The 20 Best Denim Dresses to Wear This Fall
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Updated October 13, 2023: This article on the best denim dresses was updated with fresh product picks for fall and winter 2023, plus new information on how to style a denim dress and what to look for in a denim dress.
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Ask any true denim addict, and they’ll tell you that denim dresses are a wardrobe hero. Of course, everyone has their go-to pair of women’s jeans or a favorite denim lightweight jacket, worn-in to perfection over the years, but the best denim dresses offer something in between comfort and a more pulled-together look.
“A denim dress is effortlessly essential — it’s one of our go-to pieces for casual yet polished everyday style,” Sharon Krief, Co-Founder of ba&sh, tells WWD. “It’s both timeless and versatile,” Barbara Boccara, Co-Founder of ba&sh, adds. “You can wear it with sneakers on the go or dress it up with the right accessories for a night out.”
Due to its timeless nature, women are leaning into denim dresses more and more, and the style has skyrocketed in popularity. “I think women realize how truly easy-to-wear it is,” Krief says. “With everyone’s fast-paced lives and busy schedules, the denim dress has become a must-have in the modern woman’s wardrobe.”
Of course, functionality is not the only reason denim dresses are having a moment. “Head-to-toe denim is a key trend this season. A denim dress is a super easy way to achieve that look,” explains Iman Alem, Fashion Market Editor at Farfetch. “It’s also a versatile fall dress and can be styled up or down.”
Designers have been playing with this fundamental fabric to create dresses in countless styles, shapes, and lengths and taking inspiration from different fashion eras. Since nostalgia has become a major trend across the board in fashion, we are seeing denim minis nodding to the early aughts, maxis that feel more ‘90s grunge, and shirt dresses straight from the ‘70s. No matter your personal style, there’s a denim dress out there for you. Keep scrolling below to see our favorites to shop now.
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Top Denim Dresses for 2023
Best Overall Dress: Levi’s Premium Hendrix Denim Jumper
Best Petite Dress: Sumleno Denim Dress
Best Long Dress: DL1961 Esme Dress
Best Plus-Size Dress: Standards & Practices Double Strap Tie Waist Denim Midi Dress
Best Designer Dress: Veronica Beard Arlington Denim Dress
Best Black Dress: Free People Chester Denim Mini Dress
Best Shirt Dress: Frame The A-Line Shirt Dress
Best Strapless Dress: Reformation Eugenia Dress
Best Short Dress: Pilcro Denim Blazer Dress
Best Long-Sleeve Dress: ba&sh Willow Ruffled Denim Midi Dress
Best Vintage-Inspired Dress: Sézane Alberta Dress
Best Sustainable Dress: Ganni Western Long Sleeve Organic Cotton Denim Shirtdress
Best Short-Sleeve Dress: Co Denim Midi Dress
Best Mini Dress: Tanya Taylor Mia Dress
Best Shift Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch Shell Denim Mini Dress
Best Fit and Flare Dress: Cinq À Sept Veena Denim Button-Front Fit-And-Flare Midi Dress
Best Colored Dress: Hudson Denim Front Shirtdress
Levi’s Premium Hendrix Denim Jumper
Best Denim Overall Dress
Sizes: XS to XL
Colorways: Dark indigo and natural
Materials: Cotton and hemp
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
A jumper dress is a versatile option, great for the weekend and casual events. Fit just like your favorite pair of overalls, but with way more leg room, the easy buckle closures allow for easy on and off. Style this Amazon dress with a tee or tank on warm fall days and a cozy long-sleeved henley and a puffer jacket in the winter for a serious ‘90s style.
What reviewers say: “I love it! It’s more than I expected. The fit is great and the material is so soft – I didn’t know denim could be so soft. I can wear it now with long sleeve shirts and in the summer with short sleeve or a tank top. It’s not the heavy denim that would be hot or heavy for summer.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $82.52
Sumleno Denim Dress
Best Petite Denim Dress
Sizes: XS to L
Colorways: Medium and dark wash, light wash and black
Materials: 85% cotton, 15% polyester
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
A very early aughts style, this micro mini is great for petites. Panel seams add dimension while creating a tight-fitting silhouette that fits snugly and accentuates curves. Style yours with a black leather jacket and Chelsea boots for a casual approach, or dress it up with heels and chunky jewelry for a night out.
