Denim is a wardrobe basic, and it includes your staples like jeans, waistcoats and so on. But during summer and the in-between patchy season, styling this requires a better strategy, without ever compromising on your style. But on the bonus side, denim is quite versatile, and with the correct pairing, summer dressing with smart casual basics can be perfected.
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Hear from an expert on how to style denim this season. Amol Kadam, general manager design, at Spykar, shared with us how to carry denim this summer.
Styling is where most people get stuck, especially when denim starts to feel too heavy for the season. What is the rule? The designer outlined, “Summer dressing is all about staying comfortable without compromising on style, and denim remains one of the easiest wardrobe staples to build looks around. The key lies in choosing relaxed silhouettes, breathable pairings, and lighter washes.”
What does this mean? To put it simply, your goal should be to look for outfits which are not too uncomfortable, but look well-coordinated and put-together. This is where denim comes in, acting as an easy base for outfits.
Here’s a brief guide from the designer:
1. Pair loose-fit denim with relaxed shirts
- Easy-fit denims such as straight or loose silhouettes work best with linen, seersucker, or oversized cotton shirts.
- Half-sleeve shirts in neutral shades create an effortless, vacation-ready look while improving breathability.
2. Opt for lighter washes and softer fabrics
- Mid-blue, faded, or vintage-inspired denim feels lighter visually and suits summer aesthetics.
- Softer, lightweight denim fabrics offer better movement and comfort during warmer months.
3. Keep layering minimal
- Swap heavy jackets for sleeveless overshirts, open shirts over tanks, or lightweight shackets.
- Minimal layering adds depth without making the outfit feel bulky.
4. Focus on comfortable footwear and clean styling
- Loose denim paired with simple sneakers, sandals, or loafers creates a balanced silhouette.
- Keeping accessories minimal allows the outfit to feel modern and versatile for everyday wear.
5. Try denim-on-denim, but keep it balanced
- Double denim continues to stay relevant, especially when mixing different washes like light blue jeans with a darker denim shirt or overshirt.
- Relaxed fits and softer fabrics prevent the look from feeling heavy, making denim-on-denim ideal for casual summer styling.
6. Add pastel topwear and comfort-fit T-shirts
- Pastel shades such as sage green, off-white, dusty pink, powder blue, butter yellow, and muted beige complement denim effortlessly.
- Pairing loose or comfort-fit graphic tees, oversized crews, or relaxed polos with denim creates an easy, youthful summer look rooted in comfort.
This season, denim moves beyond rigid styling toward comfort-first dressing where relaxed fits, breathable fabrics, softer colours, and versatile silhouettes define everyday fashion.
