Are black jeans a classic? And if so, how can you wear them smart casual? Many people choose not to wear jeans, but for others the answer is “yes.” If you want to add a little zip to your look, consider these three smart casual fashion ideas.
Dress down. Whether it’s a business meeting or a date with your favorite guy, dress casual allows you to be a little more flexible in what you wear. For example, you may have worn your office dress casual trousers with a blazer and a jacket to work, but when you leave the office you can ditch the dress-down look and go with a button down shirt and a blouse. This gives you room to be yourself while still sticking to the basics. You get to choose a color that’s appropriate for the situation instead of choosing between brown and green.
Wear a tailored, fitted dress. Black jeans are definitely smart casual dress material, and they pair well with many different types of tailored pants styles. Look for a tailored top that matches or coordinates with your tailored pants. A blazer, shirt and trousers make the perfect outfit when you’re dressed down. Pair it with a blazer in a dark shade of chocolate to dress it down and show some class.
Don’t be afraid of denim jeans. Black denim jeans have always been a staple for casual, work attire. That doesn’t mean that they can’t be dressed up. Pair your tailored fit, dark shade with a pair of dark, stretch lace trousers. You’ll instantly give off the vibe of a professional. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great pair of tailored fit pants.
When it comes to smart casual wear, sometimes less is more. If you want to wear a jacket, but don’t want to dress it down, a leather bomber jacket in a neutral tone will be just fine. But if you want to dress down, a denim jacket with faded, red cuffed pockets can be worn as well, along with a corduroy blouse and simple t-shirt.
The key to smart jackets and chinos is picking one that fits properly. Jackets should not be too long, neither should they be too short. They should reach to the mid-thigh area, not just below your navel. When wearing chinos, think about the shape of your legs – narrow or wide. A longer jacket will make you look longer (not chic), while a shorter jacket will make you look petite (not professional). Think about your body type, as well, as skinny jeans are better suited to slim individuals, whereas chinos are better suited to individuals with larger thighs.
For a really stylish, sophisticated look, pair black skinny jeans with a light-colored cotton or silk shirt and a classic white or gray jacket in a solid color. The jacket can be left off all together or worn with a cardigan or cashmere sweater and your cardi and shorts. If you’re going to wear your shirt to work, leave the collar off of your neck. For a more dressed-up look at a night out, put on your jacket and tie and add accessories like a brightly colored clutch or a pearled bracelet.
Black skinny jeans are a great option for any number of occasions, whether you’re heading out to a night out on the town or heading to the office after work. The key to pair this classic fashion item with a variety of different outfits is to know which versions complement each other best. By breaking down the style points (ie: fit, cut, color, etc.) you can come up with a killer outfit, complete with a pair of killer black jeans that will make you want to hop out your seat and join the club.