So, you finally did it. You found your favorite pair of jeans, and you can’t wait to wear them! The thing is, your new problem is that everything in your open closet is staring back at you and you have no idea how to maximize the casual chic look of your dreams. You’re overwhelmed by the number of options hanging in front of you! But don’t worry. I’m here to help narrow down your choices! Keep reading for the 9 best tops to wear with jeans (that you probably already own).
1. A White Button-Down
jeans | button-down | loafers | crossbody bag | earrings
When it comes to styling denim jeans, start with the basics. Focus on high-quality capsule wardrobe staples to create classic looks. You can ignore the trends and stick to timeless, tried-and-true pieces for this first outfit idea.
Let’s begin with the jeans. One of the most versatile styles that you can wear is a straight-leg version of your favorite denim wash. Straight-leg jeans look great with a variety of shoes and tops, and complement every body type. Look for jeans without holes, embellishments, or any kind of distressing. This will allow you to dress them up or down depending on the occasion.
Next, let’s move on to your top. You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of jeans and a white button-down. A white shirt will look great with dark, medium, and light wash jeans for a crisp, clean, casual look. You can style your shirt in two ways: tuck it in if you want to highlight your natural waist (and maybe even add a belt), or keep it untucked for a more laid-back take.
Coordinate your accessories for a polished appearance. Try a pair of leather loafers in black, a structured crossbody bag, and a pair of gold huggie earrings. This is the perfect look that can take you from work to the weekend with ease. If you want to add another layer or a pop of color, you can always tie a cardigan around your shoulders in case it gets chilly later.
2. A White Tee and Crewneck Sweater
jeans | t-shirt | sweater | tote bag | shoes | earrings
Although hoodies are a popular choice to pair with jeans, try swapping out your favorite sweatshirt for a white tee and crewneck sweater for a more elevated, sophisticated look. Whether you’re headed to lunch or casual Friday at the office, this classic combo always looks great.
The reason that this look works is that it provides balance. Jeans are inherently casual, and so when paired with a nicer top (or sweater), you’ll create a casual chic look that perfectly embodies that phrase. To keep balance throughout the rest of your look, go for a shoe like a Mary Jane flat. This is the “sandwich method” – when you match the color or vibe of your shoes to your top.
As for the role of the white tee, the visible white collar of the t-shirt poking out from beneath the sweater helps to add depth and interest to your look by showing that you’re wearing layers. It’s one of those little tricks that also adds a practical component to your look, as wearing a white tee underneath your knits will help to preserve the lifespan of your pieces.
Accessorize with a sleek leather tote bag and a pair of pearl earrings to complete the look!
3. A Leather Jacket
jeans | t-shirt | leather jacket | boots | watch
If you love to incorporate a bit of edge into your personal style, this jeans look is perfect for you! A leather jacket is a great piece to style on your top half with classic blue jeans. The soft leather of your jacket balances out the traditionally stiffer denim. Plus, the folds and zippers create an interesting silhouette. Although you might initially go for black denim if you like an edgier look, try lighter wash shades of denim if you really want to highlight your jacket. The contrasting colors look great together, especially when paired with a black leather ankle boot.
4. A Vest Top
jeans | vest | sandals | bag | sunglasses
A longline vest is one of the best tops to wear with jeans. If you want to create a flattering look and highlight your body’s natural curves, this is how to do it!
First, start with your classic straight-leg or wide-leg jeans. If you go for wide-leg denim, I always try to balance the wide fit with a top that is more snug. Pairing two wide or oversized pieces together could make you appear larger than you are, and overwhelm your frame. In this instance, the longline vest fits snugly until it hits your waist, where it flares out slightly around the hips. This will highlight the smallest part of your midsection and create (or enhance) an hourglass figure.
Style this look for spring or summer outfits by accessorizing with a classic basket tote, strappy sandals, and a chic pair of sunglasses.
5. A Tank Top
jeans | tote bag | flats | tank top | sunglasses
Dressing for the heat of summer? Pair your jeans with a striped tank top. This French-inspired look will help you keep cool throughout the hottest months of the year, without sacrificing fun style. The stripes on this top create visual interest, while the high neckline provides great coverage if you prefer to keep your chest covered. The silhouette of the sleeveless top and jeans creates a long vertical line that runs up and down your body, which can provide you with a slimming effect and make you appear taller.
Ready for accessories? Go for a pair of red ballet flats for a fun pop of color. Then, stick with seasonal pieces for the rest of your look. A pair of oval sunglasses and a large straw tote are perfect.
6. A Cropped Button-Down Shirt
jeans | sneakers | bag | tank top | earrings | shirt | baseball cap
Try styling your jeans with a cropped button-down and tank top for a chic off-duty look. This layered look is ideal for spring, summer, or fall weather. Leave the top unbuttoned to show off your layered top, or button it up for a streamlined look. Either way, the subtle crop of the button-down will ensure your waist doesn’t get lost in this look. If you have shorter legs and a longer torso (I do, too), this will help to balance your proportions by lengthening your legs and creating the illusion of a shorter midsection.
As for your accessories, be ready for whatever the day throws at you by choosing a pair of clean white sneakers. Then, try a baseball cap with a pop of color for a fun look. Finish your ensemble with gold hoop earrings and a leather crossbody bag.
7. A Mariner Shirt (Or Striped Shirt)
jeans | mariner tee | flats | basket bag | trench coat | pendant
You might already have a striped Mariner tee hanging in your closet, and this is a great choice to pull out and pair with your jeans. Stripes are a classic pattern that will never go out of style! When paired with straight-leg jeans, you have a timeless outfit combination. Next, layer on a trench coat. This is the perfect look for in-between spring or fall weather. Finish the look with feminine white ballet flats, a basket bag, and a pendant necklace for an outfit that’s equal parts classy and casual.
8. A Short-Sleeved Blouse
jeans | blouse | saddle bag | shoes | belt | earrings
When you’re looking for the perfect blouse to pair with your jeans, look for one that’s slightly longer, especially if your blouse has any sort of volume (like puff or balloon sleeves). The extra volume on top can be balanced out by tucking in your shirt, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a top that’s long enough to do that. Add a belt for another point of interest in your look, and extra waist definition!
As for accessories, try to incorporate new textures to keep things interesting. Go for a leather pair of Mary Jane flats, a suede saddle bag, and a pair of gold huggie hoop earrings to complete the look.
9. A Turtleneck
jeans | turtleneck | heels | bag | belt | earrings
When it comes to winter dressing, you can’t go wrong with a black turtleneck paired with your favorite jeans. A thin turtleneck tucked into your jeans will always look streamlined, polished, and elevated. Then, go the extra mile and add a black belt! This look is clean, classic, and looks great underneath a statement coat in the colder months.
Add height to your look and lengthen your legs with a pair of slingback heels. Then, add a top-handle leather bag for a vintage-inspired touch, and a pair of gold hoop earrings to finish off the outfit.
The Best Tops to Wear with Jeans
If you’re going for the ultimate casual chic look with jeans, these looks will guide you! The best tops to wear with jeans are probably ones that you already have in your capsule wardrobe. They’re as timeless as classic blue jeans are, which also means that these outfit formulas will never go out of style.
Ready for more casual chic outfit ideas? Up Next: Wear These 9 Chic Looks for Casual French Style
