Jeans are often viewed as “casual” attire, and as such many people wrongfully assume they can’t be worn to the office. Denim may lack the traditional formality of trousers, but there are several ways to dress up a pair of jeans. So if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable alternative to traditional trousers, grab a pair of denim. As long as you follow the tips outlined below, you can successfully strut your stuff in the office while wearing a pair of jeans.
Color Matters
Don’t underestimate the impact color/tone has on the appearance of your jeans. If you’re looking to achieve a formal look (which most office workers are), it’s recommended that you choose a darker shade of blue. One such choice is Indigo Blue, which is characterized by a deep navy-like blue that’s consistent and even throughout. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t wear jeans of lighter shades, but darker colors tend to look more formal.
Here’s a tip: it’s not uncommon for jeans to fade over time, losing their natural luster. Rather than tossing them out and replacing them with new ones, you can dye them in the washing machine. Most grocery stores and major department stores sell fabric dye for a couple bucks a piece (or less). Just follow the instructions and your faded jeans will look new!
Footwear
You’ll want to pay close attention to your footwear when wearing jeans to the office. Lacing up your everyday sneakers will create a more casual appearance — something that you probably want to avoid. On the other hand, dress shoes will have the opposite effect by turning your outfit into a formal business-casual attire that’s perfect for the office. If you’re a woman, try wearing single-color high-heels with your jeans. If you’re a man, perhaps you can wear some stylish leather loafers.
Shirt
Of course, the shirt you choose to wear with your jeans will play a key role in determining whether your outfit it formal or casual. The good news is that you can easy dress up a pair of jeans by wearing a simple button-up shirt. As long as it features colors that match and flow cohesively with your shoes, you can’t go wrong with a button-up.
