Denim has long been a fashion staple, and it continues to reign supreme as one of the fashion world’s most iconic fabrics. But, while you’re sure to have more than one pair of jeans in your closet, and perhaps a denim jacket, how about a denim dress, or duster coat, or a denim skirt? Designers have embraced denim for all sorts of clothes and accessories this year, so it’s definitely time to think beyond your usual jeans when it comes to your denim outfits.

What’s on trend when it comes to denim this year?

While jeans are still on trend, you can be much more adventurous when putting together denim outfits in the coming months. Let’s look at all the key denim trends.

Not just for jeans! All the denim outfits and trends you need to know this year | 40plusstyle.com

Jacket from Tezenis (similar option here), skirt from Weekend Max Mara (similar options here and here), tee from SKFK (similar here), similar pumps, necklace and sunglasses

Video – all the ways I styled denim this season

Add a touch of the unexpected

The beauty of wearing clothing that wouldn’t usually be made in denim, such as a long skirt or a tailored jacket, is that you have a touch of the unexpected in your outfit, and that helps you showcase your fashion credentials.

An affordable way to update your outfit

Denim is absolutely everywhere this season, so you can update your look at a high-end or high-street store. The beauty of denim is that because so many stores have their own take on it, you can update your look at an affordable price point or choose to invest in something that you will wear for many seasons.

Cargo pants

Cargo or utility styles are particularly on-trend. So, if you want to add an instant update and you do want to stick to jeans, then choose a pair of denim pants with cargo pockets. Or just wear your denim with cargo pants as I have done below.

Below, you can see some ways I wear my denim cargo pants this season.

Sylvia wears a blue shirt and cargo jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Cargo pants from H&M (another option here), similar shirt, sneakers, earrings and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a denim jacket and cargo pants | 40plusstyle.com

Jacket from H&M (another option here), tank top from H&M, cargo pants from H&M (another option here), similar sneakersearrings and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a denim jacket, striped shirt and cargo pants | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from H&M (similar options here and here), jacket from H&M (another option here)cargo pants from H&M (another option here), similar sneakers, sunglasses and hat

Sylvia wears a print dress over her cargo pants | 40plusstyle.com

Tunic dress from H&M, cargo pants from H&M (another option here), similar sneakers, earrings, sunglasses, belt and hat

denim outfits | 40plusstyle.com

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How to wear denim

Let’s look at some of the catwalk looks featuring denim this season. Many designers chose top-to-toe denim, so you can wear as much or as little denim as you want and know that you will be on trend.

Denim outfits on the catwalks | 40plusstyle.com

ChanelEmilio PucciCOS

Denim capsule wardrobe

Here are some of the best denim clothes, shoes and accessories we’ve spotted in stores. And, read on for lots of inspiration about how to wear your denim this season.

Denim tops

While denim shirts are the classic choice when it comes to denim tops, this season, you’ll find denim tops of all styles from puff sleeves to lace-up tops and tank tops.

Denim tops | 40plusstyle.com

FRAME Sonder Denim Puff-Sleeve BlouseJ.Crew Denim Pullover Shirtluvamia Tie Front Denim Shirtrag & bone Ultra Featherweight Fiona Top

Denim shirt and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

luvamia Tie Front Denim ShirtJ.Crew Denim TrousersFranco Sarto Tyra Slingback FlatsTory Burch Small Convertible Shoulder BagAdriana Orsini Naomi Linear Earrings

jackets and coats

Denim coats on the runways | 40plusstyle.com

Dries Van NotenRalph LaurenSchiaparelli

Slipping on a denim coat or jacket can update any existing outfit. Traditional denim jackets are still on trend, but look out for more usual choices like blazers, trench coats, and duster jackets.

Denim jackets and coats | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Katie Asymmetric Belted Denim JacketJ.Crew Frayed Denim Lady JacketSplendid Dane Denim Coatchouyatou Long Denim Jean Jacket

Sylvia wears a denim jacket and skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from H&M (similar options here and here), jacket from H&M (another option here)skirt from H&M (other options here and here), similar sneakers and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a waistcoat and cargo pants | 40plusstyle.com

Tank top from H&M, cargo pants from H&M (another option here), vest from slowlove (similar option here), similar sneakersearrings and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a blue jacket and print dress | 40plusstyle.com

Dress from H&M, cargo pants from H&M (another option here), jacket from Tezenis (similar here), similar sneakerssunglasses, earrings, belt and hat

Denim pants and jeans

Denim pants and jeans on the designer runways | 40plusstyle.com

Ralph LaurenSchiaparelliValentino

Of course, denim pants and jeans never go out of style. But, if you want to be particularly on trend for the new season, then choose cargo styles, wide legs, or embellished jeans.

Denim pants and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Hudson Jeans Petite High-Rise Cargo Wide-Leg JeansJ.Crew Denim TrousersHudson Jeans Tie-Waist Denim TrousersRamy Brook Adley Floral-Embroidered Denim Wide-Leg Jeans

Sylvia wears a striped blazer and wide-leg pants | 40plusstyle.com

Tank top from Parker (similar here and here), blazer from Zara (similar here), jeans from renatta&go (similar here and here), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar here), similar hat, earrings and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a knotted top and wide-leg pants | 40plusstyle.com

Jumper from renatta&go (similar), jeans from renatta&go  (similar here and  here), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar here), similar hat, earrings and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a striped shirt, baker boy hat and wide jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from Adolfo Dominguez (similar here and here)jeans from renatta&go (similar here and here), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar here), similar hat, earrings, belt and sunglasses

how to wear denim dresses

Denim dresses on the designer runways | 40plusstyle.com

EtroAreaMame Kurogouchi

Denim tends to be a casual fabric, so it’s probably not the first material you think of when you’re searching for a dress, and that’s the beauty of it. A denim dress combines the casual nature of the fabric with the formal nature of a dress in the best way. choose midi or maxi styles. If you choose a full button-down style, you can also wear your dress as a duster jacket.