What reviewers say: “Love it, love it!! I do recommend a size down if you want a tight snug fit since it has a stretch to it. Very happy with this order.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $28.99
DL1961 Esme Dress
Best Long Denim Dress
Sizes: XS to XL
Colorways: Workwear blue and Sunday morning chambray
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Easy and effortless, this figure-hugging midi dress can be thrown on for an instantly put-together outfit. It features two hidden zippers, one at the back and one on the side, and is made of DL Performance denim, which combines the brand’s stretch technology with certified cotton for an organic feel and fit that moves with you. The dark colorway leans toward the cool weather spectrum, where a leather moto jacket, tights, and combat boots would give it a punk take on a more feminine fit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $259
Standards & Practices Double Strap Tie Waist Denim Midi Dress
Best Plus-Size Denim Dress
Sizes: 16W to 22W
Colorways: Indigo
Materials: 64% cotton, 31% polyester, 3% viscose, 2% spandex
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Show off your curves with a flattering midi dress that can be dressed up or down for endless outfit possibilities. Cut from denim with a touch of spandex, this fabric will move with you and shape to your form. A V-neck and adjustable double strap top show a little skin, proving denim doesn’t have to be just for the day. Wear for a night out with a strappy pump, or layer with an oversized cardigan and boots for a cool evening al fresco.
Price upon publish date of this article: $128
EB Denim Firefly Dress
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Colorways: Tommy
Materials: 100% cotton
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Y2K is in, and so is the denim going-out dress. This mini shape features a sweetheart neckline that is eye-catching without being too revealing, a distressed-washed that gives it a vintage appeal, and a detachable buckled belt for even more aughts style. Pair with closed-toe platform heels and bold jewelry for a night out or sheer tights and knee-high boots for dinner with friends.
Price upon publish date of this article: $380
Veronica Beard Arlington Denim Dress
Best Designer Denim Dress
Sizes: 00 to 16
Colorways: Blue
Materials: 73% cotton, 25% polyethylene, 2% spandex
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Never underestimate the power of a long-sleeved dress. With its universally flattering silhouette and protective design, this is an easy one-and-done piece for winter days when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to overthink your outfit. Veronica Beard’s iteration has a wrap style with buckle closure, a spread collar, brown contrast stitching, and luxe gold buttons on the barrel cuffs. Trust us, this piece will prepare you for anything — just add a pair of pointed slingback heels or boots.
Price upon publish date of this article: $598
Free People Chester Denim Mini Dress
Best Black Denim Dress
Sizes: XS to XL
Colorways: Black
Materials: 100% cotton
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
A vintage-inspired mini is a staple you will want to wear time after time. The puffed sleeves, V-neckline, and cinched waistline give this dress a romantic yet edgy attitude, but the denim fabrication keeps things down to earth. Smocking on the back provides a little extra stretch when needed. Add black lace tights for some texture play and a black patent leather top handle bag for a ladylike feel.
What reviewers say: “This dress is darling. structured just enough and stays in place all day. I’m 5’6 and 130lbs. I have a small chest and got a small. I probably could have even gone down to an XS, as there was a little room at the top. but it’s super cute. loved the feel and structure. made me feel confident and cute.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $138
Frame The A-Line Shirt Dress
Best Denim Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS to XL
Colorways: Brisk
Materials: Cotton
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
Frame knows how to do denim, and this mini shirt dress represents the brand’s classic style sensibility to a T. Made from 100 percent cotton, it’s cut with a boxy, straight fit and hits mid-length above the knee. Topstitched pockets can be seen below on the chest for a stylish touch. What shoppers love most about this piece is how versatile it is — it can also be worn open as an oversized shacket on top of a skirt and T-shirt. “The shirt dress is the most versatile — it can be styled casually with flats or over-the-knee black boots for work or going out,” Alem says.
Price upon publish date of this article: $348
Reformation Eugenia Dress
Best Strapless Denim Dress
Sizes: 0 to 12
Colorways: Simcoe
Materials: 70% Tencel/Lyocell, 10% organic cotton, 10% recycled polyester, 8% EcoMade T400, 2% EcoLycra
Reformation Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Enter the wear-anywhere denim dress. Reformation’s Eugenia frock is a wardrobe workhorse that can be dressed up or down for myriad events. It’s partially made with sustainable and organic fabrics and features a rounded strapless neckline, bustier-like stitching, and a zipper in the back. The best part is that it works with cute sneakers and chic sunnies for city exploring and can be dressed up with chunky earrings and metallic heels for dinner parties, too.
