How to dress up denim
Style /
July 2026
Denim is the backbone of modern dressing thanks to its versatility, durability and timeless appeal. But there’s more to it than off-duty looks and everyday ease. Today, denim is stepping confidently into refined territory, and it can hold its own in elevated outfits.
We’re here to help you reimagine your trusty denim pieces as refined essentials for every occasion.
How can you style denim for different occasions?
Dressing up denim for different occasions is about balance, pairing it with tailored pieces and elevated fabrics. With the right styling choices, you’ll be reaching for denim no matter what your plans are.
Work and smart casual setting
Wearing jeans to the office may feel casual, but with the right choices, you can elevate denim to fit in your office dress code. As a general rule, avoid baggy silhouettes and ripped or distressed styles for the office, and try to stick to wearing only one denim item.
Evening plans
Denim is the foundation of many night-out looks, and it also works for restaurants and bars. As long as denim is allowed by the venue’s dress code, there’s no reason to leave your jeans at home. Opt for darker washes and more structured styles, and pair with boots, heels or loafers.
Choosing denim pieces
Not every denim piece belongs in a dressed-up look. Promote denim pieces to your elevated wardrobe based on the colour and fit.
Denim colours
Some shades of denim are more elevated than others. From jackets to jeans, darker washes like indigo and black naturally feel more refined than lighter washes. They create clean lines and read more tailored than casual.
Denim fits
The fit of your denim can shift the overall mood of your outfit. Timeless silhouettes like straight, slim and tapered jeans are more elevated than baggy styles, and structured jackets exude more sophistication than oversized pieces. Fashion-forward pieces like barrel-leg jeans perfectly bridge the gap between relaxed and elevated.
How to dress up denim jeans
Jeans are versatile enough to provide the base for many dressed-up looks. With complementary pieces and levelled-up accessories, denim jeans are easy to dress up:
Introduce different textures. Adding accessories like structured bags or leather belts can change the feel of an outfit. Your shoe choice can also impact the vibe of your jeans, so stick with boots, loafers, flats or heels to dress them up.
Go monochrome. Dress up black or white jeans with tops or jackets in the same colour to create a streamlined, modern and cohesive look.
Pair jeans with elevated fabrics. The foundation of many dressed-up denim looks is jeans and a nice top – pair denim with satin, lace or crisp cotton to raise the bar.
How to dress up a denim jacket
A denim jacket is a versatile icon that can bring style and attitude to a polished look. Here are some of our tips for incorporating a denim jacket into your elevated looks:
Pair with refined staples. Layering a denim jacket over shirts and blouses, tailored trousers or maxi skirts can transform it from a casual piece to an intentional part of a dressier outfit.
Balance proportions. Pair a fitted jacket with wide-leg or barrel jeans to create harmony.
Choose a statement piece. A structured item like a Sculpted Trucker Jacket is an elevated take on the classic style, with corset-inspired details and voluminous sleeves for a fitted and feminine look that does all the work for you.
How to dress up a denim dress
A well-cut, structured denim dress is already an elevated item, so most of the work is done before you even think about dressing one up. Styling a denim dress comes down to adding complementary pieces that make it work for every occasion and season:
Add a base layer. In cold weather and transition months, make a turtleneck, tee or long-sleeve the foundation of your denim dress outfit to add more depth without compromising on shape or structure.
Choose structured silhouettes. Shirt dresses, A-line cuts, and belted styles like our Journey Long Sleeve Lightweight Maxi Dress make your outfit look pulled together.
Finish with longer layers. Longline jackets are the perfect complement to denim dresses of every length. A classic Bree Barn Trench Coat is the ideal length to wear with mini, midi and maxi dresses.
