I'm a Fashion Editor—Here's How I Dress Up My Favourite Jeans for a Night Out

I really don’t want to think about the effort I’d have to put into getting dressed if it weren’t for jeans. They’re the piece I grab when I’m in a hurry, when my friends and I decide to meet up last minute or I when just don’t have the mental capacity to pull together a look. However, when dresses become an integral part of my aesthetic, I found myself leaning less on my jeans for the daytime. Instead, they became my preferred nighttime attire.

Unlike party season—when I’m always keen to embrace embellishment and feathers—there’s something so effortlessly cool about more laid-back going-out looks during the autumn, and jeans will help you nail that assignment. Keen to see how influencer types style their evening outfits with jeans, I went on a social media deep-dive with the aim of unearthing ensembles I could copy and paste for my next night on the tiles.

Below are seven of the best looks that I found, from the shoe choice that fashion people always pair with their denim to the various tops that’ll help elevate your strides and give them after-dark appeal. Scroll on to see the evening outfits with jeans that have impressed me.

7 Evening Outfits with Jeans:

1. Vest Top + Chain Neckace

Style Notes: Never before has the vest top been so pivotal in our outfits as it is now, but until the temperatures rise again, wear the look with a leather biker jacket. With strappy sandals and a chunky chain necklace, the vest-top-and-jean outfit combo is elevated from day to night.

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2. Cut-Out Top + Sparkly Bag

Style Notes: Cut-outs are a still key trend in 2023, especially if you're not into the rivalling sheer look. In top form, cut-outs will instantly give your outfits "going-out" credibility.

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3. White Shirt + Statement Heels

Style Notes: There’s something refined about a crisp white shirt that loans itself perfectly to nighttime pursuits. Paired with jeans it's the perfect smart casual combo.

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4. Strapless Top + Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: Strapless tops signify one thing: You’re going out. And they also happen to be the base for some exceptionally good jewellery styling. A simple shoulder bag is all you need to complete this minimalistic evening look. Oh, and add a blazer if you’re prone to feeling the chill.

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5. Statement Top + Hoops

Style Notes: There's a lot to be said for the old phrase 'jeans and a nice top'. If you're still unsure about the relaxed nature of jeans, go full force with your top. My suggestion? Sequins and sparkle. To add to the impact of the look, layer up your jewellery and opt for a striking bag too.

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6. White Blazer + Mules

Style Notes: A white blazer will instantly lift blue and black denim, giving it a more premium feel that works well for the evening. Nearly every influencer on this list has styled their jean evening outfits with mules. If in doubt, invest in a black strappy pair for maximum versatility.

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7. Waistcoat + Slingback Heels

Style Notes: A waistcoat has become a staple in women's wardrobes over the last few years and they are one of my go-to pieces for a night out for an instant sophisticated look. Paired with a pointed slingback heel and wide-leg jean, it's a failsafe outfit option.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.