Relaxed, boxy and imbued with a certain rugged charm, there's just something about a denim shirt that feels undeniably cool. While classic styles have long been a summer staple for adding a touch of nostalgic Americana, you'll be pleased to hear that this season, designers have found new and unexpected ways to make the wardrobe basic feel fresh. Case in point: Zara's cropped take on the trend that's as practical as it is stylish.
Zara’s Crop Denim Shirt has been making quite the sartorial mark on our Instagram feed recently, thanks to its casual throw-on-and-go appeal that slots seamlessly into any capsule wardrobe. Made from mid-weight cotton denim, it might sound like a warm-weather risk, but its cropped cut and short sleeves allow for just enough airflow to keep things cool when temperatures rise. No wonder, then, that it was one of the brand's best-selling pieces last week, according to influencer marketing platform LTK. Whether styled with tailored satin trousers, slip skirts or your favourite wide-leg jeans, it delivers an effortless balance of structure and ease, making it a reliable everyday staple that the city's best-dressed women have been wearing on repeat through balmy summer days.
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This cool-girl style denim shirt looks incredibly chic with denim jeans for a contemporary Canadian tuxedo look.
Likely inspired by the likes of Miu Miu, whose own coveted cropped stripe shirt comes in a navy denim version, Zara’s iteration channels the same effortless cool with clean lines and a flattering cut, without the long sleeves and raw-cut detailing of the Western-inspired original. It’s available in two washes, light and dark denim, with the darker shade proving especially popular among fashion insiders this season.
The true brilliance of this denim shirt, however, lies in the fact that it’s part of a set and comes with a matching Wrap Denim Skort. Available in four shades, the denim skort is perfect for a non-traditional take on the classic Canadian tuxedo. Equally, you can wear the pieces as separates – the shirt pairs effortlessly with lace midi skirts for a bohemian vibe, while the skort works well with Saville-Row-inspired waistcoats or longline bandeau tops, creating a chic, drop-waist silhouette that can be dressed up or down depending on your footwear choice.
Shop: The Zara Shirt
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The dark wash feels more sophisticated, perfect for those who like their denim with a little extra character.
Image credits: @helenacritchley and @Natalie.s.t.howard.x.
Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer, and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.