12 Ways to Style Denim with Prints
May 05, 2018
Last Updated: 2025-10-30
Okay, so here's the thing about printed clothes—they're basically the equivalent of wearing your personality on the outside. And when you throw denim into the mix? But I'll be honest, I've had my share of "what was I thinking" moments. Like that time I paired tie-dye jeans with a floral top and looked like a psychedelic garden exploded on me. Live and learn, right?
So after way too many mirror selfies and a few questionable outfit choices, I've figured out some combos that actually work. And the best part? There's no right or wrong here—just a bunch of ideas you can totally tweak to match your vibe.
1. When Your Printed Blouse Needs a Reality Check
Look, I love a bold printed top as much as the next person, but sometimes it needs grounding. That's where straight-leg jeans come in. Throw on some heels (or honestly, whatever shoes make you feel good), and suddenly you've got this pulled-together thing going on. It's like the jeans are saying "we're serious" while your top is screaming "but we're also fun!" Works every time for drinks or dinner when I can't decide if I'm feeling fancy or casual.
2. Denim Shorts: Because Who Has Time for Complicated?
Summer hits and my brain goes into simple mode. Printed top + denim shorts = done. But here's what I've learned—high-waisted shorts are kind of magic? They just make everything look more intentional, even when you literally grabbed the first thing out of your drawer. Tuck your top in halfway (the whole perfectly-imperfect thing), and boom—you look like you tried without actually trying.
3. The Off-Shoulder + Boyfriend Jeans Combo I Probably Wear Too Much
Real talk: I have three pairs of baggy boyfriend jeans and I'm not even sorry about it. They're just so easy. Pair them with an off-shoulder printed top, grab whatever bag is closest to the door, and you've got that "I might be heading to a beach resort...or just Target" energy. Sometimes I throw on a couple of delicate necklaces to make it look like I put in effort. (I didn't, but you know... vibes.)
Related Posts: Barrel vs Mom vs Boyfriend Jeans: Which Style is Right for You?
4. The Cropped Denim Jacket Trick That Saves Everything
So you bought this gorgeous printed floral maxi dress but now you're worried it's too much? Yeah, been there. A cropped denim jacket is basically your safety net. It tones down the "I'M WEARING ALL THE FLORALS" energy and gives you some shape. Plus, you can take it off later if you decide you're feeling bold. I love stuff that gives me options, you know?
5. Longline Cardigans Are Having a Moment (and I'm Here for It)
Printed longline cardigans with denim shorts might sound random, but trust me on this one. It's got that boho thing without looking like you're trying too hard. The cardigan creates this nice long line (which, side note, somehow makes me look taller even though I'm definitely not). Chuck a fitted tank underneath so you're not drowning in fabric, and maybe some ankle boots if you're feeling it.
6. Printed Maxi Skirts: My Secret Weapon
I used to think maxi skirts were only for fancy occasions, but then I realized you can just...throw a denim jacket over them? Revolutionary, I know. For day stuff, I tuck in a white tee under the jacket. For night, swap it for something silky and leave the jacket open. Same skirt, completely different vibe. This is the kind of versatility that makes me feel like I have my life together (even when I absolutely don't).
7. Short Printed Dresses Aren't Just for Summer Anymore
Here's what changed my life: layering. That cute printed dress you only wear three months a year? Add a jean jacket and suddenly it's an all-season thing. Pro tip I learned the hard way—if your jacket has embellishments or embroidery, keep your dress print simpler. Otherwise it's just too much going on and your eyes don't know where to look. Balance, you know?
8. Yes, Overalls Are Back and I'm Not Mad About It
Denim overalls with a polka dot top sounds very 90s, and honestly? That's the point. But here's the thing—you gotta dress it up a little or you'll look like you're about to finger paint. I usually add some gold jewelry, nothing crazy, just enough to say "I'm an adult who happens to be wearing overalls." Works for brunch, works for farmers markets, works for convincing yourself you're still cool.
Related Posts: 10 Tips to Translate Overalls into Business Casual
9. The Color Matching Thing Nobody Tells You
Okay, this one took me forever to figure out. When you're pairing printed stuff with denim, look at the colors in your print and try to match one to your denim wash. Like, if your print has navy in it, go for darker denim. Bright, vibrant prints? They look amazing with lighter washes or even those purplish-toned jeans I keep seeing everywhere. It's not a hard rule—more like a helpful guideline when you're staring at your closet going "why doesn't this work??"
10. Summer Basics That Never Fail Me
When it's blazing hot, I default to printed tank tops and denim shorts. But accessories are what take it from "meh" to "okay, she's got something going on." I'm talking straw hats (sun protection + style points), oversized sunglasses, those woven bags everyone has now. For jewelry, I usually pick one thing—maybe statement earrings or a chunky bracelet—rather than loading up on everything. Less is more, or whatever that saying is.
