With so much fab denim having debuted this fall, sneaking it into your outfits whenever possible is a must (because why not?). While the office is traditionally a denim-free zone, relaxing dress codes and the emersion of jeans with a more polished edge make it easier to add the tried-and-true fabric to your nine-to-five lineup. If this is a whole new sartorial horizon for you — and we get it, the line between on-point and inappropriate for the office isn’t always crystal clear — we’ve got you covered. On the flip side, if you’re a day-denim pro, we’ve found ways to make your go-to blues feel totally fresh. We’ve put together four office-ready looks with denim front and center. Your work-week wardrobe is about to get a whole lot more fun.
If you’re looking to test the waters before going full-blown denim on-duty, black skinny jeans are a good place to start. Because they’re subtle and sleek, it’s easy to mistake them for a pair of slim-fit trousers, which, of course, totally works in your favor. Throw in classics like a button-up shirt and blazer for good measure, then give the look a bit of personality with a graphic slip dress — yes, over your jeans — metallic belt and chic slide-on flats.
Mother Denim The Looker Not Guilty ($196) + H&M V-Neck Dress ($50), Uniqlo Supima Cotton Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt ($40), Urban Outfitters Violet Mules ($99), J.Crew Double Breasted Blazer in Wool Flannel ($228), Illesteva Leonard Amber Glasses with Silver Mirror Lenses ($177), ASOS Skinny Full Metal Waist Belt ($36)
How to Wear a Jean Skirt to the Office
Pencil skirts and midis are standard fare for a full-time gig, but a denim number is sure to shake things up. Elongated A-line silhouettes and dark washes are key to pulling it off, with button-front detailing helping to create give the piece a more polished feel. Instead of a classic collared shirt, layer a sleeveless turtleneck over an embroidered top instead (Haven’t you heard? They’re the cool new sweater vest). Snakeskin mules offer an unexpected alternative to your go-to pumps, while introducing a subtle and sophisticated rocker edge. Together, the look says “I’ve got this” in a totally non-stuffy way.
Alexa Chung for AG The Cool Denim A-line Midi Skirt ($347) + Banana Republic Textured Sleeveless Turtleneck ($80), Bauble Bar Shanghai Tassel Drops ($32), & Other Stories Structured Leather Shoulder Bag ($137), Zara Embroidered Top ($100), Free People Collection Silver Storm Mules ($268)
How to Wear a Jean Dress to the Office
A wrap dress is a wardrobe essential that will never let you down. From desk to dinner and everything in between, it’s a serious sartorial star. This sleeveless style does you right during the warm weather months, but to make it more here and now, layer it over a printed collared top or flowy blouse. To balance out its traditional feel, look to of-the-moment accessories like chunky heeled court shoes, a bright, bold bag and colorful, contemporary baubles.
Madewell Indigo Kimono Wrap Dress ($118) + River Island Blue Stripe Wrap Front Blouse ($68), Zara High Heel Retro Shoes ($100), J.Crew New Uptown Tote Bag ($178), Gemma Redux Gold-Plated Resin Earrings ($50), Komono Estelle Watch ($80)
How to Wear Wide-Legged Jeans to the Office
There’s no denying that these bottoms are straight-up denim, but that shouldn’t deter your from rocking them during business hours. Pair them with a long-line top in a pretty floral print to draw the eye away from the casual fabric, then add on a structured sleeveless blazer — the epitome of workplace chic. High-shine ankle boots in an eye-catching color and a fluoro bib necklace inject a little personality and color to the look.
7 for All Mankind Ginger Jeans ($189) + Front Row Shop Vest in Stripes ($55), Zara Long Floral Print Blouse ($50), Topshop Holly Sleeveless Jacket ($85), ASOS End of the World Ankle Boots ($99), Urban Outfitters Mod Block Ring ($12), Vespula Bib Necklace ($58), ASOS Front Lock Detail Backpack ($58)
Does your dress code give the green light to denim? How do you wear it at work? Tell us in the comments!
