How I Style: A Denim Shirt

Ever since I posted my wishlist of basic items, I've received a few requests to write about how I style wardrobe staples. In a little discussion I had on my Facebook Page, the denim shirt was mentioned as a possible subject and since it was rather popular with you readers, I decided to start off with it.

Denim is in this season. The more, the merrier. With designers choosing to include chambray - which is, essentially, a form of lightweight denim - in their designs, denim is making a huge comeback this Spring and Summer. There's never been a better excuse to purchase a denim shirt.

I confess that one of my biggest packing mistakes when I moved to London was to leave my denim shirt behind. I've pretty much lived in it for around three years. How on earth did I forget it? Anyway.

Complaints aside. The point of this entry is to show you some combinations featuring a basic denim shirt. I always recommend getting one in a slightly oversized fit - maybe from the men's section? - so that you can make the most of it. I like to use denim shirts as a layering piece, as a lightweight denim jacket or on their own with some fancy lower body garments. I tend to pair denim shirts with red, black, white or yellow.

DENIM AND PRINTED SHORTS

Or any printed form of lower garment really! I would recommend creating a bit of contrast between your denim shirt and your choice of pants. I came across this pair of floral printed shorts and I thought it would be fitting to pair them with this light-coloured denim shirt. As you can tell, this set is very Summery - sandals and all - so it's ideal for those days where we're transitioning into warmer weather without it being too scorching for a denim shirt. Some of the denim shirts out in the stores right now are particularly lightweight, so you'll be able to bear them in the early days of Summer. If not, you can always roll up your sleeves or cut them off. That's how we roll ladies.

DENIM SHIRT AND PENCIL SKIRT

Just in case you were wondering whether I always try my best to fit in a pencil skirt whenever I do a styling post, the answer is a big fat 'yes'. I can't help myself! Pencil skirts have proved to be very versatile: they can be dressed up for a chic look or else dressed down for something more fresh and urban. In this case, adding a denim shirt to a red pencil skirt doesn't only result in a nice contrast, it also gives the outfit a slight pin-up feel. If you want to channel your inner fifties diva, you can always tie a knot at the bottom of your denim number instead of buttoning all your shirt. Add a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and you're good to go.

DENIM SHIRT AS DENIM JACKET

This is how I'm most likely to be seen sporting a denim shirt: as an alternative to a denim jacket. Firstly, because, alas, I'm still hunting down the perfect denim jacket and secondly because sometimes it's just too warm to wear a jacket. I particularly fancy layering a denim shirt over a light-coloured top - or a striped one that includes some white - and then choosing black for the rest. So, black skinny jeans, black tote, black pumps and maybe even a pair of black shades. I wouldn't mind some bright red lips with this combination either.

As you can see, denim shirts are more wearable than many might initially think. I might do a similar post about denim shirts for the boys, let me know if you're interested!