For many years I didn’t think jeans of any hue had a place in my personal style—and then I figured out how to style light-wash jeans in a way that made sense for me. I’ve always preferred skirts and dresses over pants and had almost sworn off jeans completely, until I realized that light-wash denim is the key to an easy spring outfit that is equal parts laid-back and put-together.
Now, as my personal style continues to evolve, I find myself gravitating toward jeans outfits more and more. Known for their versatility, light blue jeans have staying power and longevity in your closet because they can shape-shift. Style them with a button-down or blouse and a cardigan for a preppy look, or with a crop top and cozy knits for a relaxed, casual vibe. I’ve found my own niche of layering straight-leg jeans under my beloved skirts and dresses, which has opened up a myriad of new styling possibilities with items in my closet.
And though light-wash jeans tend to lean more casual and suitable for daytime than their dark-wash counterparts, there are still endless ways to style the wardrobe staple for a night out. Whether you prefer wide-leg jeans or skinner silhouettes, there are endless outfit inspirations to be found.
Ahead, read on for several outfit ideas for how style light-wash jeans this spring, plus style tips and tricks for ways to create an easy outfit using items in your closet.
Light-wash jeans + spring pastels
When in doubt, lean into the spring feel by pairing pastels like butter yellow or soft pink with your light-wash jeans. All you need is a white T-shirt for an easy outfit that can be worn to the office or out to brunch. Add a fun brooch to your jacket for an extra-sophisticated touch.
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Light-wash jeans + preppy pieces
A trench coat instantly makes this look feel more chic. Add a polo and some loafers, and this jeans outfit is a total preppy vibe. Feeling studious yet laid-back, a high-waist pair of light denim pants can balance out the proportions of a long coat to make it a well-rounded, simple look for daytime.
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Light-wash jeans + printed jacket
Try styling your lighter-wash denim with a fun printed jacket (bonus points if it’s vintage). With an easy white tee layered underneath, it lets the jeans and the jacket do all the talking without distracting from the highlighted garments. For a pop of color, throw on a bold lipstick to tie it all together.
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Light-wash jeans + gray basics
When in doubt, you can almost never go wrong by styling light-wash denim with a gray blazer. The hue keeps the color palette straightforward and allows for the lighter wash of the straight-leg jeans to stand out. Just top off the outfit with a wide belt and accessorize with your favorite handbag to make the look your own.
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Light-wash jeans + miniskirt
A bomber jacket instantly makes any outfit feel cool. But for an even more fun styling twist, try layering a skirt or minidress over your wide-leg jeans—it’s a go-to hack of the fashion set to add a little more texture and visual interest to an outfit. Finish off the look with some white sneakers to tie in a sporty influence.
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Light-wash jeans + dress
Similar to styling a skirt over pants, wearing a dress over pants is one of my favorite ways to style light-wash jeans. It’s a little more eccentric than your standard outfit combos, and thus a great way to bring in more personality to a look.
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Light-wash jeans + oversized blazer
Once again, you can do no wrong with a blazer and light blue jeans combo, but this look is more slouchy and relaxed thanks to the oversized fit of the blazer and the mom jeans. White T-shirts really go far when styling a lighter denim wash because they create contrast and bring out the blue hue of the pants. Throw on some layered necklaces and chunky sneakers to round it out.
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Light-wash jeans + leather jacket
A black leather jacket is an easy styling option for jeans to give them more of an edgy feel. Paired with a long white tunic and black pointed-toe booties, it makes the pants pairing feel sophisticated and considered. Leather and denim work really well together, and this look is a great example of how light-wash jeans don’t always have to feel preppy to work with other items in your closet.
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