Blake Lively Just Made a Case for the Breeziest Way to Wear Denim in the Summer

Wearing jeans on a hot day may sound unappealing, but Blake Lively just proved that there is a cool and comfy way to wear denim during the summer. Recently, the actress stepped out in New York City in a bedazzled denim mini dress, demonstrating not only that the unexpected fabric choice can work in the summer, but also that it can be dressed up with a little bit of sparkle.

Lively paired her now-sold-out Self Portrait dress with a floor-sweeping jean jacket and a tiny denim Chanel purse. Her denim-on-denim (on denim) ‘fit is a modern take on an early aughts trend, and if anyone can make the case for the controversial throwback look, it’s Blake Lively.

While it may be too warm for a jean jacket, a denim dress is a wardrobe staple that everyone should have in their closet. I rounded up seven denim dresses under $120, so you can copy Lively’s look for less.           

7 Denim Dresses to Shop Now

Madewell Denim A-Line Sleeveless Mini Dress

This easy-breezy Madewell shift takes the cake for the best denim dress deal, currently on sale for nearly half off (just don’t forget to snag an extra 30 percent off by entering the code COOLDOWN at checkout). The light wash denim is perfect for a casual summer look—all that’s missing is a pair of leather sandals and a woven purse.     

J. Crew Claudia Dress 

For a preppier vibe, opt for the J. Crew Claudia Dress, a dark wash denim mini with a square neckline and gold buttons. This versatile closet staple can easily be dressed up with strappy sandals and gold jewelry, or dressed down with ballet flats and a baseball cap.  

Gap Organic Cotton Denim Maxi Dress

More of a maxi dress person? This flowy, tiered dress from Gap gives off total cottagecore vibes thanks to the smocked waist and dainty straps. Comfy and flattering, you’ll want to live in this dress all season long.

If you still aren’t sold on the denim dress look, keep scrolling for more examples of the wearable, summery trend, including a flirty babydoll dress for $40 and an office-friendly vest dress from Abercrombie. 

Daze Sun Button Front Sleeveless Denim Dress

Cupshe Denim Mini Dress

TheyLook Denim Babydoll Dress

Abercrombie The A&F Mara Denim Vest Mini Dress