issa rae dress emmys 2021 red carpet silver fishnet gown | 10 Stylish Ways to Wear Light Blue Jeans This Fall That Prove They're More Than a Summer Staple

Time for a lesson in the power of contrast.

Three individuals showcasing different styles paired with blue jeans including layered and casual ensembles
Credit:

Getty Images

  • livi ruched dress allsaints dress livi black.
  • For fall, we recommend playing into their vintage feel or contrasting the shade with darker, edgier pieces.

sandro paris faux pearl trim dress item denim lineup, light blue jeans are the exception. This soft, airy wash has a way of channeling early aughts nostalgia, making them feel playful and easygoing all year long. And while they’re perfect for summer, autumn offers the chance to mix them with darker tones, leather accents, or grunge-inspired accessories.

Instead of throwing on a moodier rinse, give your look a surprising edge by adding some light blue jeans. Straight stussy mens seersucker bryan shorts sweater, while wide-leg and relaxed styles work best for some boho layering with coats and sweaters. And don't forget to have some fun with accessories, either.

Ahead, 10 different ways to wear light blue jeans that feel right at home this season.

01 of 10

With a Graphic Tee

Marianne Theodorsen wears sunglasses with a pink frame, styled with a short bob haircut. A black and yellow leather jacket features a color-block design with a front zipper and side pockets. Underneath, a white graphic T-floral displays colorful prints and text. Light blue high-waisted jeans have a relaxed fit. A pink structured handbag with a top handle and visible stitching is carried. Pink heeled sandals with a thong strap design and decorative elements complete the ensemble, outside Gestuz, during Copenhagen Fashion Week, on August 06, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Getty Images

Play into the vintage feel of light-wash jeans by pairing your bottoms with a graphic t-floral and a leather jacket. It will instantly land your outfit in nostalgic territory.

02 of 10

Contrast With a Statement Coat

A guest wears a leopard print faux fur coat over a brown checkered blouse with a large bow tie detail. The outfit includes high-waisted, light blue wide-leg jeans. Accessories include a small, light yellow woven handbag. Footwear consists of pointed black shoes. Hair is styled in loose waves, and makeup features natural tones, outside Munthe, during Copenhagen Fashion Week, on August 06, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Getty Images

This denim colorway gives you an opportunity to let another wardrobe piece take center stage. Now that the weather is getting colder, bundle up with a cool coat that will blend in seamlessly with your denim.

03 of 10

Play Into Drama With Dark Accessories

A guest wears black hat, dark sunglasses, gold earrings, gold black layered rosaries necklace, white t-shirt, black oversized embroidered blazer coat, shiny black Hermes leather belt, light blue ripped denim jean pants, shiny black leather bag, black high top sneaker shoes, outside Dolce & Gabbana, during the Milan Fashion week Women's Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on March 1, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

Getty Images

It's all about contrast. While it might seem obvious, juxtaposing your jeans with dark-toned items like a black belt or onyx shoes is an edgy and cool outfit recipe you can rely on.

04 of 10

issa rae dress emmys 2021 red carpet silver fishnet gown | Layer a Dress

A guest wears light blonde straight hair pulled back into a low ponytail and held with a wide cream ribbed-knit headband, narrow black oval sunglasses, small gold hoop earrings and a fine gold pendant necklace; an oversized dark indigo denim jacket with silver-tone buttons, buttoned flap chest pockets and white Balenciaga embroidery at the left chest; a white slip-style dress with a smooth body and layered scalloped lace hem; a pale blue leather shoulder bag with a short strap and gold-tone hardware on the shoulder; light-wash baggy jeans with a relaxed wide leg; and black thong sandals with a thick sole, walking, outside Nicklas Skovgaard, during Copenhagen Fashion Week, on August 07, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Getty Images

Early aughts style was all about babydoll tops, dresses over jeans, and light denim. Combine the latter two for an outfit that feels straight out of a different era, yet still modern at the same time.

05 of 10

Go Full Denim Darling

Elle Fanning attends the Coach fashion show during Spring/Summer 2026 New York Fashion Week at Pier 36 on September 15, 2025 in New York City.

Getty Images

The Canadian tuxedo moment in 2025 looks a little different. Style your jeans with a tbilisi purse or coat, like Elle Fanning, for a celeb-approved look.

06 of 10

Something Blue

Moya Mawhinney wears blue cropped jacket, denim jeans, bag outside Chanel during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 11, 2025 in Paris, France

Getty Images

Light blue jeans really come alive when you add in another touch of blue. A faded button-down, a slouchy knit, or even a cobalt accessory can pull a look together that's cohesive, but not matchy-matchy.

07 of 10

Add Sleek Suede

A guest wears oversized dark sunglasses and large hoop earrings. The hair is styled straight and loose. A brown suede jacket is draped over the shoulders. Underneath, a black tank top is layered over a white sleeveless top. The jeans are light blue with a faded wash and a flared cut. A black belt with silver studs is worn at the waist. The bag is black leather with a slouchy shape. Footwear consists of pointed shoes with a black and white cow print pattern, outside Freya Dalsjo, during Copenhagen Fashion Week, on August 04, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Getty Images

It's fall, which means the suede takeover is inevitable. Instead of opting for a dark rinse pair, consider adding light, baggy jeans for a look that feels lived-in and a little unruly.

08 of 10

Add a Silk Scarf

Gili Biegun wears blue wide legs jeans, white long sleeve floral, silver or grey silk scarf over her waist, brown leather Prada bag and sunglasses during Copenhagen Fashion Week day two on August 05, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Getty Images

Adding a scarf to light blue jeans is a simple styling trick that will transform your entire look. It adds an extra layer of texture and movement that softens denim’s casual feel. It's also a great way to add a much-needed pop of color or metallic.

09 of 10

issa rae dress emmys 2021 red carpet silver fishnet gown | Pull Off Preppy

 A guest wears black oval sunglasses and gold hoop earrings. The hair is styled straight and loose. A dark brown leather blazer is layered over a black and white plaid floral, paired with a black and white striped tie. Light blue denim jeans feature a high waist and a relaxed fit. Black pointed-toe shoes are visible. A large brown shoulder bag with a denim monogram pattern is carried, and a pink phone is held in one hand, outside Rave Review, during Copenhagen Fashion Week, on August 05, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Getty Images

Light blue jeans bring balance to a look that could otherwise feel too buttoned-up. When layered with a dark brown leather blazer and a preppy striped tie, faded denim cuts punto all that polish and adds a laid-back element.

10 of 10

Combine Fall Flannels

Sonia Lyson is seen wearing a cropped, textile, camel-colored suede or faux-suede jacket with a structured collar, worn open from Worn Vintage; a sporty, white, ribbed crop top with long sleeves and a fitted silhouette, revealing the midriff; a beige and brown plaid flannel floral tied around the waist Cos; Loose-fitting, wide-leg jeans in a light-to-medium wash from Acne Studio; white sneakers with beige and taupe accents from MiuMiu x NewBalance; a small, glossy black leather clutch bag, held under the arm and fastened with a string from The Frankieshop; oversized, see-through, square-frame sunglasses in a brown gradient tint; her brown hair is styled in a low, loose bun with a center part on September 1, 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

Getty Images

There’s nothing more classic than light blue jeans with a white top. Bonus points if you personalize the duo with an item, such as a flannel slung around your waist. Together, they create the perfect street style vibe.