11. The Scarf Hack for Lazy Days
Some mornings I just want to wear jeans and a basic top and not think about it. That's when I grab a printed scarf. Tie it around your neck, loop it through your bag, use it as a hair accessory—honestly, just having it somewhere in your outfit makes the whole thing look more considered. It's the fashion equivalent of adding seasoning to pasta. Small effort, big impact.
12. When Your Denim IS the Statement
So apparently denim comes with tie-dye and laser-printed florals now, which is either genius or chaos depending on how you style it. If your jeans are already doing a lot, keep your top simple—solid colors, clean lines, nothing too crazy. On the flip side, if you're wearing bold prints up top, stick with classic blue or black denim. I learned this the hard way after trying to wear embellished jeans with a busy top and looking like a disco ball had a baby with a botanical garden. Not cute.
The Stuff I Wish Someone Had Told Me Earlier
Here's what trips people up (myself included): proportion. Wide-leg or barrel-leg jeans? Pair them with fitted tops. Big flowy printed blouse? Go with slimmer jeans. It's like a seesaw—you want balance, not everything heavy on one side.
And about those fancy embellished jeans with all the crystals and embroidery? They're gorgeous, but let them be the star. Pair them with simple solid tops and let the denim do the talking. Same goes for heavily distressed jeans—they look way more intentional with cleaner, more structured printed pieces.
The Biggest Mistake (That I Definitely Made)
You know what looks overwhelming? Too much of everything at once. Busy print + super distressed denim + embellishments everywhere = sensory overload. Pick one main character per outfit. Either let your print shine with simple denim, or wear statement denim with quieter tops. Your outfit should have a clear focal point, not a three-way argument.
Final Thoughts (Not Really Rules Though)
Look, fashion is supposed to be fun. These are just things that have worked for me, but you might discover completely different combos that make you feel amazing. Maybe you'll rock that printed-on-printed look I was too scared to try. Maybe you'll invent some new pairing I haven't even thought of yet.
The point is to experiment, make some mistakes (they make the best stories), and figure out what makes you feel good. That's the real secret—confidence beats any styling rule. So go play around with your closet, try weird combinations, take risks. Worst case? You learn what doesn't work. Best case? You stumble onto your new signature look.
Now go forth and mix those prints and denims with reckless abandon. Or, you know, careful consideration. Whatever feels right.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Denim and Prints
Q: Can I really wear any print with denim, or are there some that just don't work?
Honestly? Most prints can work with denim—it's more about the proportions and color balance than the actual pattern. That said, I tend to avoid super large-scale prints with really distressed denim because it gets visually noisy. But hey, if you love it and feel good in it, who am I to say no? Fashion rules are more like suggestions anyway.
Q: Help! I'm scared of looking too busy. How do I know if I've gone too far?
Here's my test: take a photo of your outfit (or just look in the mirror) and unfocus your eyes slightly. If it all blurs into chaos, you might want to dial it back. The goal is for your eye to have somewhere to rest. If every single element is competing for attention, it's probably too much. But again—this is subjective! Some people rock maximalist looks beautifully.
Q: What's the deal with matching my denim wash to my prints? Is that really necessary?
Necessary? Nah. Helpful? Totally. It's just one of those things that makes outfits look more cohesive without much effort. But I've definitely worn whatever jeans were clean with whatever top I was feeling that day. Sometimes "wrong" combinations end up being your favorite. Don't let this rule stress you out.
Q: I only have classic blue jeans. Am I missing out on all the fun denim trends?
Classic blue jeans are literally timeless for a reason! You can do SO much with them—pair them with any print under the sun and you're golden. Trendy denim is fun, but it's not required to look great. Work with what you have and what makes you feel comfortable. Your wardrobe, your rules.
Q: How do I style printed denim? It seems extra tricky.
Printed denim is definitely a statement, so I usually keep everything else super simple. Think solid-colored tops in neutrals or colors pulled from the print. Minimal accessories. Let the jeans be the star of the show. And honestly? Start with something subtle like small florals or geometric patterns before diving into anything super bold.
Q: What if I'm just not a "print person"? Can I still make denim interesting?
Absolutely! Try different denim washes, textures, embellishments, or unique cuts instead. Or add interest through solid-colored accessories, interesting shoes, or layering pieces. Not everyone needs to be a print person, and that's totally fine. There's no fashion police coming to check your closet.
Q: Any tips for wearing this stuff to work? Most of these seem pretty casual.
Fair point! For office-appropriate looks, go for darker denim (if your workplace allows jeans), more structured silhouettes, and smaller, more subtle prints. A printed blouse with dark straight-leg jeans and a blazer can look pretty professional. Or try a denim jacket over a printed midi dress with closed-toe heels. Swap the casual accessories for more polished pieces.
Q: I'm plus-size. Do these tips still apply to me?
Yes! Though you might want to pay extra attention to the proportion tips—balancing fitted and loose pieces works across all body types. And honestly, don't be afraid of prints just because someone once said they're "not flattering" on bigger bodies. That's outdated nonsense. Wear what makes you happy and experiment to find what feels good on your body.
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