Judging by the current forecast (it's looking like blue skies and temperatures in the high twenties for the foreseeable), summer has arrived. And if jeans usually feature heavily in your everyday looks and you're wondering about their place in your warm-weather wardrobe, fear not. One of the main—or only—benefits of a UK summer being less balmy than, say, the Mediterranean, is it means we can hold onto our trusty denim year-round. Phew.
The secret to making jeans seasonally appropriate is stocking up on easy, breezy blouses and tops to pair with them. Simple, right? Look for styles in light hues and breathable fabrics to lift your denim and give it a holiday spin. Whether it's a super-basic tank or a flowy gingham number, the right top holds the power to take your jeans-based outfit from heavy to heatwave-ready. (Within reason—if you're jetting off to Bali, you might want to consider shorts).
For outfit inspiration and ready-to-shop examples of the best summer tops to wear with jeans, keep scrolling.
1. Gingham Blouse
Style Notes: Gingham is to summer what moody florals are to winter. Pair your billowy check-print blouses with ecru denim and you've got yourself a fresh formula for warm days.
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I love the combination of the gingham print with the pretty scallop collar.
Look for styles with turn-up detailing for extra interest.
This neckline is incredibly flattering.
Honestly, I love this whole look too.
2. Relaxed T-Shirt
Style Notes: Sure, a plain tee isn't the most imaginative suggestion, but it's a staple for good reason. White cotton and blue denim is a fail-safe combination.
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Our editors' go-to high street tee.
This versatile shape comes in 7 different washes.
James Perse's irresistibly soft T-shirts are 100% worth the investment.
These "tailored" jeans are so unique.
3. Bandeau Top
Style Notes: This summer is all about the bandeau top. Embrace the Y2K aesthetic and wear yours with low-slung jeans, or stick to a high-waisted pair for more coverage.
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This is just waiting to be packed for a beach holiday.
You'll reach for this slim-fit pair on a daily basis.
This looks so expensive!
White jeans are a fresh choice for summer.
4. White Blouse
Style Notes: When I want to wear jeans but I'm out of ideas for the top half of the outfit, I always settle on a white blouse—and I feel great in it every time.
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So romantic.
I own a pair of Mango's culotte jeans and rate them really highly.
A blouse you'll treasure for years to come.
Crafted from recycled organic cotton.
5. Basic Tank
Style Notes: Tank tops are perhaps the hottest buy for summer 2023, and you can pick them up for under £10. We're fully behind this affordable trend.
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COS' basics are top-tier.
Agolde knows how to make classic denim with a twist.
A striped tank top is just as timeless as a plain one, if you ask me.
You won't find better denim for that price.
6. Cotton Shirt
Style Notes: A collection of cotton shirts will serve you year-round, but for summer, focus on lighter hues to complement your blue denim.
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This lilac hue would also work with white and washed black denim.
Jeans you'll be comfortable wearing all day long.
Now's the perfect time to inject some colour into your wardrobe, starting with this cheerful pink.
Barrel-leg jeans are trending this season.
7. Broderie Anglaise Cami
Style Notes: Nothing says summer like broderie anglaise. This pretty fabrication teams beautifully with jeans, especially in cami form. Casual but impactful.
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How cute is this?
I'm into the turned-up cuffs..
The sweetest top for a day in the sun.
The level of distressing is just-right.
8. Linen Shirt
Style Notes: Linen is a summer staple and, in shirt form, a style that will pair well with jeans for a low-effort yet stylish look. We all know that a white linen shirt is a classic but this summer why not opt for pastel shades as well?
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I love the boxier fit of this shirt.
I swear by these Arket jeans.
Sage green is such a great colour to wear in summer.
The drawstring on this pair give them a vintage feel.
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