An interesting event took place at this year's Venice film festival: a renowned star appeared wearing blue jeans. Ordinarily, a film festival red carpet signifies chiffon and sequins, bare shoulders and dramatic skirts. However the actress chose midnight premium denim paired with a soft patterned blouse and a well-fitted blazer. And, although it's true that when you have a world-famous smile, your attire doesn't have to work as hard β even so. It represented a moment. A modern age of appearing polished in denim has begun.
Many individuals feel a bit undecided concerning denim wear. They serve as our go-to option on a leisure day, however when it's time to appear polished, we opt for different attire. However blue jeans, paired appropriately, can bring you to your workplace or a fine dining spot with plenty of style. And, the majority don't have to be overly concerned about the red carpet, ultimately.
A tailored jacket is to blue jeans as lipstick is to a bare face. The contrast makes the look seem intentional and planned, which exudes poise.
We'll open by covering fundamentals. When your trousers sag at the joints or drag on the ground, no level of luxurious shirt wizardry will rescue the outfit. Smart trousers are centered on sharp silhouettes, excellent fit and a style that complements you. The overly broad jeans currently widespread these days may appear excellent elevated for let-loose parties. But for a look that is perceived as semi-formal, a tailored cut reaches the right polished tone, and the bottom edge ought to rest exactly at the top of your footwear. Tailored denim are useful because they are able to act appropriately in company. When streamlined trousers possessed character, they would be on-time and polite, very Type A. This is why they are your friend for this purpose.
The most common blunder we commit when aiming to dress sophisticatedly in jeans is to endeavor to play down the jeans. Should you pick boring denim trousers and mask them with something snazzy up top in the hope that not a soul will notice you are sporting jeans, you fail to hide the jeans β you look cobbled together, which is not the goal at all. A simple leather belt that accentuates of the trousers is the right choice.
Firm material offers the best silhouette, so seek out little elasticity. The waist should be at your waist β any style sitting low communicates a less formal impression β and snug but not constricting. You are going to wear a belt in any case (see above, pay attention) and it's best if jeans ought to ever be uncomfortable. It's important to feel held, but not cramped.
A jacket paired with denim as makeup on a bare face. The juxtaposition results in a style feel purposeful and thoughtful, which radiates self-assurance. The mix of jeans with sleek material or textured cloth provides interest and appeal. This functions paired with a top or casual top for daywear, or something slinkier for night. Choose a linked necklace or a simple hoop instead of a swinging chandelier earring. It seems very Parisian, get the picture?
Denim-with-a-chic-top is a enduring for a reason, notably if you are heading out for a meal. Beginning with denim eases assembling an ensemble simpler, which is convenient if it's a speedy post-work change. A delicate undershirt below your coat is a simple go-to that offers you options: you may retain both on if you are close to the door with a cold wind, or take off the jacket aside if you start to feeling hot in warm room temperature.
The right shoe creates the distinction between relaxed sophistication and just stepped out. It need not be a stiletto, though it isn't a bad idea. A timeless elegant shoe with a denim trouser is always stylish, but loafers, new athletic shoes or booties are all excellent. A peek of exposed skin in one area is consistently a welcome element, if the weather allows: a couple of open buttons on a blouse, or a bare sandal if you are sporting a crewneck jumper.
Occasionally the easy choice proves to be the polished decision. And should it's good enough for a film festival, it's good enough for your usual seat in a cozy eatery.
A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on business and society.