Elevated Denim Pieces I’m Loving Right Now

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Denim has always been a wardrobe staple for me, but this season, I’m leaning into pieces that feel a little more elevated – less weekend casual, more desk-to-dinner polish. The right denim can be incredibly versatile: styled up with heels and tailoring for a smart casual office, softened with knits for weekend errands, or paired with sneakers and a relaxed blazer for off-duty days.

Henne denim shirt* (sz XS-S), Arket tee (sz S), Henne jeans, Tony Bianco heels*, Gucci bag (review here – AU link, US link, UK link also here), Status Anxiety sunglasses, Arms of Eve earrings*

Here are a few of the denim pieces I’ve been wearing (or eyeing!) recently, and how I’m styling them:

#1 – The Dressy Denim Shirt

Wearing: Henne Denim Shirt

L: Henne denim shirt* (sz XS-S), Ally Shoes kitten heels* (use ‘VEEHEELS40’ for $40USD off), Uniqlo tank* (sz S), lululemon shorts* (sz S), Bellroy bag* (review here), Status Anxiety sunglasses*; R: Henne knit (sz S) – similar here and here, Henne denim shirt (sz XS/S), Frankie Shop trousers (sz S), Celine bag (many years old – similar here from Loewe), Francesca earrings*, Dior heels (similar here – use ‘VIRGINIA40’ for $40USD off), Status Anxiety sunglasses*

I’ve been reaching for the Aurora shirt from Henne regularly – technically a shirt, but the structured cut and heavyweight cotton make it double beautifully as a lightweight jacket. The oversized silhouette and boxy fit give it a modern feel, and I love how it instantly sharpens up simple outfits. I’ve worn it over shorts and tailored trousers – it’s one of those pieces that pulls an outfit together effortlessly. Most recently, I’ve given the Canadian tuxedo a whirl and am chuffed with how the matching sets/monochrome rule also works with washed denim.

SHOP DRESSY DENIM SHIRTS

#2 – The Relaxed (But Polished) Denim Shirt

Wearing: Sportscraft (old season, similar linked)

Sportscraft shirt* (sz AU 8 – mine’s a few seasons old, new season version here), The Curated coat* (sz XS – current season colours here, review here), lululemon top* (sz S), Country Road skirt (sz AU 8 – sold out, similar here), Bared boots, Bellroy bag* (review here), Francesca earrings*

This darker-wash denim shirt from Sportscraft (new season version here) has been in my wardrobe for a couple seasons now, and it’s still going strong. While it has a relaxed fit, the deep indigo colour and clean lines keep it looking elevated rather than too casual. I’ve linked this season’s version – it’s very similar with the exact same colour & fabric, the only difference is the two piece collar detail.

I love pairing this with tailored trousers or a pleated skirt for a casual Friday office look – something about the dark denim makes it feel grown up and refined.

SHOP RELAXED (BUT POLISHED) DENIM SHIRTS

#3 – The Denim Midi Skirt

On my wishlist

Country Road skirt

Currently on my wishlist – I’ve been eyeing a few different denim midi skirts this season, and I can feel a purchase coming soon. I’m drawn to versions with a clean silhouette – either a front slit or subtle A-line cut – and structured enough to wear with polished tops and blazers.

I’m imagining this with a tucked-in white shirt, loafers, and some statement gold earrings for a refined take on smart casual. But also? So easy to wear with a t-shirt and sneakers on the weekend.

I’ve linked a few of my favourites below – let me know if you’re on the hunt for something similar!

SHOP MIDI SKIRTS

#4 – The Denim Dress

Loving: New season styles from Anna Quan

Anna Quan dress

If you’re looking for a one-and-done piece that feels elevated yet effortless, the denim dresses from Anna Quan this season are beautiful. The fit, structure, and subtle design details make them feel tailored and sharp—perfect for days where you want to feel a little more polished without sacrificing comfort. These styles are perfect for dressing up with heeled boots or strappy sandals for a night out, or can easily styled in casual looks with sneakers and a cardigan. I love the silhouette of this dress in particular.

SHOP DENIM DRESSES

Elevated denim doesn’t have to mean stiff or overly formal—these pieces strike that perfect balance of structure and ease. Whether it’s a tailored shirt, a refined skirt, or a statement dress, they all work beautifully across different settings. I’ve found that styling them with tonal layers and simple accessories keeps the look modern and wearable.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

P.S. These cosy chic knit dresses basically style themselves.