Jeans are the unsung heroes of our wardrobes. They are also comfortable, versatile, and a staple of our casual ensembles. But, do you remember the last time you wore your favorite jeans and did not feel like yourself? In my case, I thought styling jeans was the easiest task imaginable, like tossing on a t-shirt and sneakers. Oh, how I was wrong! Although a polished look does require some effort, there are ways to elevate the style from basic to “Wow, you look put-together!”
As a 5’2 woman with years of experience with denim, (insert infamously “too-big” outfits here), I, too, have had my fair share of outfit flops, but also learned which combinations worked the best. No matter if you are short, curvy, tall, or somewhere in between, these five styling tips will help reinvent your jeans into outfits that are effortless, chic, and undeniably feminine. No need for a fashion degree. Let’s get started!
1. Balance Your Fit Like A Pro
Let’s get one thing straight—your upper garment, or shirt, has a mark on your jeans outfit. If you happen to have slim-fit jeans (the type of jeans that cling to your legs), wearing a tight-fitting top will give off a worst-cringe scenario of “2000s-throwback.” I did this a lot and I thought it looked sleek. Wrong. It just looked dated.
Instead, grab a slightly oversized top such as BSHS 28A Model 66-31 Flowish or a balloon sleeve blouse. The mix of the snug jeans with the loose top gives off a modern vibe. If you are of short stature like me, do not venture too far into oversized; a lot of loose clothing will engulf you. A relaxed fit that skims your frame will do.
On the contrary, if you are wearing wide leg or straight-leg jeans do not pair them up with loose huge tops. I remember one time I wore a fitted top with wide-leg jeans and boxy sweater, and let’s just say I looked like I was engulfed in a tent. To counterbalance that volume, it’s best to wear a fitted top like a sleek tank, or tucked in tee so you look polished. Sounds familiar right? Give this a try next time you check your closet.
2. Select Tops That Complement Your Body Shape
Let’s address styles that also serve a purpose: they are elegant and make you appear to have lost weight. Like the Classy Network ones I found on Instagram recently—what a revelation! Consider open necks—off the shoulder and racerbacks—on tanks. Minimalistic designs in neutral colors are the way to go. If you have a round face like me, these soft fabrics will be super flattering and will make you feel confident.
And the best part? Many of these tops incorporate bras, so there is no need to deal with pesky straps. I used to avoid wearing racerback tanks because riding-up bra straps was a full-time job. Now, all I need is a soft tank made from a rayon-elastane blend, and I’m off. Easy and stylish with no effort required. If you’re curious, check their feed for outfit ideas; it is full of tops to wear with jeans. Here’s a tip: for a more loose-fitted jeans, wear fitted tops. To achieve the balance we discussed before, with slim-fit jeans, wear slightly relaxed tops.
3. Gradation in Style with Accessories
Let’s be honest: I am also someone who skipped accessorizing with jeans. Who wants to waste their time on coffee runs or errands? But here is the helpful insight: accessories make a casual appearance look intentional and professional. This is something a client of mine figured out all on her own when she transformed her go-to jeans-and-t-shirt outfit by adding a chic necklace together with a simple belt.
When thinking of petite jewelry options, dainty ones are ideal for petite girls like myself—as chunky jewelry tends to overpower them. Layering a thin bracelet with a delicate necklace leaves you looking polished without being overdone. And don’t sleep on belts! I started incorporating them a year ago and they essentially serve as outfit polish. Pairing one with straight-leg jeans makes an ensemble effortless. Slim leather belts work wonders, and so does a woven one with distressed jeans. It serves as a small adjustment that leads to a massive change. If you feel skeptical, don’t worry, try it out with your next outfit. You can thank me later.
4. Switch Out Your Sneakers for Smarter Shoes
I understand sneakers being the go-to option for jeans; they are both easy and comfortable. However, often they can be very unflattering. For example, when I wore ankle-length light-wash jeans, I thought pairing them with chunky sneakers would look cute. Spoiler alert: it made my legs look shorter, and the outfit extremely casual.
A more comfortable yet posh option would be ballet flats or loafers, which are equally as walkable. Strappy sandals, whether heeled or flat, add a dressy vibe and can get rid of your jeans from daytime to nighttime. Alternatively, if you are not a fan of heels, pointed-toe, or almond-toe flats do the trick, as they elongate the legs, particularly useful for petite folks. Being wide-footed myself, I prefer soft leather or fabric flats for wider feet. For more denim-friendly inspo flat shoes, check out this Instagram post. Instead of sneakers on your next outing, try a sleeker shoe. You will not regret it.
5. Nail the Jeans Length for Your Shape
The correct jeans length can either elevate your outfit or completely ruin it, especially when considering your leg shape and footwear. Wide-leg jeans are my current favorite—they’re gorgeous, but can be tricky for shorter gals like me. The solution? Go longer. To prevent looking stumpy, I use my 25-inch ankle length to buy 27-28-inch-wide leg jeans.
For straight-leg jeans, buy them at a length with the hem just hitting the ankle for heels and at ankle height for flats. Slim fit jeans should graze the ankle; too long and they bunch, too short and they look like capris. I learned this the hard way when I cut off too much and ended up hating them instantly. Not sure where to start? Try measuring your ankle length and comparing it with your jeans. It’s not rocket science, but that little prep aids in making all the difference.
And there you have it – five simple strategies that will make your jeans outfits look sleek, polished, feminine, and tailored to your style. What’s best？ There is no need to spend too many hours in front of the mirror. Toss out your sneakers for a pair of flats or add a belt. Test out these tips until you find the right ones for your lifestyle, from a busy mom to a corporate queen or weekend adventurer. The goal is to make your jeans stand out. Why not? restoring your affection for denim could be as easy as teasing them out from the depths of your closet and experimenting.