There’s a certain level of comfort and freedom afforded to employees when an office has an informal dress code. But it’s still nice to feel smart at work, so often, you’ll find yourself reaching for slightly more formal attire for the office, even if it’s not an enforced rule.
This is why denim can be such a tricky area for workwear. Is it too informal? Can it look smart? In order to show you how denim can indeed look smart for the office, while giving you all the comfort of a good pair of jeans, premium denim retailer Trilogy Stores is on hand.
Fitting jeans to the office
A safe choice for wearing denim to work is to opt for black washes. Worn with a patterned shirt tucked in, black high-waisted jeans can create a more fitted look than black work pants. The high-waist element of the jean can elongate your legs — perfect when matched with your favourite pair of heeled courts. Buy a pair of black jeans with a playful hem to add an edge to your outfit that’s still smart.
Culottes are perfect for the office too. Black or indigo jean culottes paired with a smart blouse, oversized jacket, and peep-toe flats is one outfit that would look summery yet work-appropriate. Tuck your blouse in to neaten up your outfit and add heels when heading out for after-office drinks.
For the spring and summer, if we’re lucky enough to see some sunshine, some cropped leg jeans, loafers, and a cami-blouse can make the perfect office outfit. If you feel like adding a pop of colour to your look, but don’t want to go too loud, opt for a pastel palette. Lilac or sky-blue denim can complement a smart shirt well — ideal for keeping it bright and cool when the sun is shining too.
You can even smarten up classic blue women’s straight jeans for the office. With a sleeveless white shirt tucked in and a checked blazer, you can create a fashionable ensemble that’s anything but boring. Slip on your point-toe pumps and begin your commute.
White jeans are a hidden office secret. Worn with a dark or pastel shirt, white denim can be work-appropriate — choose a pair with a slim-leg to create a smart, summer look.
Working a denim skirt
In the office, the pencil skirt is a timeless classic. It’s one way to feel feminine without revealing too much and can look uber stylish as part of a power suit. Why not trade in your black midi garment for a denim skirt?
Dark-wash denim is perfect for this. Avoid distressed denim and light-washes as these can appear more beachwear than workwear, and steer clear of any pieces that sit far above the knee. Instead, a pencil-style skirt in navy or black denim worn with a ruffle shirt is a go-to outfit. Pair with a fitted jacket to replicate the power-suit, or with a floaty blazer for a less formal look. For added embellishments, choose one with subtle press studs down the centre and leave the bottom stud undone to create a leg split. Alternatively, an A-line denim skirt can be a smart look, paired with a long-sleeved crew-neck and heeled ankle boots.
Consider different colours too. Similar to when wearing denim jeans, pastel coloured fitted skirts are a fun go-to for the warmer months — tuck in a chiffon blouse and wear with heeled sandals or pointed ankle boots. Or, if you’re feeling more daring, opt for a bold red or green denim skirt and wear with a classic black V-neck to tone it down. Co-ordinate your outfit with a complementing coloured cross-over or tote bag.
There’s no reason not to take denim into your office wardrobe. Make sure that this dress-code is accepted in your office before you start wearing jeans to work, and if it is, there’s no need to hold back! From stylish indigo culottes to studded pencil skirts, bringing denim to the office can keep you fashionable and well-dressed. Don’t forget to accessorise appropriately too, cross-body bags are a good way to inject some colour into your outfit and a tailored blazer is a perfect staple piece to formalise your wardrobe.
