How to Wear Denim to Work

Making the transition from summer to fall can sometimes be challenging when you don't know what to wear. Luckily, denim is a go for every season. Most may think you should always keep denim out of the workplace, but unless your place of work is strictly business attire, a lot of companies are moving toward a more business casual look. (I don't mean wear your jeans and ratty sneakers to work.) But what I do mean is know how to dress up your denim and look polished so you can use it to transition between seasons appropriately. Here's how to get the look right.

• First things first, no matter what with denim, find a pair that fits. Yes, this is a huge challenge for most women. Try on a thousand pairs if need be, but unless your denim fits right and you feel comfortable in it, you won't wear it. Think of your jeans as an investment piece. While you're at it, look for a dressier pair that you can dress up or down accordingly. A darker wash and a sleeker, fitted (but not too tight!) pair is good. Skip out on the light-washed, low rise denim – neither of those things scream workplace. A fit and flare pair might be more your style. The ‘70s vibe is back this fall, so channel that if you aren't into ankle-length skinnies.


• Now that you have that down, what do you pair your denim with? If you're going for denim on the bottom, go for a statement jacket such as a blazer or more professional tweed. Layer a basic blouse or even a tailored button-up beneath. For that transition into fall while the weather is still warm, a dressed-up tee and a light blazer is perfectly paired with well-fitted jeans and a pair of basic heels or flats. A loose blouse and a cardigan also pair nicely with jeans for a casual but chic work look.


• As for wearing denim up top, this is also pretty easy. Take your classic work look – a pencil skirt or your typical A-line skirt – and pair with a basic dressed-up tee and a denim jacket. You want to keep your denim jacket tailored just like you would your jeans: Not too loose but fitted to where you have some room to work and you still look like you have a figure. Also, a denim (dark-washed chambray) button-up pairs perfectly with a pop of color or even a patterned skirt or cigarette pant. 

Not all denim is for play, and not all workplaces are so stuffy that you can’t pull this look off. You just need to remember the basics. For style inspiration, celebs Miranda Kerr, Olivia Palermo and Carrie Underwood are great at pulling this look off, as seen above.

-Alissa Hicks