A dress shirt and a pair of jeans are two pieces of clothing that every man has in their wardrobe. However, wearing a dress shirt and denim jeans together is something many guys wonder if they can do.
Which raises the question…
Can You Wear a Dress Shirt with Jeans?
Wearing a dress shirt and jeans is a great choice for running errands, having a casual meal, or any day-to-day outing. This outfit combination gives a lot of room to play with styles and colors. This look can be paired with leather sneakers, dress shoes, or loafers.
Lately, wearing jeans with a button-down shirt has become a staple in business casual and smart casual outfits. This is a nice look for going on dates, to the office, or casually on weekends.
However, many guys need help with pulling off this style. In this post, we look deeper into everything you need to know about the button-up shirt and jeans combination.
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What Type of Dress Shirt Should You Wear with Jeans?
Choosing the right dress shirt is essential to pulling off this style. Here are 3 different types of dress shirts to pull off this look:
1. Van Heussen Dress Shirt
When it comes to crips dress shirts, the Van Heusen Dress Shirt is one of the best on the market. This formal shirt has a very classy look and a great fit.
If you’re looking for a white dress shirt to wear with a pair of jeans, then this is the right shirt for you. The Van Heussen dress shirt is your best option, whether it’s for the office, casual events, going on dates, or other formal occasions.
Recommended: Van Heusen Dress Shirt (see price on Amazon)
Amazon Essentials Men’s Oxford Shirt
The Amazon Essentials Oxford Shirt is a casual shirt style that looks great with jeans. If you’re looking for the type of shirt where you can roll up your sleeves and leave the top buttons undone, this is an excellent choice.
This shirt is affordable, in various colors, and has a relaxed style. The Amazon Essentials Oxford Shirt has a more relaxed overall look compared to other dress shirts.
Recommended: Amazon Essentials Oxford Shirt
Kenneth Cole Slim Fit Dress Shirt
If you’re looking to put together a sharp casual outfit, the Kenneth Cole Slim Fit Dress Shirt is the best way to achieve this look. Since this shirt is slim fit, it has a sleek overall look.
Tucking this shirt into jeans will look sharp, stylish, and trendy. One of the great things about the Kenneth Cole dress shirt is that you can dress it up or down.
This means that you can wear this shirt tucked in with a pair of dress shoes, or you can wear it untucked with a pair of leather sneakers.
Recommended: Kenneth Cole Slim Fit Dress Shirt (see over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon)
What Type of Jeans Should You Wear with a Dress Shirt?
Everyone knows that a casual dress shirt looks great with a pair of dress pants. However, choosing the right dress shirt is an essential part of putting together a jeans and button-up shirt outfit.
Here are the 3 best styles of jeans for this casual look:
Levi’s 505 Denim Jeans
The Levi’s 505 Denim Jeans are one of the most popular styles of denim that Levi’s sells. These jeans have a great fit, are stylish, and are available in big and tall sizes.
If you’re looking for a pair of jeans that comes in various styles and is made with high-quality styles, these are the jeans for you.
Recommended: Levi’s 505 Denim Jeans
Wrangler Regular Fit Stretch Jeans
Depending on your body type, regular fit jeans may fit better on you. The Wrangler Regular Fit Stretch Jeans are comfortable, stylish and very durable.
If you want to wear a pair of denim jeans with a dress shirt, these are good choice.
Recommended: Wrangler Regular Fit Stretch Jeans
Levis Slim-Fit Jeans
Levi’s Slim-Fit Jeans are very popular and look great with a dress shirt. A pair of black slim-fit jeans has a professional look and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Levi’s is known for having a great fit, versatile colors, and lasting for a long time. These jeans are no different and are a great addition to any guy’s closet.
Recommended: Levi’s Slim-Fit Jeans (see different colors on Amazon)
When To Wear A Dress Shirt With Jeans
Wearing a dress shirt and jeans is a versatile and stylish choice for various occasions. Here are the five settings when it’s acceptable to wear this outfit combination:
Business Casual Events
Business casual events, such as conferences, networking events, and client meetings, often allow for a combination of casual and formal wear. Jeans and a crisp dress shirt are a suitable choice for those situations.
Casual Office Fridays
Most workplaces have “casual Fridays,” where employees can dress more casually than usual. Jeans paired with a tucked-in dress shirt and a sports coat perfectly mix a casual and professional look.
Don’t be afraid to try an outfit with jeans and a dress shirt for your next casual Friday!
Date Nights
When you’re going on a casual or semi-formal date, jeans or a dress shirt will convey a stylish and put-together appearance. You can adjust this outfit by accessorizing or adding a blazer or suit jacket, depending on the venue.
Smart Casual Gatherings
Events, parties, and gatherings with a smart casual dress code are perfect for wearing a dress shirt and a pair of jeans. It’s a polished yet comfortable look suitable for various social settings.
Dinner at a Nice Restaurant
If you’re going to a nice restaurant that permits jeans, consider pairing them with a dress shirt and dress shoes. However, checking the restaurant’s dress code beforehand is important, as they may not allow denim.
For nicer restaurants, wearing dark jeans or black jeans is a good option. Darker denim looks classier, which is perfect for a nice restaurant.
When Not To Wear a Dress Shirt with Jeans
On several occasions, wearing a dress shirt and jeans may not be considered appropriate. Here are some events when you should not wear jeans and a dress shirt.
Black-Tie Events
Formal galas, weddings, ceremonies, and black-tie events require a high level of formality. In these settings, dress shirts and jeans are considered too casual.
Instead, a tuxedo or a formal suit is appropriate for these situations.
Job Interviews
While job interview dress codes can vary by company and industry, it’s generally advisable to dress more formal than casual. It’s best to wear a business suit, dress shirt, and dress pants rather than jeans and a dress shirt.
Funerals
Funerals are sad and respectful, and wearing dark-colored clothing or formal attire is customary as a sign of respect. Wearing jeans and a dress shirt is not appropriate for a funeral.
Should a Dress Shirt with Jeans Be Tucked?
Tucking your dress shirt into your jeans comes down to personal style. For a sharp look, wear a dress shirt, a tucked shirt, a blazer, and dress shoes. Wear a dress shirt, an untucked dress shirt, and leather sneakers for a more casual look.
Is Jeans and a Shirt Formal?
Jeans and a dress shirt are not a formal look. However, jeans a dress shirt can be elevated with a suit jacket, tie, and dress shoes. This business casual outfit is a great choice for a dinner party, date night, cocktail, or business event.
Can You Wear Dress Shirts Casually?
Yes, you can wear a dress shirt with dress pants and an overcoat casually. While a dress shirt is considered a formal garment, it is just one outfit component. A dress shirt, jeans, and sneakers can be worn casually.
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Final Thoughts On How To Wear a Dress Shirt With Jeans
Wearing a dress shirt and jeans is a great way to look stylish and trendy. This outfit is perfect for the office, dates, events, and dinner parties.
If you want to put together an outfit that will get you tons of compliments, try wearing jeans and a dress shirt!
In this post, I shared everything you need to know about wearing a dress shirt and jeans together.
Yup, I’ve seen this combo a lot in the casual restaurants/cafes around town here and it looks great – I think it’s the perfect look for The New Roaring 20’s!
“Smart casual gatherings”… I love that term so much! Everything about ’23 humans is smart though!! 😁😎
Great article and equally great job of sorting through all of the do’s and dont’s of wearing this look! I don’t know how you keep all this stuff straight – your mind has got to be a literal supercomputer – it’s fascinating.