Gap's 15 Best Denim Pieces to Live in This Summer
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Denim might not be the first fabric that comes to mind when you're thinking about summer fashion, but Gap is here to make the case that it absolutely should be. Hear us out: We know you have your go-to jeans that you wear year-round, but we're not talking about those. We're talking about all the fresh, cool, and straight-up unexpected ways the fashion world is embracing denim this summer. Think beyond the basics and imagine pieces featuring unique patchwork patterns, dual-tone colorways, and unexpected silhouettes like midi dresses and blazers. For the best encapsulation of what we mean, you can check out the "Denim Dressing" category on Gap's website — or just peruse our curation of the best styles of the bunch right here.
Ahead, we've rounded up 15 fresh ways to wear denim this summer. We've included all the denim accessories and apparel you could possibly want or need, with prices starting at just $21. A few standouts are the Western boots that'll make you want to book a ticket to a country concert stat, and the pleated trousers that'll have your coworkers begging to know where you got them. Check out our selects below.
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Best Denim Sandals
Gap Denim Sandals ($21, originally $55)
We're starting off strong with these denim sandals, which will pair well with just about everything forthcoming in this article. If they're not your style, the brand has plenty more options for you, like the Gap Denim Double Strap Sandals ($29, originally $50).
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Best Denim Corset
Gap Patchwork Denim Corset Top ($41, originally $70)
It's hard to deny that this patchwork denim design is seriously cool. If this corset top silhouette isn't your style, you can also snag the look with the 4" Low Rise Stride Patchwork Denim Shorts ($62, originally $70), the Patchwork Denim Mini Dress ($80), or the Cropped Patchwork Icon Denim Jacket ($69, originally $100).
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Best Cropped Denim Jacket
Gap Cropped Denim Jacket ($41, originally $70)
One of our editors is obsessed with the fit of this cropped denim jacket, along with its versatility and the fact that it looks chic whether slightly zippered or fully unzipped. Check out her complete review of the Gap Cropped Denim Jacket.
Editor Quote: "It's slim-fitting without feeling tight or constricting, and the fabric — 95 percent cotton and five percent recycled cotton — is non-stretchy and flexible (while still managing to feel soft, not scratchy)." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce
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Best Denim Jeans
Gap High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Jeans ($44, originally $90)
As someone who studies Gap's new arrivals religiously, I can assure you that these are the coolest jeans in the brand's lineup. Of course, that's a personal preference, but just look at the open seams and tonal detailing! Chef's kiss.
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Best Denim Handkerchief Dress
Gap Denim Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress ($49, originally $98)
There are so many standout details that make this midi dress one of our favorites, but the highlight is right in the name: the handkerchief hem, in all its asymmetrical glory. Bonus: Countless shoppers describe it as "flattering" in the reviews.
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Best Denim Midi Dress
Gap Denim Midi Slip Dress ($53, originally $90)
The styling potential for this denim fit-and-flare midi dress is off the charts. Pair it with chic ballet flats like the model in the photo, slip into sneakers for a more casual vibe, or scoop up the Gap Denim Espadrille Platform Sandals ($53, originally $60) for a coordinating look.
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Best Denim Skort
Gap Denim Wrap Mini Skort ($60)
I'm not exaggerating when I say you should act fast if you want this mini skort. (It looks like an asymmetrical skirt in the front and shorts in the back.) The brand just released the white version, and as of now, it's readily available in all sizes. But if the popularity of the blue jean version is any indication, it's bound to get scooped up quickly.
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Best Denim Shortalls
Gap Denim Shortalls ($62, originally $70)
Just throw these shortalls over your favorite T-shirt, and you've got yourself a timeless summer outfit. They're fitted at the waist and relaxed through the hip for a comfortable yet flattering fit.
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Best Denim Midi Skirt
Gap Denim Midi Skirt ($70)
Styling this cool midi skirt takes virtually no effort: just add slides, a belt, and a tank — ideally in monochrome black for a subdued yet chic look. The accompanying photo doesn't quite capture one of its best features: the slit up the front.
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Best Denim Blazer
Gap Denim Blazer ($74, originally $148)
Told you: Gap really did think of everything when it comes to denim styles. This blazer is the perfect example, defying the unofficial rules of what a blazer should be made of, and we're obsessed.
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Best Dark-Wash Denim Romper
Gap Denim Romper ($80)
This lightweight denim romper cinches and ties at the waist for a super flattering fit. One shopper who gave it a perfect five-star rating attests that you can easily dress it up or down all summer long.
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Best Light-Wash Denim Romper
Gap Belted Denim Romper ($80)
Sorry to complicate your shopping decision, but this light-wash option is also available, and it's another solid contender in the romper category. Compared to the one in the previous slide, this version features a chunkier belt and a more fitted silhouette.
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Best Elastic-Waist Denim Jeans
Gap High Rise Utility Easy Jeans ($80)
These jeans fuse comfort and style, according to one of our editors who's been raving about them. Read her full review of the Gap High Rise Utility Easy Jeans for more.
Editor Quote: "They feature a loose wide leg and non-stretch fabric that feels expensive and high quality. The elastic waist stays comfortable all day, and the cargo pockets add a trendy touch that I'm confident I won't regret a year from now (unlike some other trends I've adopted in the past)." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce
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Best Denim Trousers
Gap 365 High Rise Denim Trousers ($90)
We promised to show fresh ways to wear denim, and these denim trousers definitely deliver. They're the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to your look without sacrificing comfort. They're soft-structured with a drapey feel and luxurious pleating.
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Best Denim Cowboy Boots
Gap Banks Western Boot ($100)
As far as we're concerned, the beauty of these Western boots requires little to no explanation. The denim detail perfectly contrasts with the tan leather. Just imagine how great they'll look paired with denim cutoff shorts.
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Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.