If you struggle with what to wear to work each day, it might be be because you haven't given jeans enough thought. It's true that there was a time that office dress codes banned jeans and focused on minimalist tailoring, but in 2023, the post-pandemic way of working has changed things entirely, including the way we dress. While some of us wear uniforms or others still have to relegate jeans to casual Fridays, there are growing numbers among us working in relaxed environments that allow jeans seven days a week without any issue. Whether you work in an office, on-the-road, with your hands, or in creative industries, jeans are an integral part of our wardrobes and everyday lives, and are every bit as versatile as a pair of black, tailored trousers, so we're here to offer some inspiration and insight into how to make denim feel appropriate for work, no matter what you do.
With every different fit, wash, and cut of denim on the market, you're spoiled for choice for options, and have infinite ways to get creative with your 9-to-5 look. To help you piece together an outfit that's the very definition of "business/casual", we've rounded up six different ways to wear your favourite jeans that incorporating a few of spring's major trends (that's you ballet pumps and boxy blazers), and some familiar classics (and we'll never get tired of the trench coat). So to give your jeans the extra oomph that they need, keep scrolling for our favourite work outfits with jeans.
1. A KNIT, BLACK JEANS, AND ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: It might be spring but it's still cold outside, so until the sun makes an appearance we'll be wearing soft cashmere knits with smart black denim, made dressier with a polished leather ankle boot.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Our favourite winter jumper is still in stock, so act fast to secure this wise investment that you'll for years to come.
The nipped in waist is perfect for tucking in oversized knits and slouchy shirts.
Dragon Diffusion make the kind of chic bags you can take everywhere from the beach to the boardroom.
Comfort is key, and these boots have the perfect heel height for all-day wear.
2. A QUILTED JACKET, JEANS AND FLATS
Style Notes: When it's too cold for a blazer but too mild for shearling, the one coat that ticks every box is a quilted jacket. Wear with shirts, t-shirts, tank tops your favourite jeans and you'll always be the perfect temperature, but if it feels too casual for the office, just add sleek accessories and a block heel.
SHOP THE LOOK:
It's a cult classic for a good reason.
Turtlenecks make everything look smarter.
The perfect balance between formal black denim and casual blue.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that this was designer.
3. A WHITE T-SHIRT, JEANS AND LOAFERS
Style Notes: Everyone has at least one good white t-shirt in their wardrobe, and the easiest way to make it work-ready is with an undeniably chic silk scarf and a smart shoe.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This is one of our editor's favourite white tees because the thick cotton doesn't go sheer.
Cigarette trousers are big news right now, and a slim-leg cropped jean is the denim equivalent.
Brand new from Jimmy Choo, dare I say the best loafer of all time?
Toteme don't just do incredible ready-to-wear, there's stellar accessories too.
4. A BLAZER, JEANS AND BALLET PUMPS
Style Notes: Where better place to look than the streets of Paris for some stylish inspiration, and as Lorna proves, the age old combination of a cropped jean and ballet pumps only gets better with the addition of a blazer.
SHOP THE LOOK:
When it comes to blazers, the bigger and the boxier, the better.
You can't beat M&S for quality cashmere on the high-street.
I love this soft, blue wash for everyday wear.
Ballet flats are back, and you needn't break the bank to find some of the most stylish pairs on the market.
5. A WHITE SHIRT, JEANS AND SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Breathe new life into your old white shirt by wearing loosely and half tucked with a pair of jeans and this seasons It shoe the slingback, to show you mean business.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Size up to wear to best, oversized effect.
Good American are the best jeans on the market for a wide size range (and adjustable waists). Goodbye, dreaded "gap".
Whether you pair them with a pencil skirt or casual denim, these are the ideal work shoe.
6. A TRENCH COAT, CARDIGAN, JEANS AND TRAINERS
Style Notes: That's right, it's trench season again, so break out the coat you invested in last autumn and pair with a complimentary tonal knit, distressed jean and trainers for a comfortable take on your 9-to-5 uniform.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Brand new to the H&M site, but guaranteed to not be around for long.
I would happily wear this matching set to work, to the pub, on a dinner date, to brunch with friends...
Just the right amount of distressed but without unsightly rips.
If you've been scouring the net looking for Adidas Sambas, the unisex style is back in stock on Farfetch but be aware that unisex pieces are displayed in men's sizes so you'll need to size down.
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