If You’re Going to Wear Jeans This Summer, Here Are 5 It-Girl-Approved Ways to Style Them
From blouses and ballet flats to tank tops and sandals, here are the five it-girl-approved ways to style your jeans for summer 2026.
With less than 2 weeks until summer, you might initially expect all of your outfits to feature linen trousers or Bermuda shorts of some sort. But the truth is, you'll find me in jeans more often than not. Arguably the hardest-working category in my capsule wardrobe, there's no pant style quite as versatile, comfortable and timeless as denim trousers, or some sort, remains my go-to on those days when I’m stuck on what to wear.
And with the new season at the forefront of my mind, I’m on the hunt for some fresh ways to style them. My first port of call? My Instagram feed, of course, and very quickly, my saved folder was filled with a myriad of effortlessly chic ways to style my denim for summer 2026. And the best part? Each it-girl-approved jeans styling perfectly balances feeling elevated enough to add interest to my summer outfit rotations, but classic enough to remain wearable and versatile for many years to come. And to make things easier for you, I've rounded them up below.
From elegant blouses and ballet flats to cool tank tops and sandals, here are the five it-girl-approved ways to style your jeans for summer 2026.
5 It-Girl-Approved Ways to Style Your Jeans for Summer 2026
1. Blouse + Straight-Leg Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: When they want a top that’s slightly more formal than a classic vest or tank, elegant dressers turn to statement blouses as a polished alternative to dress up their denim for more formal occasions. This simple but pretty top style works extremely well with any wash, shape, or length of jeans from now until early autumn, not to mention it looks expensive regardless of the price point you opt for.
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French girl-approved.
The styling possibilities are endless.
Two-tone ballet flats will make your jeans outfit look even more elegant.
Perfect for in or out of the office.
2. Linen Shirt + Cropped Jeans + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: It’s officially linen season. However, instead of the classic drawstring pants I typically opt for, I’ll be pairing my black button-up shirt with my cropped jeans and one of 2026’s biggest sandal trends—the two-tone flip-flops.
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Black linen always looks so polished.
Agolde's '90s pinch jeans come editor-approved.
These resemble a number of designer options on the market right now.
You'll reach for this no matter the season.
3. Racer Vest + Cuff-Hem Jeans + Sandals
Style Notes: You can never go wrong with a classic vest in summer, but to make this top style feel slightly more elevated for 2026, why not opt for a contrast trim iteration? Then, balance it out with a pair of on-trend cuff-hem jeans and timeless black sandals.
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This also comes in a burgundy and navy colourways.
Just the right amount of slouch.
A.Emery's Jalen sandal comes editor-approved.
A summer essential.
4. Tank Top + White Jeans + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: White denim is a year-round staple, but it really comes into its own come summer. For a look that you can take to the office or an evening out, follow TikTok’s sandwich rule and style your ecru jeans between a black tank top and sleek heeled flip-flops.
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This will act as the basis for so many of your summer outfits.
Barrel-leg jeans are having a moment
These are high up on my luxury wishlist.
5. T-Shirt + Flared Jeans + Heels
Style Notes: Anyone who lives in the UK will tell you that the summer season is not always synonymous with hot weather, but luckily, it girls have found a trend that’s slightly more elevated than your classic t-shirt. Enter the three-quarter-sleeve tee, an elevated but effortless basic that will dress your jeans in a way that feels chic but never overdone. Finish off the look with a pair of strappy heels to make the outfit feel more suited to a formal occasion like drinks or dinner.
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Easy to dress up or down, this sleeve-length will suit any setting.
These have such a Parisian feel to them.
No one will guess these are from the high street.
Iconic.
