I Won’t Be Caught Dead Wearing Denim in The Summer—20 Outfits I’d Try Instead

Controversial take for you… denim is the worst thing you can wear in the summer. Don’t get me wrong; it’s essential to any wardrobe. But when it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to wear is anything ultra-form-fitting (sorry, skinny jeans). After all, who’s clamoring to have beads of sweat roll down their legs because they’re squeezed into a pair of jeans like a sausage? If that makes you happy, I love that for you. Personally, though, there’s nothing more hellish than walking around New York City’s humid streets in denim. 

And I’m guessing that if you clicked on this article, you, too, share these sentiments. With record-breaking heatwaves worldwide, choosing what to wear isn’t just a matter of personal preferences but physical safety. Heat exhaustion is no joke, and while there are other things you can do to stay safe, a simple way to mitigate risks is through your clothing. You not only want to choose pieces made from lightweight materials but avoid denser textiles that trap heat—looking at you, denim. 

So what can one wear when it’s basically an oven outside? In an effort to serve humanity (or at least myself), I set out in search of styling alternatives to wearing denim. After hours of image research, I found 20 summer outfit ideas without jeans that will keep you looking stylish without breaking a sweat. Plus, I shopped out the key pieces you’ll need to create the looks at home.