Office dress codes are slowly becoming more informal, which is great for getting the most out of our wardrobes. But no doubt you still want to feel smart when dressing for work. You may have avoided denim for this reason, but you can definitely enjoy the comfort of denim in the office.
Making jeans work
Black denim is a great choice for the office environment, especially if your office is slightly more formal than most. Worn with a patterned shirt tucked in, women’s high waisted jeans in black denim 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.
If you’re looking to bring a trend to the office, culottes are stylish, comfortable, and very smart. 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 warmer months, cropped leg jeans look great with loafers and a cami-blouse. 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 also make classic blue skinny jeans work for your office outfit too. 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 often overlooked as holidays-only attire, but there’s no reason you can’t style them for work. 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.
Denim skirts
The classic office look for many women is a pencil skirt and shirt. 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 will keep your skirt looking on-trend and office-ready. 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.
Shake it up with different colours and washes. 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 are so many ways to make your denim office-friendly. 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.