Price upon publish date of this article: $198
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Pilcro Belted Denim Blazer Dress
Sizes: XXS to XL, available in standard, petite, and plus sizes
Colorways: Denim Dark
Materials: 91% cotton, 9% lycra
With the arrival of heavier designs and darker colorways, this season’s blazer dresses offer endless versatility and warmth for the cold-weather season. Case in point: the Pilcro Belted Denim Blazer Dress. Featuring a loose fit with two enlarged pockets and a button front, this dress is just as easily styled with warm socks and Mary Janes for a preppy look or women’s boots and tights for a formal one.
What reviewers say: “This dress/coat is a keeper for me. I like the fact that it is heavy, like a coat because I will wear it as a dress with tights and my new Mary Jane shoes, also purchased at Anthro. For once, I don’t have to have it hemmed; it fits perfectly just above my knees.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.95
ba&sh Willow Ruffled Denim Midi Dress
Best Denim Long-Sleeve Dress
Sizes: XS to XL
Colorways: Blue
Materials: Cotton, tencel and linen
“Our Willow dress is classic and so comfortable, crafted in a soft chambray denim with an easy fit,” Krief explains. Comfort is key when it comes to this billowy silhouette. Channel a slight prairie vibe with this style’s puffed sleeves, a full skirt, and a western-style yoke front to boot. “There are so many fun ways to style the Willow dress,” Boccara says. “I would belt it with high heel boots for a perfect transitional daytime outfit and layer on a cropped jacket and strappy sandals for date night or an evening out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $266
Sézane Alberta Dress
Best Vintage-Inspired Denim Dress
Sizes: 2 to 14
Colorways: Blue
Materials: GOTS-certified organic materials
Sézane always has great denim dresses in rotation, and this ‘80s-inspired shape is perfect for any time of year. Fitted and slim at the waist, the gathered balloon sleeves, rivet details, and yoke synonymous with the era all play up the vintage detailing, but the cut remains modern due to the wash. An over-the-knee suede boot and bucket bag are ideal accessories for an easy autumnal look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $195
Gap Denim Tiered Puff Midi Dress
Best Summer Denim Dress
Sizes: XS to XL regular, S to XL tall, XS to L petite
Colorways: Light wash
Special features: Made with water-saving Washwell program
This season’s favorite off-duty dresses have low-key appeal, like Gap’s puff-sleeved midi dress. It features a square neckline and an empire, relaxed A-line skirt for a flattering fit. Despite it being a summery dress, wear yours in the fall with an oversized cardigan and knee-high suede boots.
What reviewers say: “I was surprised how well this dress fitted me. And it was slimming with pockets! The denim wash is fairly light. And I think this dress has a lot of potential to be a favorite, very versatile. Very pleased with my purchase.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Ganni Western Long Sleeve Organic Cotton Denim Shirtdress
Best Sustainable Denim Dress
Sizes: 0 to 12
Colorways: Petrified oak
Materials: Organic cotton
Cool-girl label Ganni has a penchant for clothes that are easy but of-the-moment, and this shirtdress is no exception. Contrasting color block patchwork in shades of neutral and Western-inspired detailing, like the gold button front closure, gives the dress some edge. The oversized pointed collar nods to the ‘70s as well. Wear it as a standalone piece in the fall with boots and bare legs and add more layers as the temps turn, like a heavy overcoat and wool tights.
Price upon publish date of this article: $267
Co Denim Midi Dress
Best Short-Sleeve Denim Dress
Sizes: XS to XL
Colorways: Blue
Materials: 100% cotton
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
MyTheresa Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
A short-sleeved dress with a collar, button-up front, and full midi skirt is equally appropriate for the office with the right accessories, as well as a weekend hang. Play up the ‘70s feel with slip-on wooden clog shoes and a leather waist belt for a retro-meets-modern look. Take this look into the colder months with knee-high boots and a chic jacket.
Price upon publish date of this article: $575
Tanya Taylor Mia Dress
Best Denim Mini Dress
Sizes: 0 to 22
Colorways: Indigo
Materials: Organic cotton
Tanya Taylor knows how to cut a great dress, and this goes for her new denim silhouette as well. Made from crisp, lightweight 99 percent organic cotton, it’s a new silhouette for the brand that plays with volume. Subtle puffed sleeves and a fully flared mini skirt finish off the scoop neck bodice that features contrast stitching for interest. Available in plus sizes as well, this dress fits every body type. Wear yours bare-legged in the spring and summer and in the cooler months with chunky boots and tights for a grungier take.
