When getting dressed for work, most of us reach for a pair of trousers or a skirt, but there’s an underutilised workwear option in your closet begging to be styled for the occasion—your humble pair of jeans. Sure, jeans were once designated for only casual Fridays and weekends, but with a shift in work environments, those days are long gone. With the proper styling, jeans can be transformed into a chic and professional look suitable for the office. We intend to provide some ideas and insight to help you wear denim to work without sacrificing style or professionalism.
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Wear it with a Shirt or Blouse
A shirt or blouse is usually the first item that springs to mind when considering workwear. So, it should be an obvious pick when it comes to dressing up a pair of jeans for the office as well. Make sure to choose a tailored fit and tuck your shirt or blouse into your pants to maintain a more polished look. Wear heels or loafers with the outfit for a refined look, and switch them up for pumps or sneakers for after-work errands.
If in Doubt, Add a Blazer
There’s no outfit that can’t be elevated with the addition of a blazer. This simple piece can instantly make your jeans feel more workwear-appropriate. Whether you prefer the structured fit of a double-breasted style or the relaxed feel of a boyfriend cut, most blazers are the perfect finishing touch to any professional outfit. Although it is typically safer to stick to neutral colours like black, navy, or grey, there is no reason why you can’t add an unexpected pop of colour with a pastel or red look. You can even experiment with patterns like plaid or pinstripes to create a more interesting look.
Try a Tailored Suit Vest
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There’s a good reason why the tailored suit vest has been so popular these days. This fashion staple is effortlessly elegant and suitable for practically any setting. Of course, if you’re styling it with a pair of jeans for work, consider wearing it with a crisp white shirt, turtleneck, or underneath a jacket for a pseudo-two-piece suit look (even vice versa). Then, simply remove the shirt or blazer after work to transform your outfit for a night out.
Throw on a Coat
Much like the blazer, a coat has the power to transform a casual outfit into something far more refined. A coat is your key to wearing more casual pieces in a more professional environment, whether you choose a traditional trench coat or a fashionable oversized design. Just be mindful of the materials you select, as a coat made of wool is guaranteed to look more put together than a puffy or teddy bear style.
Pair it with Heels
Women have been wearing heels to work for decades for the mere fact that they instantly elevate any attire. The same is true when wearing them with jeans; adding heels can make you feel more put together. If you’re unsure which heels match with which cut, try wearing skinny jeans or straight-leg pants with a strappy style or round-toe heels and baggier or wider-leg pants with pointed-toe shoes or styles with thicker heels. But you don’t want to end your day with sore feet, so pick a heel height that meets your required comfort level.
Add Stylish Loafers
A great alternative to wearing heels with jeans is to opt for stylish loafers. While loafers may not offer the same height boost as their heeled counterparts, they still add effortless sophistication to an outfit. There are many different styles of loafers, ranging from classic penny loafers to trendy tasselled forms and even modern chunky designs. So, pick a pair that fits your work setting and offers the comfort required for a demanding workday.
Go for your Darker Denim
On the spectrum of denim washes, darker shades like indigo or black are definitely more versatile and can be more easily dressed up for a professional setting. Lighter washes are typically best suited for casual settings and thus may not be appropriate for all workplaces. Choosing darker denim allows you to maintain a more classy and put-together look while affording you the luxury of wearing a comfy pair of jeans. It should also go without saying that you want to ensure the denim fits appropriately and is free of any decorations or unwanted distressing that might not be suitable for the workplace.
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