Most people don't give blue jeans a second thought. They're just a regular wardrobe staple, right, something you can throw on for ease and comfort? Well, yes, but that's not to diminish their role as the most adaptable item of clothing in your sartorial arsenal. Worn with the right items, they have the power to make (or indeed break) a look.
But before you think about styling your jeans, we must emphasise the importance of cut. Wider jeans work best for those on the shorter or, ahem, wider side, while flared jeans are best for those with taller, slimmer frames. Skinny jeans are a no-go for everyone, while straight cuts work on most: not too wide, not too tight and the perfect way to ensuring a slimmer, well-proportioned lower half (and the higher the waist, the better).
So you've sourced your blue jeans. Brill. Now what do you mix them with? With emphasis on the word “classic”, we're not bringing hoodies into this. Instead, we're here to show you how to make your staple trousers look as stylish as possible, whether it be through an injection of tailoring or with a refined nod to the 1990s.
Oh, and be sure to check out our guide on the best jeans afterwards.
Sure, jeans might first and foremost be linked to casual clothes, but they're also the perfect answer to tone down a formal look. Still keep it smart on top by layering a crisp white shirt (Turnbull & Asser is best) with a knitted tie (courtesy of Drake's) and single-breasted blazer (pinstripe is safe, but you could equally opt for houndstooth). A lower half of straight-cut denim will then shift this all into a more relaxed and slightly Ivy-League uniform, best finished with some traditional brown suede loafers. An easy win.
Picture Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley: he's wearing an Italian knit complete with white linen trousers and leather loafers. A very summery (and winning) look, but replace those loose kecks with straight-cut jeans and you have the most elegant way of styling your denim essential. The knit brings three things: colour (done the right way), a jazz touch (this top piece was a favourite for 1960s musicians) and, attitude-wise, a nice amount of insouciance. Wear it buttoned up and tucked into your jeans or, if it's warmer, leave it open and style a white vest underneath. As for the footwear? Gucci loafers (with white socks underneath if you dare).
The 1990s was confirmation that jeans could look sharp in a casual habitat. The key is slotting them into a frame of well-crafted – and slightly oversized – layers. Start with a mock turtleneck – Fred Perry's above design is a stylish short-sleeved option that also acknowledges the decade's famed athleisure – and make sure it's a tad baggy. Over this, a long (and well-tailored) overcoat. Bottega Veneta is a brilliant option; again, go for a bigger size and leave it open to reveal the relaxed details beneath. And to finish? Simple white pumps – if they're eco friendly, even better – and a long scarf, ideally in a primary shade for a pop of colour.
As much of a statement as it is, pairing your denim jeans with a denim jacket scores you high points on the uniform scale, as you're sticking to one texture, one shade and a refined silhouette. Those two ensemble pieces are the biggest topic in your style conversation, so for the rest of the outfit, keep things relatively simple. For a base layer, a white T-shirt (trade this in for a turtleneck if it's a bit colder outside and always tuck it into your jeans). For a stylish centrepiece, a camel suede belt and, for shoes, brown suede boots. Those last two especially will bring a subtle little nod to Westernwear and that's never a bad idea.
Searching for a blue jean style move to transition from day to night? Mix them up with leather. Any style of jacket is likely to work – shirt, blazer, motorcycle – but for the most effortless, we recommend a sharp take on the bomber, ideally with a battered look to it. Keep this unzipped and pair a muted khaki shirt underneath (leave the top two buttons undone and pull them out slightly over your jacket). Tuck this into the waist of your jeans, wrap a black leather belt around and finish the outfit with leather shoes. Black boots would definitely work, but we're favouring a bolder move here, so have a go of some white Repettos. They'll certainly trigger your best dance moves.
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