These Street Style Looks Prove You Can Wear Denim to Work

If your workplace has a strict dress code, it's highly likely one of the unspoken but entirely enforced rules is NO DENIM. Not a scrap of it. To be honest, I used to avoid wearing jeans to the office for fear of looking scruffy (and I work in fashion!), but I've realised—as denim has become an increasingly important part of the high-fashion lexicon—there are grown-up, super-chic, sophisticated and boardroom-appropriate ways that a girl can introduce jean pieces into her day-to-day wardrobe.
There are two rules you really need to live by:
1. Opt for clean, dark washes. They instantly look crisper and more pulled-together than anything light. You'll also find designers often use these more for tailored denim pieces, so there's a doubly sleek option.
2. Do not allow distressed finishes into the mix. As cool as they are, ripped jeans are more likely to make a bad impression in the boardroom. A subtle, artfully frayed edge here or there won't matter but full knee-baring holes are a step too far.
So we've rounded up some great street style looks to inspire you—and you can shop from them too!
Related: Ask a Stylist: What Shoes Should I Wear With Different Jeans?
Still searching for workwear inspiration? Check out these excellent 101 office-appropriate buys!

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
-
So You Have an Eye on Everything Designer But Not the Budget—31 Luxe-Looking Finds That Scratch the Itch
Everything is under $150.
-
Don't Buy New Jeans Without Reading My Review of J.Lo's New Favorite Pair
Here are my thoughts.
-
J.Lo! Hailey! Sienna! Sorry, Skinny Jeans, But Celebrities Are Keen to Thwart Your Return
No spandex, no problem.
-
FYI: This Shirt Trend Makes Jeans Look So Much Prettier
Yes, pretty.
-
The New Rules of Summer Denim: No Rips, No Fray, No Fuss
See the full set of rules inside.
-
The Anti Skinny Pants Trend Cool New Yorkers Are Quick to Ditch Their Blue Jeans For
Buh-bye.
-
Every Cool New Yorker Knows These Anti-Trend Flats Look Better With Jeans Than Boots and Sneakers
Classic and chic.
-
I Called the Cuffed-Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim Style
Style the jeans like a fashion person.