HOW TO STYLE DENIM FOR WORK

OFFICE STYLE: DENIM 101

How To Style Denim For Work

How is it Monday already? I have to say my weekends and weekdays are blurring into one these days, the disadvantage of a long summer without any time off combined with a new house to make home means weekends fly by without a second to even stop, and before the blink of an eye it’s Monday again!

The knock on effect of this zombie like state is that my weekday office wear requires minimal thought, zero effort and absolutely maximum comfort. Which naturally lends itself to a number of denim looks and combinations.

My denim styling tenda to fall into three brackets: Firstly the boyfriend blazer and tee combo, secondly the statement blouse or shirt combo (aka today’s duo and this look from earlier in the summer) or thirdly the oversized statement sweater. All three combinations transform the humble jean into an office ready look, but there are a couple of additional styling tricks which make denim office ready.

HOW TO STYLE DENIM FOR WORK

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STYLE ELEVATIONS

Add A Boyfriend Blazer or Chic Blouse

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The key to making denim work ready is to elevate the otherwise casual jean with a chic blouse, classic blazer or statement jumper. For me a blazer is an absolutely fail safe way of making a simple denim outfit look effortlessly sophisticated and professional. Equally, a statement blouse or classic shirt is another great way of transforming your jeans for work, I love an oversized sleeve like I’m wearing in today’s outfit or equally a little ruffling can really add a chic touch.

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STATEMENT ACCESSORIES

Add A Classic Shoe Or Killer Heel

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Of course your footwear is another opportunity to elevate your outfit from off duty to on duty, whether it’s a chic mule, a heeled boot or loafer or a classic leather sandal like the Cos ones i’m wearing in today’s post. Reserve your converse for the weekend and team your denim with your most statement shoe to really transform the look. Your shoe choice can really transform your look, and for those meetings where you really want to dress your best, a stiletto or pump (my Gucci and Russel & Bromley loafers are my go to) are your best choice. Plus don’t forget how a designer or classic bag can upgrade your look too …

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QUALITY IS KEY

Tailoring, Colouring & Material

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Finally, when it comes to jeans there’s a whole spectrum of styles, cuts, materials and colours available to you, and of course all of these can create very different vibes regardless of how you style them. If you’re looking for a very chic and smart look for an important meeting, a tailored straight leg or skinny, well tailored black jean is probably your best match. If you’ve got a slightly more relaxed day in the office, perhaps a classic denim blue jean works well. And dependent on your industry, things like fringing, high waists and even raw hems can be played with. It’s all about playing with the tailoring, colour and material to ensure you’re styling the best denim for the occasion.

As my office set up is relatively laid back, these Topshop fringed jeans look great in the summer for a slightly more casual work look, however if I had important client meetings I’d definitely upgrade to a more tailored dark denim or black jean teamed with a white shirt and one of my favourite boyfriend blazers.