for a while, you’ll know that NYDJ is one of my favorite jeans brands, long with KUT from the Kloth.

The NYDJ skirt (below) adds interest through the contrasting panel.

NYDJ denim midi skirt | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ denim midi skirt

How to style your denim skirt: 9 ideas for you

Now that you’ve got your denim skirt out of the back of your closet, or you’re thinking about the new style you would like, what should you wear it with?

1. with a classic white shirt

Is there anything a classic white shirt doesn’t go with? I don’t think so, and that’s why it makes up one of my wardrobe essentials. A white shirt will add a classy element to your denim skirt.

Denim skirt and white shirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Club Monaco linen shirtSkirt BL maxi pencil jean skirtBella Vita sandalCOACH jacquard crossbody clutchKate Spade New York hoop earringsBP. chain necklace

2. with summer sandals

How to style a denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

You can always wear your denim skirt for summer as an alternative to shorts like Sylvia @simplysylviadc above (read her style interview here).

Steal her look with this similar stripe top, skirt, sandals, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.

Denim skirt and sandals outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen embroidered detail topSkirt BL maxi pencil jean skirtRockport Cobb Hill perforated wedge sandalKurt Geiger London basket toteFANJURNEY beaded statement tassel earrings

3. with summer florals

To add a femine touch to tough denim material, how about adding a floral or print blouse? The white denim and pink t-shirt (below) add a romantic feel to this material.

Pink blouse and denim skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Milumia pleated blouse – A2Y denim pencil skirtSuperga sneakerTory Burch leather crossbody bagFANJURNEY beaded statement tassel earrings

4. for a DAY/night out

Wearing a denim skirt for a night out | 40plusstyle.com

You don’t have to keep your denim skirt for daywear. As Carelia @myevolvingstyle shows above (read her style interview here), you can easily dress it up for a night out.

Check out this similar top, skirt, ankle strap sandals, tote, necklace, sunglasses and head scarf.

Denim skirt and blouse outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London scarf neck satin blouseMarks & Spencer silk denim buckle midi A-line skirtFANJURNEY beaded statement tassel earrings

5. with a blazer

A blazer always adds instant elegance to any outfit. If you aren’t sure how to choose the right blazer for your figure, take a look here at how to fit a blazer.

Wearing a denim skirt with a blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Urban open front blazerLafayette 148 New York silk tankMarks & Spencer denim midi skirtBella Vita sandalCOACH jacquard crossbody clutchKate Spade New York hoop earrings

6. with a t-shirt and sneakers

Just as with your jeans, a denim skirt will always look great styled casually with your favorite t-shirt and sneakers.

Denim skirt and sneakers outfit | 40plusstyle.com

River Island T-shirtWASH LAB long jean skirtSuperga sneakerTory Burch leather crossbody bagKate Spade New York hoop earrings

7. with boho styling

Jess in a denim skirt and check blouse | 40plusstyle.com

If you love a boho style, a denim skirt could be the ideal addition to your closet.

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here), styles her skirt with a volumnious sleeve shirt and boots for a look which perfectly combines boho and preppy.

Get her look with this similar blouse, skirt, booties and handbag.

Styling a denim skirt for a bohemian look | 40plusstyle.com

Boden embroidered topMarks & Spencer denim midi skirtRockport Cobb Hill perforated wedge sandalKurt Geiger London basket toteFANJURNEY beaded statement tassel earringsBienvenu floppy hat

8. with a moto jacket

A moto jacket is a great topper for most outfits, including a denim skirt. You can pop a moto over pretty much anything to add a little extra warmth and style.

Denim skirt and a moto jacket | 40plusstyle.com

BLANKNYC suede moto jacketLafayette 148 New York silk tankA2Y denim pencil skirtChinese Laundry peep toe bootieTory Burch leather crossbody bagBP. chain necklace

9. for cooler weather

Natalia in a denim skirt and sweater | 40plusstyle.com

If you’re heading into the cooler months where you live, you could always add tights and a sweater to your denim skirt like Natalia @nodin.stylish.me above.

Get her look with this similar sweater, skirt, moto jacket, derby shoes and sunglasses.

Denim skirt and sweater outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Boden scallop sweaterWASH LAB long jean skirtKenneth Cole New York knee high bootCOACH leather shoulder bag

Denim skirt outfits together in one outfit

Take a look below at the outfits showcased above together in one capsule.

Denim skirt capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop all items above here:

Do you have a denim skirt in your closet? How do you wear yours?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Pants And Skirts To Fit And Hide Your Belly
  2. Easy Breezy Summer Skirt Outfits And The Best Summer Summer Skirts For Women In Stores Now
  3. How To Wear A Maxi Dress Or Maxi Skirt?

Like this article on denim skirt outfits? Share it on Pinterest!

How to style a denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Sylvia @simplysylviadc

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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