Mindy Kaling’s Denim Shirt Is the Breakthrough Summer Style Martha Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence Wear, Too

Mindy Kaling’s doubling down on denim — literally. 

For a day trip to Santa Barbara, The Never Have I Ever co-creator, 44, wore the polarizing denim trend that’s having a revival right now. She tucked a dark-wash denim shirt into a pair of wide-leg jeans for a mismatched Canadian Tuxedo that was basically just another version of the one Jennifer Lawrence wore earlier this month. 

Still not convinced? Martha Stewart wore three different denim button-downs in May, while Chrissy Teigen has been wearing the universal style for years.

Denim Shirts Inspired by Mindy Kaling 

• Vetinee Button-Down Denim Shirt, $38.99; amazon.com
• Gap Organic Cotton Denim Perfect Shirt, $47 (orig. $59.95); gap.com
• Lee Legendary Button-Down Shirt, $36.25–$36.90; amazon.com
• Caslon Casual Chambray Button-Up Shirt, $32.97 (orig. $69); nordstromrack.com
• Kut from the Kloth Louella Denim Button-Up Shirt, $39.97 (orig. $99); nordstromrack.com
• Luvamia Denim Chambray Button-Down Shirt, $28.39–$31.87 (orig. $37.47–$39.99); amazon.com
• Mable Burnout Pocket Denim Button-Down Shirt, $118; anthropologie.com

Kut from the Kloth Louella Denim Button-Up Shirt

This Kut from the Kloth Louella Denim Button-Up Shirt looks thicker like a denim jacket, yet is still made from summer-friendly cotton. The wash is also darker, which might be easier to transition from day to night, and it has two pockets that a gold brooch could be tacked onto for an embellishment like Kaling’s. It’s $40 at Nordstrom Rack now, though it usually goes for $100.  

Luvamia Denim Chambray Button-Down Shirt

Can’t decide whether to get one in a light or dark wash? Head to Amazon for this Luvamia Denim Chambray Button-Down Shirt, which has an ombré-like mix of both. It’s also machine-washable, which you might need after a particularly sweaty day of wearing it over your bathing suit, at the amusement park, or at the farmer’s market. 

Gap Organic Cotton Denim Perfect Shirt

“It's called the ‘Perfect Shirt’ and it is indeed perfect,” said one shopper. The cotton fabric is “soft but sturdy” and “drapes beautifully over a tee or tank.” It’s supposed to hit at the hips, so there won’t be an excessive amount of fabric to tuck in, should you wear it like Kaling. And since it’s not too oversized, people won’t think you’re walking around pants-less when wearing it with biker shorts or a mini skirt. 

Keep scrolling to shop more denim shirts inspired by Mindy Kaling now. 

Vetinee Button-Down Denim Shirt

Lee Legendary Button-Down Shirt

Caslon Casual Chambray Button-Up Shirt

Mable Burnout Pocket Denim Button-Down Shirt