The styling possibilities for jeans are practically limitless, but I still find myself reaching for the same outfit combos over and over again. Whether you’re dressing them up with a nice top for a night out with your girls, or staying comfy and casual in a cosy fair isle knit at the weekend, there’s a reason so many of us live in denim. But if you’re in the mood to shake things up, I’ve got you.
Think of this as your denim styling mood board, packed with outfits you may not have tried yet, but absolutely should. Especially as they’re so easy to recreate, involving items you likely already have sitting in your wardrobe. Using some of this season’s biggest jeans trends as the starting point, I’ve styled up four elevated yet simple looks that slot straight into your arsenal of effortless jeans outfits.
A monochromatic brown moment (with a twist)
As a girl who loves wearing colour, I’ve been having a wild love affair with brown this season. Hasn’t everyone?! Just as easy as wearing black, there’s something about it that feels put-together, polished and a little bit luxurious without even trying.
Everyone’s clicking on…
For the ultimate look, I like to play with texture and add a pop of colour in my outerwear. The base is all one shade, from my clogs to my wide-leg jeans to the semi-sheer knitted top, but the white bag breaks things up just enough, and the red bomber jacket brings the drama. Is it revolutionary? No. But it’s effortless, and right now I’m all about ease.
White jeans aren’t just for spring
White jeans are often crowned the backbone of any spring or summer wardrobe, then left on ghost for the rest of the year. And while I get the thought process, I say bring them back this season. Why not add a little brightness and warmth to your autumn or winter lineup with a trusty friend that never actually goes out of style? Plus, winter white is an elegant AF aesthetic.
I paired mine with the sweetest yellow and pink cardigan – the colours feel like warm weather in clothing form, even if the thermostat isn’t saying the same. It’s one of those outfits that feels cosy but still looks like you put effort in, even if the reality is you just buttoned up a cardigan and walked out the door. *Chef’s kiss.*
Go bold with animal print
Don’t be afraid to go all out with animal-print jeans. I love treating animal print as a neutral because it works with so much more than you’d expect. You can lean into the pattern’s tones for a softer moment, or add a contrasting colour, as I did with my green jersey.
Or, keep things boxy and oversized by pairing a slouchy top with the same roomy bomber jacket as before. This version feels elevated, a little tomboyish and genuinely cool, yet it takes almost no effort to pull together. It’s the kind of outfit that looks intentionally styled even when it’s actually incredibly easy.
Hopefully, that’s inspired you to create a few new jeans outfit combinations.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!