Denim is everywhere. An American fashion columnist, Diana Vreeland, said, “Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola.” You can rock jeans everywhere, even in the office.
Jeans were once durable workwear for miners and laborers in the 19th century but today, denim is part of workplace wear in almost every sector.
Denim’s adaptability is the material’s superpower because, somehow, denim is our go-to fabric for casual days and can also be used for polished office ensembles. In this guide, I will explore how to wear jeans to work for both men and women in the workplace.
Choosing the Right Denim for the Workplace
I love wearing my jeans in the workplace, but there’s both good and bad news if you’re thinking of making the switch from formal to casual. The good news is that, yes, your super skinny jeans look amazing. The bad news is that they do not fit a work environment.
When you pair jeans with professional attire and skip the first step of selecting the right piece, you fail. Not all denim is created equal, and workplace settings demand thoughtful choices to balance comfort with professionalism.
Here are some key considerations I often recommend to my clients when they ask me about workwear styling:
Fit is Everything
Tailored denim is the foundation of work-appropriate style. So go for slim or straight-leg cuts for jeans. Leave out all the excessively baggy or tight fits. Those fit a weekend, not an office setting, for obvious reasons.
If you see yourself in a tailored silhouette, you’ll notice an enhanced polished look while maintaining comfort.
Wash Matters
Dark washes like indigo or black exude a more professional vibe than lighter hues or distressed styles. Raw denim, known for its rich color and structured feel, is an excellent choice for business casual settings.
I think it’s also important to steer clear of heavily faded or ripped denim unless your workplace explicitly allows it or you work from home.
Diversify with Denim Alternatives
The best thing about denim is that it isn’t just limited to trousers and jackets. You can also wear other denim pieces like blazers, skirts, hats, bags, chambray shirts, and even heels made from denim. The options are endless with denim. You choose your style and go denim with it.
Styling Denim for Casual Work Settings
Now, if you work in a casual workplace where the rules on workwear pants don’t limit jeans, this is for you. Here are a few shortcuts I recommend to get it right with jeans for work:
Pair with Structured Tops
Ladies and gents, the first styling tip is to combine jeans with structured blouses or button-up shirts for a smart yet relaxed look. A crisp white shirt tucked into high-waisted jeans is a timeless combo that oozes effortless sophistication for women.
Gents, don a white tee and blue Indigo jeans for that casual Friday. You can throw in a black coat or trench coat if the day is chilly.
Layer Thoughtfully
There is some magic to layering that never gets old. Especially monochromatic layering. This technique adds dimension and polish to your denim outfits.
Here is an idea: Pair a chambray shirt with a tailored blazer or a cardigan in the same shade. This approach ensures you look intentional rather than overly casual.
Choose Elevated Footwear
Shoes can make or break your denim ensemble. So go easy on the sneakers this time and let the loafers, ankle boots, or low heels take center stage. In creative or startup environments, sleek sneakers in neutral whites, blacks, greys, browns, and blues can still be a stylish choice.
Denim-Friendly Workplaces: When and Where It’s Appropriate
If you get to the point where you have work jeans and weekend jeans from Levi or Wrangler clothing, you’ve cracked the code. This is because when you are at work, you represent a brand.
So, whenever you attend meetings, everyone sees a professional company ambassador. This means that, to some degree, you dress for the job and rarely for you. This information is necessary when it comes to jeans selection.
It’s true that “There’s nothing more versatile than a good pair of jeans,” as Giorgio Armani says. So here’s a quick guide to help you decide what fits your work setting based on settings:
Casual Fridays
Many traditional workplaces allow jeans as business casual on Fridays as part of a relaxed dress code. Here is an idea that always wins: Stick to dark-wash jeans—dress, trousers, knee-length shorts—paired with a blazer, tailored top, cardigan, and T-shirt.
Creative and Startup Environments
These workplaces don’t have strict rules because they let your imagination run wild: Professionally. So, in this setting, you’ll often find dress codes allowing denim and other fancy fabrics. Here, denim jackets, skirts, or even jumpsuits can be styled creatively while maintaining a professional edge.
Client-Facing Roles
If your job involves meeting clients, denim might be a risky choice unless your industry norm allows it. In those situations, I think its best to stick to tailored pieces and pair them with formal elements like dress shoes and button-ups. Keep it simple and neutral, nothing fancy.
Formal Work Environments
Unfortunately, denim might not be a good fit for a formal setting in the traditional sense. The exception is when you incorporate it into your fashion by using accessories like denim phone cases or well-structured denim handbags. For men, accessories like a denim wallet or a cardholder made of the same material apply.
Do’s and Don’ts for Wearing Denim at Work
Hey, remember that even if your workplace allows jeans, there are rules for wearing jeans to work. A few of those are as follows:
Do: Keep It Polished
In any office setting, clean, sleek, and well-structured with minimal distress always wins. A neat appearance always reads professional, making you feel comfortable.
Don’t: Go Overboard with Casual Elements
Once you pair denim with overly casual items like graphic tees, flip-flops, or oversized hoodies, you go from “Hey Sir/Madam” to “Hey dude/girl” instantly. This rule applies to most, except if your workplace explicitly permits it.
Do: Experiment with Accessories
Even in stricter settings, denim accessories also find a place. Think leather belts, sleek watches, statement necklaces, earrings, laptop or tab cover, or bag to add a touch of professionalism and personal style.
Don’t: Forget the Irony of Ripped Denim
While trendy, ripped or distressed denim can appear unkempt in a workplace setting. Save these pieces for weekend wear unless your office encourages edgy fashion—like a fashion agency.
Do: Details Matters
When someone zooms in on your hems, are they neat? Such details make a huge difference. So, cuff your jeans, iron them if you must, and ensure the hems are appropriate for your footwear.
Don’t: Ignore Workplace Norms
Every office has a unique culture; always adhere to it. If you are a newbie and still can’t tell if the dress code accepts jeans, just observe. If you find your colleagues incorporating denim into their wardrobes and adapting accordingly, emulate that.
Accessories for Jeans in the Workplace
Before we close off, here is a list of all the accessories for jeans in the workplace. Use a piece or two at a time to create all your work jeans outfit ideas:
- Jacket
- Heels
- Vest
- Loafers
- Ankle boots
- Tote bag
- Crossbody bag
- Scarf
- Belt
- Hat
- Watch strap
- Laptop sleeve
- Wallet
- Tie
- Pocket square
- Hair band
- Phone case
- Notebook cover
- Bracelet
- Keychain
The Takeaway
Psychology attests that wearing blue exudes calmness, trust, and reliability. This works in your favor, no matter your work position. Elio Fiorucci says, “Denim is a love that never fades.“
Denim’s journey is long. And the beauty of it all is that it has always served its purpose—protective or aesthetic. When you take a denim piece and style it thoughtfully, it can be a valuable addition to your workplace wardrobe. No more boring khaki trousers all week long.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
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