How to Style Jeans

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Amber Crain

Last Updated: February 23, 2022 References

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for almost everyone, but because they come in so many fits and styles, it can be tough to figure out how to wear them. Start by choosing the best fit for your body type, then zero in on colors and lengths.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} To create casual looks, try light washes, boyfriend cuts, and distressed skinny fits. For dressier looks, go with dark washes and pair them with sophisticated pieces that look polished.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing a Style

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Try on a variety of fits to learn what works best for your body type.^{[2]
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Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} Jeans come in more styles and fits than almost any other garment! However, you’ll discover that some brands and fits tend to work best for you. Try on a range of fits and styles to find out what you like best. There’s no magic formula for matching body type with fit, but try these basic guidelines:
- Slim fit, straight fit and skinny fit jeans are usually a safe bet if you have a slim to average build.
- If your build is over average or plus size, opt for straight fit, loose fit, or tapered fits. Keep your outfit looking proportionate by pairing them with a slim fitting T-shirt, button-down, or blazer.^{[3]
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Mix things up with a variety of colors. Jeans come in every color under the sun, from white to bright neon. Go with basic black, blue, gray, or white for a refined, classic look. To create a more unique vibe, try a pair in your favorite color, like green or maroon.^{[4]
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- Once you find a fit or brand you really love, stock up on a few different colors so you can style your favorites jeans up or down as you please.
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Try different washes. If you prefer to keep your jeans blue, experiment with different washes. Light or acid washes work great with t-shirts and sneakers or flats. Dark jeans with slim fits tend to be dressier, and can be styled with blazers and dressy shoes for a more work-ready look. Medium washes are super classic, and you can create a variety of looks with them.^{[5]
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Experiment with different lengths to create a variety of looks. Cropped and cuffed jeans are great choices for relaxed looks. Try them in your favorite wash and pair them with a cardigan, t-shirt, or sweater for an everyday style. For a retro flair, experiment with floor-skimming flares. If flares aren’t your style, try bootcuts instead. High-waisted ankle jeans with tapered legs tend to look polished, but try pin-rolling tapered or straight legs for a slightly punkier vibe.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.}
- For example, you could try cropped, medium-wash jeans with a white cardigan and patterned t-shirt.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating Casual Looks

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Try light washes for a relaxed look. For a casual outfit, jeans with a light wash are the way to go. Go with a pair that are consistently light-colored, without faded areas, for a refined look. For something a bit edgier, go with faded or acid washes. The fit is up to you – light wash skinny fits create a sleeker silhouette, while relaxed fits look comfortable and more casual.^{[7]
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Wear high-waisted flares and a loose top for a laidback boho vibe. Go for a fitted pair of flares with just a little stretch to them to create a sleek, 70s-inspired silhouette. Try a medium wash and keep the other pieces fairly basic – a solid-colored blouse and your favorite pair of flats or wedges would work well.^{[8]
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- If you want to spice things up, add a statement bag or oversized sunglasses. Choose a bag with retro details like fringe to continue the 70s-inspired tone.
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Pair distressed denim with a graphic tee for an edgier look. Distressed jeans have strategic rips and faded areas on them. The amount of distress is up to you – for a polished look, go for a pair with just a few rips in the knee area. For a more laidback style, try a highly distressed pair with fading and rips all over them. Pull on a graphic tee for a cool, vintage-inspired look.
- Add a black moto jacket and combat boots for a rock and roll vibe.
- Try a pair of ballet flats and layer a cardigan on top for a softer look.
- You can buy distressed jeans that already have rips and fading, or you can make them yourself out of a regular pair.
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Wear a boyfriend fit for the ultimate easygoing look. Boyfriend cuts are baggy, oversized jeans that usually have lighter washes and strategic faded areas. The loose fit makes them super comfortable and casual, but you can style them in a lot of different ways. Try a crop top, either fitted or billowy, for a feminine boho vibe. Pair them with a simple t-shirt, skinny belt, and flats or loafers for a preppier look.^{[9]
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- For a super casual look, go with a distressed pair and cuff the legs.
- Create a sophisticated silhouette by pairing boyfriend jeans with a black bomber jacket and strappy heels or leather loafers.
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Wear stretchy jeggings with a loose button-down. This look is both preppy and casual, and perfect for running errands or grabbing brunch with friends. Pair the jeggings with a loose-fitting button-down in a classic print, like vertical stripes. Keep it untucked, and add a pair of bright-colored flats or boat shoes to spice things up a bit.^{[10]
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- Jeggings are a cross between jeans and leggings – essentially, very tight-fitting jeans with a lot of stretch to them. The fabric is soft, so they're really comfortable.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Styling Dressy Looks

