Is there anything more classic than a relaxed flannel shirt? It’s among the most comfortable, versatile, and laid-back pieces a woman can add to her closet–and best of all, it’s perfect to wear with your favorite jeans.
This is more than just an easy outfit for your off-duty days, although it just so happens to be perfect for those occasions. The genius of the flannel-and-denim combination centers largely around its practicality and comfort. The two pieces work hand in hand to create a look that is both stylish and low-key, cute yet understated, cozy yet effortless. Isn’t that what we all strive to achieve when we get dressed?
With its crisp winds, brisk air, and lovely foliage, fall is certainly a beautiful time of the year. But for many, it’s also a season that demands a swift change in wardrobe. That can take many forms–you may swap your lightweight cropped cardigans for long women’s tunic sweaters to stay warmer. You might shove the dresses to the back of the closet in favor of the multiple layers you need to wear to stay even remotely comfortable outside.
Enter the flannel shirt. Where layering is concerned, the piece is easily one of the best options imaginable. It’s perfect to throw on over a light tank top earlier in the season, then over a long-sleeve top when temperatures drop further. A pair of jeans is the pièce de résistance–the perfectly casual bottom that exudes the same no-fuss, no-drama vibe as your flannel shirt. As flannel tops are available in so many colorways, it’s important to combine them with something relatively neutral that allows the pattern to shine–jeans do the job nicely.
But flannel shirts aren’t just appropriate fall weather–although they’re probably the most popular alternative to a sweater out there. You just can’t go wrong with flannel and denim at a football game or a casual Sunday brunch with friends. But what about other seasons? It turns out flannel shirts are just as suitable during other periods of the year–yes, even summer. Sure, you might not want to wear a warm shirt and a pair of women’s jeans when it’s sweltering outside, but you can swap your bottoms for lightweight denim shorts or even a cute A-line jean skirt. You have options, and they’re all so flattering.
During spring, flannel makes a great choice when it’s unexpectedly brisk outside, and naturally, it makes a seamless transition to wintertime wear. You might consider it the one piece you can wear without fail for months at a time. A flannel shirt looks great–and will keep you super warm–on the chilliest days of the year. Pair it with skinny jeans, throw on a long coat and allow the flannel to peek out for a pop of color, then step into a pair of your favorite booties or over-the-knee boots for a look that is casually refined.
Just as the seasonal possibilities are endless, so are the styling options for your favorite denim shirt. Think of it as an extension of your wardrobe–something that’s more versatile than other garments and that has the potential to step in for other pieces every now and then. For example, you can treat your flannel shirt like a fleece jacket and wear it open over another top and a pair of jeans for an easy look. Add a couple of statement necklaces and you’ll feel flawless.
When it gets too hot for flannel, you can always wrap it around your waist–it’s an old-school look that still feels fresh and approachable in the 21st century, and it’s most appropriate to do when you’re wearing jeans to wrap up the laid-back look.
Flannel shirts look right at home with everything from high-rise to skinny jeans. One of the elements that makes the flannel-denim matchup so exciting is footwear. A simple change of shoes can make all the difference!
Case in point: You’re wearing a gorgeous flannel shirt and a pair of snug jeans. Chunky platform sneakers or thick-sole canvas shoes make the perfect partner for this look. But you could just as easily swap those for a pair of suede booties or cowboy boots to complement your jeans.
The bottom line? Jeans and flannel will always be a match made in fashion heaven.