Price upon publish date of this article: $465
Abercrombie & Fitch Shell Denim Mini Dress
Best Denim Shift Dress
Sizes: XXS to XL, available in petite, regular, and tall options
Colorways: Medium wash, black, cream light wash
Materials: 99% Cotton, 1% elastane
With new denim dresses coming out this season, from 3D-floral adorned to patchwork numbers, it’s important to get back to the basics with a denim shift dress. Abercrombie & Fitch’s is a great option because it’s a short and sleeveless dress that loosely hangs straight down from the shoulders with clean, simple lines. It has a zipper in the back, making it easy to get on and off, and unique stitching on the midriff, helping to create an hourglass silhouette.
What reviewers say: “Really cute. The quality is excellent: the denim is thick and the darts at the waist are really flattering. Great transitional piece for fall it can be worn over a turtleneck and tights, on its own or under a sweater.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
ME + EM Denim Dress
Best Denim Work Dress
Sizes: 2 to 12
Colorways: Blue
Materials: 100% cotton denim from Turkey with Italian buttons
Professional enough for Fridays in the office, this pure cotton dress has a high-collared neckline, long sleeves, and an ankle-length skirt that feels professional yet special. The matching removable belt and the dark buttons add depth, while the two side pockets lend a comfortable and relaxed feel. The best way to add impact to this denim dress is to mix textures, so style it with patent heels or suede knee-high boots.
Price upon publish date of this article: $425
Cinq À Sept Veena Denim Button-Front Fit-And-Flare Midi Dress
Best Fit and Flare Denim Dress
Sizes: 0 to 10
Colorways: Dark indigo
Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
When you are looking for something with a little more polish and structure, try this button-front midi dress that fits and flares to perfection. An apron-style neckline and nipped-in waist make this option a pulled-together fit. Dark denim also gives a more sophisticated feel, perfect for a casual office or night out. Wear a turtleneck underneath and pointy flats for work or standalone for date night with a heeled sandal and oversized hoop earrings.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Hudson Denim Front Shirtdress
Best Colored Denim Dress
Sizes: XS to L
Colorways: Rifle green
Materials: 100% Cotton
A classic shape gets a reboot in this not-so-typical denim shade. This stunning military green is perfect for year-round wear and able to be styled wonderfully with all muted tones. Made from non-stretch denim, you’ll want to be sure to go for a looser fit. Wear as a standalone piece, or try with slim jeans for an unordinary layering ensemble.
Price upon publish date of this article: $245
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The Different Types of Denim Dresses for Women:
Denim Mini Dress: “For the weekend or going out, a mini version in a darker wash would be fun!” Boccara says. Minis are ideal for a night out due to their sexier cuts and shapes like the trending bustier styles, but there are plenty of minis that still capture a casual vibe that is great for daytime, like a short shift shape or a soft a-line with puffed sleeves, that offer a feminine and romantic silhouette.
Denim Knee-Length Dress: When you are looking for something with a little length but still want to show some leg, go for a knee-length style. Many knee lengths still can work for an office when sleeves or layering is involved, but they also can be great for a weekend or casual environment, depending on the cut, like a loose-fitting shirt dress.
Denim Midi Dress: “I would look at a midi-length for work — you can easily layer a blazer or cardigan over it to add a bit more polish, and it also works across seasons,” Boccara mentions. A mid-calf length dress offers much more coverage than the previously mentioned, and anything with a sleeve can be worn as a standalone piece. But don’t totally disregard this style as no fun. Cutouts can add interest and a touch of skin for a night out.” Alem adds, “I personally like the midi length for a more modern silhouette, with an oversized black coat and over-the-knee stiletto black boots.”
Denim Maxi Dress: A floor-skimming or ankle-length maxi can lean towards the bohemian side of things when denim fabrication is concerned, but designers are also offering ladylike styles with a bit more tailoring if that is more your speed. Dark washes will keep things elegant and not too overwhelming when the length is longer.
What to Look For in the Best Denim Dresses
Material: The material of the denim dress you choose depends on how you want it to fit and feel, so pay close attention to the fabrics that make up the frock you have your eye on. For example, pure cotton denim is a traditional choice, but the material will likely stretch out with wear. Sure, you can wash and dry your dress, which will temporarily shrink it, but it will stretch right back out again. A denim dress with cotton and elastane is another popular combination. While this blend will stretch out, it’s not as bad as a rigid denim dress. If you want a denim dress that won’t stretch out very much and doesn’t have much give at all, then look for one made of both cotton and polyester. However, remember that these designs usually run small, so opt for a bigger size if you’re between sizes.