Denim dresses | 40plusstyle.com

rag & bone Ultra Featherweight Soraya Denim Midi-DressVeronica Beard Ruben Seamed Denim ShirtdressCOS A-Line Denim DressFavorite Daughter The City Denim Shirtdress

Sylvia wears a long denim coat | 40plusstyle.com

Dress from H&M, cargo pants from H&M (another option here), Denim shirtdress from John Lewis (similar here), similar sneakersearrings, sunglasses, hat and belt

Sylvia wears a denim duster coat over her dress | 40plusstyle.com

Tunic dress from H&M, cargo pants from H&M (another option here), similar sneakersearrings, sunglasses, belt and hat

Sylvia wears a long denim duster coat and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from Adolfo Dominguez (similar here and here)denim shirtdress from John Lewis (similar here)jeans from renatta&go (similar here and here), boots from Russell & Bromley (similar here), similar hat, earrings and sunglasses

how to wear denim skirts

Denim skirts on the designer runways | 40plusstyle.com

EtroRalph LaurenMame Kurogouchi

Denim maxi skirts are particularly on trend right now. You can wear your denim maxi skirt with everything from a t-shirt and sneakers or sandals for casual days, or dress up your denim with a silk top, heels and a clutch to mix casual and formal for a dinner date.

Denim skirts | 40plusstyle.com

Hudson Jeans Reconstructed Denim Midi-SkirtMANGO Vent Midi SkirtLoveShackFancy Risia Denim Maxi SkirtFarm Rio Denim Wave Skirt

Sylvia wears a striped blouse and denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Shirt from H&M (similar options here and here), skirt from H&M(other options here and here), similar sneakers and sunglasses

Sylvia wears a maxi skirt with a print insert | 40plusstyle.com

Tee from SKFK (similar here), skirt from Weekend Max Mara (similar options here and here), similar pumps, necklace and sunglasses

denim shoes

Choosing a pair of denim shoes is a great way to introduce more of this fabric into your outfits. Wear with your summer dresses, or team your denim with more denim by wearing with your jeans.

Denim shoes | 40plusstyle.com

COACH Nikki Denim SandalsBZees Everly Strappy SandalsCole Haan Mylah Heel PumpsVans Old Skool Threaded Denim Shoes

Denim jacket and black pants | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Frayed Denim Lady JacketTheory Linen Boxy Sleeveless TopHudson Jeans Drawstring Wide-Leg PantsCole Haan Mylah Heel PumpsCoach Willow Shoulder BagDean Davidson Nomad Hoop Earrings

Denim accessories

Sling a denim bag over your shoulder, a denim scarf around your next, or choose a denim hat to add extra denim elements into your existing outfits. Denim accessories look beautiful against your white summer outfits.

Denim accessories | 40plusstyle.com

Coach Willow Shoulder Bagrag & bone Belize Mini Bucket BagTory Burch Small Convertible Shoulder BagDALUDALU Denim Braided Hoop Drop EarringsVOBOOM Washed Cotton CapExclusive Handcrafts 100% Pure Linen Scarf

t-shirt, maxi skirt and sneakers outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Linen T-ShirtLoveShackFancy Risia Denim Maxi SkirtSam Edelman Ethyl Sneakersrag & bone Belize Mini Bucket BagDALUDALU Denim Braided Hoop Drop Earrings

What to wear with your denim

You can wear denim top-to-toe if you like. Denim-on-denim is very much on trend. But you’re likely to want more options to pair with your denim clothes and accessories.

Clothes, shoes and accessories to wear with your denim | 40plusstyle.com

Milly Avril Crystal-Trim T-ShirtMANGO Cotton Striped ShirtCOS Linen T-ShirtRails North Checked Drawstring JacketTheory Linen Boxy Sleeveless TopHudson Jeans Drawstring Wide-Leg PantsSam Edelman Ethyl SneakersFranco Sarto Tyra Slingback FlatsDean Davidson Nomad Hoop EarringsAdriana Orsini Naomi Linear EarringsEttika All The Chains Layered Necklace

Sylvia wears a green dress and blue jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Jacket from Tezenis (similar option here), dress from C&A (similar options here and here), Fly London Bani sandals, similar sunglasses

Your denim outfits together in one capsule

Below you can see the denim outfits from above together in one capsule, so you can easily see that you could mix and match any of the denim pieces, or the separates to create so many different looks for the new season.

Denim capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best denim pieces in stores now:

Continue reading:

  1. How To Wear Jeans Over 40 – Guidelines And Lots Of Ideas
  2. How To Style A Denim Skirt With The Best Denim Skirt Outfits To Try
  3. How To Wear A Denim Jacket

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Not just for jeans! All the denim outfits and trends you need to know this year | 40plusstyle.com
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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