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Go with a dark wash for a dressier vibe. Dark washes and black jeans are the easiest to dress up, since the silhouettes are already sleek. Pair them with a fitted top or button-down and ankle boots for a sophisticated look. Single color tops in neutral tones, like dark gray, cream, or navy are the easiest to style. Try mixing things up with an interesting pattern or brightly-colored print for a more unique look.^{[11]
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- For an even more formal vibe, trade the ankle boots for knee high boots or patent leather loafers.
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Pair a statement jacket or blazer with dark wash skinny jeans. A stylish, fitted jacket can take dark skinny jeans from low-key to work-ready. Try a classic cut, like a dark gray tweed blazer, or something quirkier, like a menswear-inspired tuxedo style. A long trench coat is also a good choice. The key to keeping the look dressy is choosing a jacket with a well-tailored, fitted style.^{[12]
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- Keep your top crisp and basic – a button-down or tank top works best for this look.^{[13]
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- For a feminine edge, go with a pair of strappy heels.^{[14]
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  Susan Kim
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  Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} For something more neutral, try sleek boots or oxfords.
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Add drama with a sparkly, patterned, or beaded top. An eye-catching top can add drama and formality to your overall look. Opt for black jeans, and try a sequined or beaded shell top in your favorite style. If you want to tone down the sparkle a bit while still keeping the look formal, layer a dark blazer with minimal detail on top.^{[15]
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- If sparkly isn’t your thing, try an eye-catching print or colorful pattern instead. The pattern brings drama to the look, and the basic dark jeans keep things looking balanced.
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Add formality to your look with lux accessories. Dark leather boots, a matching belt, and a cashmere scarf can make even a faded pair of jeans look dressier. Add a nice briefcase or bag to take things up another notch. Limit jewelry to 1 or 2 tasteful pieces, like a nice watch or a strand of pearls, for a sophisticated edge.^{[16]
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- Choose neutral colored accessories in basic styles to keep the overall look polished.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Styling Masculine Jeans

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Try an acid wash pair to look both cool and casual. The contrasting blue and white of acid washes make them both stylish and versatile. They are best suited for casual occasions; don't try to make acid wash work in a dressy situation! Pair them with your favorite vintage tee, a bomber jacket, and flat-soled shoes like trainers or boat shoes.^{[17]
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Go with fitted dark jeans to look polished and dressy. Make a well-tailored pair of dark wash jeans a staple in your wardrobe. They can look dressy or casual, and complement almost everything in your closet. Dress them up by pairing them with a crisp white button-down shirt, dark fitted blazer, and leather oxfords.^{[18]
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- For a slightly more casual look, wear them with your favorite t-shirt, white trainers, and a bomber jacket.
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Wear low-waisted skinny jeans in a light wash for a rocker vibe. If you have an edgy style, these jeans are for you. Stay away from mid-rise jeans and go for a pair that sit low on your waist. Be sure to get the skinny fit -- slim fit is not the same thing and won't have the same effect. Choose a distressed pair in a light wash for the ultimate cool and casual look.^{[19]
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Pull your look together with a matching belt and limited accessories. A nice leather belt always looks great with jeans. Since jeans are inherently casual in nature, keep other accessories to a minimum. A watch, scarf, and briefcase are all you need for dressier looks. If your style is more casual, go with a knitted cap or beanie.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you find jeans that flatter your body type?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Jeans can be hit or miss, but they’re also a staple. It depends on what body part you want to emphasize, and depending on that you choose your fit. There are so many different types of cuts, including flares, skinny jeans, and denim trousers. Try on a lot of different cuts of denim to figure out what's right for you.