Work Appropriate Denim Outfits
Westport Signature Denim Skirt with Back Slit
Denim, or jeans in particular, have been a significant part of workwear history. What was once relegated to field work, the hardworking and durable piece of clothing has found its way into offices, and on occasion even in boardrooms, around the world.
Wearing denim in the workplace can be a tricky trade because it can so easily fall into the “off-duty weekend look” category. When styled correctly, a great pair of denim can abide by nearly all office dress codes, whether casual or corporate.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best pair of work jeans. Apart from cut and style, you’ll also need to consider if they are comfortable enough to wear from nine to five, and if they’ll still provide a professional polish. Another feature to look out for is if they go well with a wide variety of footwear.
The best jeans to wear to work will balance style and sophistication. Inspired by the fall runways, we explore our top six office-appropriate denim styles and share tips on how to dress them up for the workplace.
The Wide Leg
The baggy and high waisted jean is the season’s in-office denim silhouette of choice, mainly for its trouser-like wide leg. In terms of its construction, a good pair should hug you in all the right places.
The Key Piece: Westport Signature High Waist Rise Loose Fit Skater Jean
Styling Tip: Take advantage of the waist whittling feature of this pair by sporting a chunky knit cardigan, tucked into the jeans. This jean option also goes with any footwear of your choosing, but we do love it with a good boot. Finish up with an office tote and you’re good to go!
Dress it With:
The High Rise Straight
This style is as classic as classic gets and is an essential in every woman’s wardrobe. When buying a pair of denim in this style, it’s good to look for one made of a rigid and sturdier fabric to give it added edge and texture.
The Key Piece: Peck & Peck Signature 5 Pocket Straight Leg Jeans
Styling Tip: Staying true to denim’s heritage of workwear, this style works best for casual Fridays, or when you want to dress down for the office. Go for tried and tested combinations: Jeans, a white tee, and sneakers. Throw on a jacket to keep the look professional and sophisticated.
Dress it With:
- H Halston Graphic T-Shirt Mini Sketch
- DR2 Velvet Notch Collar Blazer
- Pastry Adult White Canvas High Top Dance Sneaker
The Flare
While the idea of donning a pair of flared jeans may bring about images of the 1970s hippie revolution, the flares of today have been updated to be especially elongating. Instead of baggy silhouettes, a well constructed pair of jeans in this style is meant to hug your legs and flare out from your knees to accentuate your curves.
The Key Piece: Westport Signature 5 Pocket High Rise Modern Flare Leg Jean
Styling Tip: Since flared pants are a bit more playful than your usual denim silhouettes, we like to make it workplace appropriate by opting for a darker shade. To elevate it further, pair it with a denim blouse in the same or similar shade of blue for a full on denim look. Accessorize with a pair of heels and a chunky gold necklace.
Dress it With:
- NY Collections Long Sleeve Denim Blouse With Knit Insets
- Yoki Louise Open Toe Wooden Heel Wedge
- Elena Necklace
The White Jean
For those that prefer a little extra polish, the white jean is a timeless and seasonless option. They’re a wonderful go-to if you want to brighten up your usual office look. While there are many white jean options out there, our best bet is to find a pair that wears like a pair of slacks–no tapering and not too cropped, for an effortless fit.
The Key Piece: Westport Signature 5 Pocket Straight Leg Jean
Styling Tip: An all-white look is one of our favorites. If your workplace is a bit less traditional and doesn’t follow the strict rules of corporate dressing, pair your jeans with a kimono top and a two-toned flats. Add a bag in a neutral color to compliment your look.
Dress it With:
The Black Skinny
A black pair of skinny jeans is possibly the most work-appropriate jean option on our list. It’s polished, chic, and a skinny fit in a dark color can also be very slimming.
The Key Piece: Peck & Peck Signature Skinny 5 Pocket Denim Jean
Styling Tip: For the office, we like to play with balance so a voluminous top is a great accompaniment to this style of jeans. Depending on your look for the day, this versatile piece goes with just about any footwear (since it’s fall, we recommend a nice Chelsea boot) and a sturdy bag.
Dress it With:
- Harmony Ankle Boots
- MKF Collection Quinn Color Block Handbag, Crossover Satchel by Mia K.
- Dr2 Mock Turtleneck Shirred Top Blouse
The Denim Skirt
If you aren’t a jean enthusiast, you can also explore dressing up in denim skirts. A staple on this season’s runways, this style and length comes with the same effortless cool as a denim jean, but also brings a more feminine feel to your look.
The Key Piece: Westport Signature Denim Skirt with Back Slit
Styling Tip: Continue the ladylikeness and pair this skirt with a printed blouse. Opt for a pair of low heels, and a shoulder bag for a comfortable office fit.
Dress it With:
If you’re new to wearing denim to the office, ease into the trend by sticking with classic styles and silhouettes and feel free to experiment with blouses and suit jackets. Whichever denim style you choose, these jeans, paired with our fool-proof styling tips and suggestions are elegant enough to take you from one meeting to the next.