If you’re wondering how to style a denim dress, you’re in luck. From outerwear to complementary accessories, check out 17 denim dress outfits, here.

From casual to elevated, and everything in between.

Denim is arguably one of the most versatile fabrics out there. Acid-wash, distressed, and stretchy, not to mention its laundry list of colorways. Denim outfits come in just as many options, including casual denim dresses. From maxi to mini, shredded to distressed, and pleated to pressed. This particular style also has early aughts vibes, and though there's no shortage of Y2K denim trends resurfacing—for better or for low-rise—that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fresh ways to style a denim dress.

Because denim can feel a bit heavy, many of our top picks for denim dress outfits feature shorter hemlines, but if you prefer a denim maxi or midi moment, you’ll still find plenty to love. You can swap out any of the denim dress looks below for a denim skirt or a shirt in chambray or linen to create a similar effect. As one of the most ubiquitous fabrics, feel free to mix up our styling recommendations—whether pairing with a chunky platform sandal or tights and combat boots—and add your own personal flair.

Ahead, check out 15 ways to style denim dress outfits year round.

Pair With a Blazer

Adding a blazer to a casual outfit is a surefire way to level up the sophistication. That same business casual vibe can be carried over to your favorite denim dress. Add a pair of chunky platforms to create some contrast with the menswear-inspired blazer of your choice as well as experimenting with oversized fits.

Try the Socks and Sandals Combo

There’s something all-American about a denim dress, which makes it an ideal centerpiece for a denim outfit that explores and subverts other aesthetics, like this updated Y2K take on the socks and sandals normcore combo. It’s an ideal denim dress outfit idea for when you want to look put together in a flash.

Add a Statement Belt

Move over, charm bracelets. Charm belts are back and make the perfect accessory to pair with a denim minidress. You can create a more cohesive, elevated look by adding jewelry in a similar finish to your belt, or let it stand on its own by toning down the rest of your look with neutral accessories.

Add Statement Sneakers

For the ultimate comfy denim outfit that still serves main character energy, you can’t go wrong with a pair of statement sneakers and an oversized denim shirt dress. Don’t fear a boxy fit with this look; the looseness of a denim shirtdress contrasts beautifully with the structure of the sneakers.

Throw on a Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets are a staple, and there’s no better way to show off your fave than by wearing it over a dark-wash denim dress. While oversized outerwear continues to draw celebrity attention this year, you don’t need a voluminous silhouette to make this look stand out.

Go Beyond Blue

Many of us assume the vibe is "blue jean baby" when it comes to denim. That said, one way to make an impact with a denim dress is to go for an unexpected hue. Sunny shades like yellow and pink are perfect for spring, plus floral and pattern prints make a major fashion statement.

Play Up Princess Styling

Take a princess-like approach with Mary Jane platform pumps and a sweet satin clutch to add elevation and edge to a denim dress, especially one that features crystal embellishments and a flirty fit-and-flare silhouette.

Feel Pretty in Pink

Barbiecore is inescapable, but if you’re wary about going full Barbie dreamhouse, dip your toes into the Barbie pink waters with a pair of bubblegum statement boots and a casual denim dress.

Wear Over Sheer Sleeves

Styling strapless denim dresses can be tricky, which is why we’re so happy that sheer clothing is in vogue. Layering a strapless denim dress over a sheer long-sleeve shirt doesn’t just add a light layer for those surprisingly chilly evenings. It also offers some bust line security and can bring your whole denim dress outfit together.

Double Down on Denim

Before you ask, yes, an all-denim look isn't just possible, it's deceptively simple to pull off. A textured denim dress with distressed or patchwork detailing works well with a mix of other denim pieces, from jackets to shoes to button-downs.

Wear Lightweight Gloves

From incredibly extra to relatively low-key, opera gloves have been having their moment. They're an opulent celebrity fave, but they also happen to be an eye-catching way to break up large swaths of similarly colored and textured fabric. The consensus? They're a great accessory to pair with a denim dress.

Mix and Match Washes

Attention, anyone a little bit extra: If you want to serve a lot of look while still technically adhering to a casual dress code, you're going to want to get in on this all-denim-everything outfit. The trick to making head-to-toe denim look fresh is to play with a variety of washes. Combining light, dark, and patchwork denim outerwear and shoes with your denim dress will feel unexpected instead of monotonous.

Add Western Accessories

To celebrate the coastal cowgirl aesthetic, nothing says giddy up like a denim dress worn with Western accessories. You can go rugged with a pair of worn-in and well-loved cowboy boots or give your outfit a more elevated vibe with whipstitched accessories featuring bold brass buckles.

Go Monochromatic

Monochromatic dressing can be overwhelming in hues of blue denim, but white and cream denim accented with metallics is an entirely different story. A white denim dress is, in and of itself, a great statement piece that needs little to no accessorizing. But when paired with silver cowboy boots or platform booties, the It Girl points triple.

Layer Over a Collared Shirt

For a look that's cohesive without being monotonous, pair a chambray button-down with a strapless denim dress. Remember, you don't need a minidress to pull this look off. A more fitted button-down works especially well to prevent too much restricted once you add your denim dress on top.