The Best Spring Tops To Make Your Denim Pop
Image by: Zara
Outfit building doesn't get much easier than jeans and a nice top...
There’s something undeniably comforting about slipping into a pair of jeans you love. Be it rigid vintage Levi’s or a baggy high rise pair straight out of a Y2K daydream, denim is the constant in our ever-spinning fashion orbit. But even the most trusted jeans deserve a moment to shine - and that all comes down to what you wear on top.
I recently found myself staring into the abyss of my wardrobe (read: a mess of hangers and half-zipped boots), trying to show off my favourite new barrel-leg jeans. Enter: the hero top. From romantic, froufrou blouses (yes, the kind with puffed sleeves, ruffles and more volume than a 2004 blow-dry) to tailored waistcoats and just great vests, the right top is all it takes to revive even the most well-worn denim.
Of course, the classics still hold court - think crisp cotton shirts, Breton stripes, and a silky cami peeking out from under a blazer. These are the pieces that make denim feel effortless, elevated and entirely timeless. But this season, the resurgence of boho is nudging us to experiment again. Embroidered tunics, crochet detailing, and folksy prints are all sashaying back into the spotlight.
Whether you're leaning into the nostalgia or keeping things clean and minimal, we've rounded up the best tops to make your denim pop. Scroll down for your easiest spring outfit makers.
Denim shirt
H&M
£27.99
Double denim, the Canadian tuxedo, the "Britney at the VMAs" - whatever you call this extra helping of denim look, it's in right now. Try to keep tones similar for maximum impact.
Balloon-effect blouse in creased fabric
Mango
£59.99
The perfect cropped silhouette to emphasis a high waisted wide leg jean.
Cotton Rich Ribbed Slim Fit Vest Top
Marks & Spencer
£8.50
M&S ribbed vests cost less than a tenner, come in tonnes of colours and truly are the best in the biz. Keep it simple on top when you're experimenting with more directional leg shapes or washes on the bottom.
Ganni Printed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt
Net-A-Porter
£115.00
A t-shirt and jeans doesn't have to feel like a cop out. Ganni's signature graphic tops are the perfect addition to your favourite denim.
Beau Bow Satin Blazer
Aligne
£145.00
That peekaboo cut at the front is perfect for showing off a high rise waistline. So chic!
ZW COLLECTION BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES
Zara
£45.99
If you love the Chloe look but don't want to pay out Chloe prices, this bohemian-inspired ruffle blouse from Zara is the perfect way to nail this runway trend on a budget.
DOUBLE-BREASTED SHIRT
COS
£95.00
Fancy giving your jeans a smarter feel? Double-breasted detail adds a tailoring dimension to the classic cotton shirt.
Maeve Boatneck Bell-Sleeve Top
Anthropologie
£68.00
Stripes + denim are a match made in heaven. The asymmetric print placement gives it a bold, modern twist.
Light Yellow Button Front Bandeau Waistcoat
New Look
£35.99
The office, dinners out, weekend brunches - there's nowhere that this combo wouldn't work.
Cotton Polo Shirt
ARKET
£67.00
The rugby top is back! Use it to give a preppy twist to indigo denim.
Green Jacquard Miley Shirt
Never Fully Dressed
£89.00
Leave this romantic, vibrant blouse loose and a little unbuttoned for a flash of navel.
Bilma Shirt
Sezanne
£100.00
Invest in the perfect striped cotton shirt and you'll love it for a lifetime. This one from Sezanne gets our vote.
Doen Henri Crganic cotton-voile top
Net-A-Porter
£215.00
A lovely confection of ruffles and pintucks. So good for bringing a feminine charm to rigid denim fits.
Maribelle Cotton Blouse
Rixo
£145.00
This vintage-inspired lace detail blouse is so, so pretty.
Pure Cotton Floral V-Neck Tie Front Blouse
Marks & Spencer
£39.50
A soft bohemian blouse made sexy with tie-front detail. This is calling out for a barrel jeans and ballet pumps.