These are the jeans-and-a-nice-top combinations to know for summer

Jeans and a nice top

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These are the jeans-and-a-nice-top combinations to know for summer

By Naomi May

3 years ago

2 min read

Whether you’re going out, out-out, or staying in, these simple summer style equations have got you covered. 

Now that spring is finally here, if you’re struggling with what to wear, may we present to you one of the most enduringly fail-proof style equations: jeans and a nice top.

Of course, it’s hardly a novelty to fashion lovers, but for anybody new to the realm of jeans and a nice top, view it as the sartorial equivalent of meat and two veg. Gives you exactly what you need, and scratches the itch, all while requiring minimal effort. In short, for those of us who are yearning to dip our toes into the style pond, here’s the perfect entrée.

The best part is that there is a delightful rotation of tops that can be worn with all manner of delicious denim (in our minds, deciding what works best is a little like Cher Horowitz’s digital wardrobe in Clueless). As a starting point, though, these are the seven best jeans-and-a-nice-top combinations to know this summer. 

1) White tank and white jeans

White for summer – groundbreaking. And granted, it’s not. But there’s a reason it’s such a relied-upon hue once the sun puts – and keeps – her hat on come summertime. The way the fashion cognoscenti are interpreting it this year is by pairing a simple but fitted white tank with ankle-grazing white or ecru-toned straight-legged jeans. 

H&M Vest Top

H&M ribbed vest top

Sleek and simple, there’s nothing a white tank top can’t spruce up. We’ll be wearing ours – hopefully – under the sun, paired with our white jeans and an Aperol, of course.

Shop H&M ribbed vest top, £10

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Levi's 501

Levi’s 501 original white jeans

The perfect shade of white (yes, that’s a thing) and the perfect length, these classic Levi’s are a timeless investment. 

Shop Levi’s 501 original white jeans, £100

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2) Matching cardigan and camisole with acid-wash jeans

There’s absolutely nothing we dislike about Ellie Delphine’s cardi and acid-wash jeans combo. In fact, her 90s-inspired matching cardigan and camisole is monstrously on trend. The clashing of prints here, however, is not for the faint hearted and if you should wish to tone it down, opt for a more pared-back cardi combo and less glaringly obvious acid-washed jeans. For the sartorial rule-breakers, amp it up and clash all of the colours for optimal style points. 

Reformation Cardigan Set

Reformation Varenne Cashmere Tank And Cardi Set

This cashmere cardigan set will perfectly balance out a pair of acid-wash jeans. 

Shop Reformation Varenne Cashmere Tank And Cardi Set, £ 228

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Monki Bella acid wash jeans

Monki Bella acid-wash jeans

In a truly bleached 80s shade, these straight-legged jeans are perfect to throw on with a cardigan and cami and a pair of summer-ready heels. 

Shop Monki Bella acid wash jeans, £25

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3) Cropped top and wide-leg jeans 

Ab-flashing was the breakout trend this spring, and it looks set to dominate our summer wardrobes too. When in doubt, pair a cropped top - look to this year’s frisson with midriff flossing for proof - with a pair of juxtaposing wide-leg jeans, and there’s a foolproof fashion-forward ensemble you can rely upon time after time.  

H&M Lace-detail satin blouse

H&M Lace-detail satin blouse

In a pared-back cream shade, this lace-detail crop top is the perfect way to embrace the trend. Just keep your jeans extra-wide and fabulous to balance it out.

Shop H&M Lace-detail satin blouse, £24

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& Other Stories Jeans

& Other Stories flared high-waist jeans

Classic true-blue jeans will never go out of style, particularly when they are fitted this sensationally. 

Shop & Other Stories flared high waist jeans, £65

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4) Oversized shirt and straight-leg jeans 

The virtues of a classic oversized poplin shirt have been extolled at large by now, but this summer, the easy-breezy throw-on-and-go shirts are back with a vengeance - and they’re brighter than ever. Keep it chilled on the bottom with a pair of straight-legged jeans and some simple chunky sandals.     

Kitri Mariana pink boyfriend shirt

Kitri Mariana pink boyfriend shirt

In a punchy pink shade, this Kitri shirt is everything our summer wardrobes are in need of. We’ll be wearing ours with just a few buttons fastened with straight-legged jeans. 

Shop Kitri Mariana pink boyfriend shirt, £85

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Re/Done Distressed high-rise straight-leg jeans

Re/Done Distressed high-rise straight-leg jeans

This look works best when the jeans are slightly androgynous and distressed. These Re/Done straight-legged offerings are the best we’ve found. 

Shop Re/Done Distressed high-rise straight-leg jeans, £265

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5) Puff-sleeve top and wide-leg jeans

For a dressier jeans-and-a-nice-top combination, opt for a puff-sleeve blouse with exaggerated proportions. Choosing a top with a fun print or bold hue will work to elevate the look further, and then pair back with a straight-leg denim. 

Rosie Assoulin Top

Rosie Assoulin off-the-shoulder cropped cotton and silk-blend top

This off-the-shoulder puff-sleeve top is bringing all the drama. The oversized sleeves and bold blue hue are a perfect combination. 

Shop Rosie Assoulin off-the-shoulder top, £765

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Arket Jeans

Arket Straight Cropped Non-Stretch Jeans

To balance out the extravagance of the above top, try pairing it with understated, straight-leg jeans. This cropped Arket pair should do the trick. 

Shop Arket Straight Cropped Non-Stretch Jeans, £59

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6) Halterneck top and ripped jeans 

Halternecks are back in a big way for summer, and we’re loving pairing them with distressed denim. Try making your top half fun and playful and your jeans ripped and ready-to-go, and you’ll hit the sweet spot of looking nonchalantly good in no time. 

Zara Halterneck Top

Zara Ribber Halter Top

In a pretty pink hue, this halterneck is a serious showstopper. 

Shop Zara Ribbed Halter Top, £13

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Levi's ribcage straight ankle jeans

Levi's ribcage straight ankle jeans

In a delicious true-blue shade, these jeans are perfect for wearing from desk-to-dusk. The pretty hue will look particularly lovely when worn with greens and oranges.
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7) Baby T-shirt and dad jeans

If you reside in the camp that favours a less form-fitting get-up, then this pairing will come as a welcome surprise for you. Pair a baby T-shirt – which is neither cropped nor full-length, more a shrunken T-shirt – with oversized dad jeans that sit between your waist and hips and reach all the way to the floor. Wear with trainers to channel the vibe that the fashion crowd is loving. 

Urban Outfitters T-Shirt

Urban Outfitters Moonlight Supernova Baby T-Shirt

This shrunken T-shirt is the perfect way to embrace the look; just throw an oversized shirt over the top, et voila

Shop Urban Outfitters Moonlight Supernova Baby T-Shirt, £25

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Nudie jeans in Clean Eileen

Nudie jeans in Clean Eileen

The perfect pair of dad jeans comes by way of Stockholm-based Nudie jeans. We want them in every colour. 

Shop Nudie Jeans in Clean Eileen, £135

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Images: courtesy of brands

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