Jeans are the definition of a wardrobe staple. You can wear them all year, you can wear them in a lot of work dress codes, and there’s a style that works for everyone. I love how jeans can be elevated beyond casual wear for different occasions. When you style jeans appropriately, they work for dinners, date night, the office, and when you want a nice outfit for a vacation. So, this post is a guide on how to dress up jeans and create elevated denim outfits that even work for some special occasions.
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How To Dress Up Jeans
Denim has always been a go-to closet hero, but I feel like it’s just so widely accepted these days. Of course, not all denim is the same so it’s important to find a pair without raw hems, rips, or intentional tears. You can do a lot with the right pair of jeans!
What Jeans Are In Style
There are so many different styles of jeans that people are wearing right now, but the most important thing about jeans is finding a pair that fits you! I love wide leg jeans and straight leg jeans, but straight leg jeans always feel a little more like me!
Classic Silhouette That Elevates Easily: Straight Leg Jeans
Straight leg jeans always feel elevated because of how tailored they are, so they’re pretty easy to dress up! They look fabulous with a blouse or a chic sweater. I’ve always loved straight leg jeans with flats or loafers for work, but they also look chic with fun Mary Janes. Stovepipe jeans are a similar option. They have a slightly closer fit than your typical straight leg jeans, and they look great with flats or kitten heels. These are my favorite straight leg jeans! The first two pairs also come in a longer length.
Wide Leg Jeans
Wide leg jeans feel like the perfect option when you want to add a little fun to your outfit. They work with chic cropped jackets and kitten heels, for example, that would be perfect for date night or a dinner with friends. Wide leg jeans look nice with different types of shoes that help elevate your outfit too! From boots to slingbacks, they’re kind of a chameleon for styling a polished jeans outfit. If you’re looking for wide leg jeans outfits, check out my blog post all about how to style them.
Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel leg jeans seem like they’re here to stay, and I love how there’s a pair of barrel leg jeans for everyone. These jeans are cut perfectly to show off a fun kitten heel or sandal. Madewell has this great pair of barrel leg jeans that I love in the creamy white color. I also own this pair from Rag & Bone that I like to style with flats.
What To Wear With Jeans To Elevate Your Outfit
Silk Blouse
This silk blouse has been a game changer for my closet because I always have a nice blouse to wear under sweaters and all types of jackets. It’s the same blouse I’m wearing in the photo above, and it actually comes in a lot of different colors, patterns, and fabrics. I sized down one size.
Sock Tights
Sock tights are the solution to being able to wear ballet flats and loafers when your feet need a little extra warmth. These are the sock tights I wear all the time! I wear the polka dot and just the classic, plain tight options. The polka dots are super subtle since they’re the same color as the sock tights. The polka dots are also small, so they don’t become the focus of your outfit. I’m wearing them throughout this blog post, including the photo above and below.
Button Up Shirt
This button up shirt is one of my go-to button ups for casual or workwear recommendations. I own it in three different colors, and I wear it all year. I love this for a vacation outfit when you want to feel comfortable but polished.
Fun Belt or Classic Belt
Okay, this classic brown leather belt is fabulous and comes in other colors too. I also wear this black leather belt frequently. Fun belts are another option, especially when you’re wearing a plain sweater or button up. I love this one!
Suede Jacket or Statement Jacket
A suede jacket or leather jacket will always add a touch of sophistication to your denim outfit. I also love wearing a statement jacket with jeans. This one is my go-to for spring, winter, and fall! You can see it on me in the outfits section below.
Ballet Flats, Loafers, or Boots
These are obvious shoe choices to dress up denim. They are more polished than sneakers or flip flops.
Outfit Ideas: How To Style Jeans to Elevate Your Outfit
Loafers with a button up and jeans for weekend or work
Loafers styled with a button up is one of the easiest ways to elevate jeans. I wore this outfit on the weekend, but you can easily wear it to work. If you do wear this to the office, you can button up the shirt more to make it look more professional.
There are ways to style this outfit all year. I wore this look on a warm winter day along with a coat, but it’s perfect for spring too. You can also transform this outfit into a summer outfit by getting rid of the cashmere socks and the sleeveless sweater. Since the button up shirt is 100 percent cotton, it’s not too hot and you can always roll up the sleeves. Wear it with white jeans and mesh ballet flats or sandals. It would be a perfect July 4 outfit if it’s not too hot where you’re going!
Statement Jacket or Statement Coat
A statement coat is always a good idea to pair with jeans! This one is my favorite because it instantly elevates your outfit. I’m just wearing a nice t-shirt under it, so I’m super comfortable but my outfit is polished.
Lightweight Jeans and Slingbacks for Summer Date Nights or Weekends
These wide leg jeans are actually made to wear during the summer, and they were a game changer for my summer wardrobe as soon as I bought them. They look cute with slingbacks or casual mesh flats. I styled them here for a date night.
My slingbacks are similar because mine are sold out from Larroude. I love this little matching set top as it’s 100 percent cotton, so it’s not too hot. You can wear the tank top with the matching cardigan in the fall and spring, and the tank top will be cute by itself in the warmer months.
Cashmere T-Shirt and Leather Belt
A cashmere t-shirt looks way more polished than a regular t-shirt, so it’s a great option for fall and spring jeans outfits. You can wear this with any style of jeans, whether you prefer wide leg, straight leg, or flare jeans. I love this look for just about anywhere you’re going.
I also wrote a blog post about how to dress jeans and shirts like a t-shirt up!
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