Silhouette: Denim dresses are versatile and come in various designs that work for everything from casual brunches to cocktail parties. When shopping, you want to ensure you’re finding a dress that fits the dress code you’re looking for. Before purchasing, consider a few ways you might wear your denim dress to style it up or down. A black denim dress or something with a more form-fitting design might be better suited to an upscale evening event, while a loose denim silhouette or something white or light-washed is perfect for daytime.
Durable stitching: The stitching around a denim dress’ hem and side seams tells of its quality. You want to look for double-stitching with two rows of stitches placed close together. However, a single row of stitches is fine, too, as long as it’s done with a thick and durable thread. To check if a denim dress will last you a long time, gently stretch the dress at the seams, and if you see the threads pulling apart, then you know it’s probably not the best option.
How to Style a Denim Dress: Denim Dress Outfit Ideas
We’ve taken inspiration from the fall 2023 and spring 2024 runways to show there are plenty of fresh ways to style your most tried-and-true denim dress for fall and beyond.
A denim dress over jeans: Dresses over pants were everywhere during the spring 2024 season, and the particular style that stood out at shows (like Getuz and Skall Studio) was denim dress over pants. Whether shown as a tight-fitting button-down denim dress worn half-opened over baggy jeans or a loose denim shirt dress worn over straight-leg jeans, these looks suggested that Katie Holmes was onto something with her ’00s-inspired look at Jingleball 2022. The key to nailing the look is ensuring your proportions are correct — either the top or the bottom has to be oversized and baggy, not both.
A denim dress with tights and sneakers: Tights weather has arrived. While we’re all used to putting on tights when we wear mini dresses, Ganni’s spring 2024 suggested pairing tights with a midi denim dress is a way to achieve an effortlessly chic look. The Danish brand showed a collared denim dress paired with patterned tights, but we recommend you play it safe with simple sheer stockings, especially if you’re styling the look for the first time. Then, add bold, chunky sneakers and a minimalist leather handbag to round out the look.
A denim dress with denim boots: This season, the Canadian tuxedo is getting a head-to-toe makeover, with a denim dress paired with denim boots, as seen at Luis De Javier’s fall 2023 show and on the streets of fashion month, such as on Alexandre Guerain and Yana Echko. Denim boots and denim dresses were seen in all their glory, proving there’s no one way to get the look. You can team a mini denim dress with thigh-high denim boots, a floor-length jacket-like denim dress with mid-calf denim boots, or a midi denim dress with tights and ankle boots. Plus, it doesn’t matter what types of denim washes you pair — all work together. While you might be hesitant to go all the way with denim, don’t be. If you think the denim on denim may be too much for your style, layer a contrasting piece of outerwear on top. That way, it looks less matchy-matchy.
How We Selected The Best Denim Dresses
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
In order to curate this guide for the best denim dresses for 2023, we conducted expert interviews for industry knowledge on material sourcing and dress construction, seasonal styling recommendations, and product selections. This shopping guide also reflects wide market research on brand new denim dress releases, including analysis of customer reviews, emerging trending styles, and the most suitable options for various occasions and body types. We also applied research on fall 2023 runway trends as well as our own product testing to determine this list of the best denim dresses. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Iman Alem is a French-Algerian stylist and fashion editor from Paris. She is based in London and is currently the Fashion Market Editor at FARFETCH. Iman is a passionate advocate for sustainability through her styling work and her store Maison Commune. She is committed to reducing the environmental impact of her shoots by tracking their carbon emission and insetting and offsetting, as well as highlighting sustainable brands wherever possible.
Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief are best friends whose shared love of fashion led them to create ba&sh. Their idea? To bring their dream wardrobe to life so that they could share it with other women. A brand truly made by women for women. Found in more than 400 stores worldwide, the ba&sh style remains distinctly Parisian, uniting an expression of freedom with an easy, joyful elegance.
Meet the Authors
Kristina Rutkowski is a New York-based freelance writer and editor focusing on fashion. She was previously the Senior Fashion Market Editor at InStyle, covering all things trends and shopping related. She has also worked in the fashion departments at Self and Glamour. Her bylines have appeared on Vogue.com, TheZoeReport.com, VanityFair.com, and InStyle.com. Editing fashion throughout her career, she has been able to see, try and research the best denim dresses and denim brands available on the market today.
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a city dweller, she’s garnered a love for sweaters because they can be easily thrown on and worn for brunch with friends, date night, or the office. In her spare time, Chwatt keeps up with street style to understand which pieces are highly coveted by the style set. Chwatt wrote the update to this best denim dresses story in October 2023, with new expert tips and styles to wear for fall and winter of 2023.
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