WHAT TO WEAR WITH JEANS
Adding a variety of styling elements to give everyday denim a fresh look.
Taking a look this week at a classic pair of jeans and styling them five ways for a fresh look Monday thru Friday…and beyond. I’m working with a straight leg, medium wash which most of us already have in our closets. I’m currently into the most basic of cuts with a true waist and length that breaks at the ankle. AGOLDE, MOTHER, COH are a few of my go to’s. A slimmer leg works too or cropped above the ankle. It’s about taking your favorite pair of jeans and creating looks you’ll want to wear on repeat.
Jeans + Black Jacket/Blazer: I wear this look more than any pairing. I love the simple combination and think it works on so many levels. Day to night, with flats or heels. A basic black knit top layers under every jacket from the most modern in leather to the classic -a wool blazer. An oversized silhouette gives a vibe while tailored elevates a hint of restraint. Adding shine with polished lambskin or the sheen of calf hair further defines the look as put together and intentional. Sculptural accents add an of-the-moment flair easily achieved with a unique belt buckle, or a piece of jewelry – new or vintage.
Jeans + Plaid/Check/Tweed Blazer: A similar vibe but less edgy, more approachable particularly when I’m tired of all black (rarely). Again, pairing the jeans with similar elements – a polished loafer, interesting belt - but adding a visually interesting plaid blazer or any fabrication that doesn’t read solid. A relaxed pullover in a neutral adds a casual note and is further pulled together with a soft, unstructured bag. This look could be tweaked a number of ways with a sneaker, mary-jane, or block heel pump replacing the loafer. A white t-shirt will replace the knits when I want to transition to a lighter weight, spring look. Side note on the chic factor of Saint Laurent’s all black metal framed sunglasses. Love.
Jeans + A Neutral Story: The key tone here is adding softness and sophistication in a restrained neutral palette. The beauty of neutrals is they don’t need to match. They actually look much more interesting - less contrived - when they’re slightly off. This is also where I like to introduce texture – suede leathers, pointelle, ribbed or brushed knits. They layer beautifully. Let’s start with Frame’s field inspired jacket, a familiar silhouette that’s been elevated in a buttery soft beige suede. A little high maintenance yes, but fabulous. You could swap it for a corduroy or waxed cotton option and still, achieve a similar look. Sweaters get noticed when they’re a pointelle or ribbed knit, or brushed cashmere as previously shown with the plaid blazer. A sculptural nubuck brown bag adds needed contrast. Beige would fall flat. A hybrid loafer/ankle boot in desert sand completes the overall vibe of a casually sophisticated look.
Jeans + Denim Jacket: One of my favorite fall outfits on repeat consisted of a denim shirt with jeans. I used it as a base for several looks. It would work well in this story with any of the previously mentioned jackets. I’m taking the idea further with the addition of an updated denim jacket. A classic shape doesn’t speak to me here. It reads too tomboyish so I’m opting for a cut that’s fresh and interesting. A nipped in waist will do just fine. Layered over a sweater, I’d wear it unbuttoned but with a t-shirt I like it buttoned up. I would also treat it as a crisp tailored jacket and pair with a full skirt or trouser…buttoned up to highlight the silhouette. But for the above look, I’m liking the casual mood with a brushed cashmere sweater, beanie and suede accessories.
Jeans + Sweater: Simply updating my everyday run around look with interesting shoes and a pale bag. Taking a pause on straight forward athletic sneakers and bringing in a style to elevate the outfit. Enter grey flannel to check all the boxes - sophisticated, chic, fresh. A sand suede boot, sneaker, loafer does well here too. I love the whole grey, beige palette here and find the pieces interchangeable. The cashmere beanie previously shown in brown reverses to grey. That’s a win. If I needed a final layer, a puffer or cozy scarf would be my first two options.
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Thanks. These ideas are simple yet sophisticated. I have the Agolde 90s straight leg. I live in them. And often wear them with a black or plaid blazer.
Great ideas. Thank you 😊