Timeless Ways To Style Black Jeans (with casual + dressier outfits)

Black jeans are an incredibly versatile piece that can be paired with almost anything in your closet. I love that the exact same pair of jeans can be worn for the office, for a casual day of errands or for a night out. In today’s post, I’m sharing the best ways to style black jeans for both casual and dressier outfits (and my favorite pairs of black denim).

Timeless Ways To Style Black Jeans (with casual + dressier outfits)

What are the best black jeans?

I own a handful of black jeans, but if I could only keep one pair, this FRAME Le Crop style is the most versatile. They’re pricey but so well-made, flattering, and comfortable. Since black jeans are truly a timeless wardrobe essential, I decided investing in a nice pair was worthwhile, and it has proved to be!

Pistola has a great option as well – the Lennon High Rise Boot in the Nior wash. They’re about $100 cheaper and have the same cut and stretch. I don’t love them as much as the FRAME pair, but I wouldn’t know the difference if I wasn’t a jeans snob. (They have more stretch than the FRAME, which is why I slightly prefer those but that’s a personal preference.)

For a baggy, relaxed fit, I love this pair of Levi’s baggy jeans in the black wash. They’re super affordable and come in a million washes and sizes. The fit is TTS, and I own a 26.

Casual outfits with black jeans

For a casual outfit, the wash of your black jeans is very flexible. You could go more on the grey-black side, opt for distressing, and even do an acid-wash situation. Of course, you can also stick to pure black jeans.

Here are some simple outfit ideas for casual black jeans looks.

T-shirts, Tanks, and Cardigans

Pair black jeans with classic white or neutral tees for a minimalistic look. You can also layer with cardigans for warmth or wear a cardigan on its own (with all or most of the buttons done). Depending on the length of the jeans, you can pair them with fashion sneakers (here’s how I style jeans with sneakers), booties, flats, or loafers.

Oversized Sweaters

For chillier days, layer an oversized sweater over your black jeans. Chunky knits add texture and contrast, making this a go-to outfit for cozy, casual vibes. When I wear oversized sweaters, I like to wear more fitted bottoms to balance the outfit. So I’d stick to a fitted skinny or straight leg jean for this outfit.

Sweatshirts

For an effortlessly casual style, opt for a cozy sweatshirt. This is a go-to look for days when comfort is the top priority. Add a pair of sneakers, and you’re ready for the day in a comfortable, stylish outfit. You can also layer a t-shirt underneath for added warmth. Depending on how relaxed your sweatshirt is, you may want to keep your jeans on the fitted side to make the outfit more flattering, or really lean into the oversized look if that’s your style and pair the sweatshirt with baggy jeans.

Black and White Stripes

Pairing black jeans with stripes (whether a tee or a sweater) is a timeless look. You can elevate your outfit with a black blazer, a simple pair of loafers, or dress it down with crisp, white sneakers. 

Dressy outfits with black jeans

The key to wearing black jeans for a dressy outfit is to make sure your jeans are a polished black wash. An almost-black-grey wash naturally looks more casual, so I recommend a pair of pure black jeans (preferably without distressing) for a timeless, dressy outfit.

Blazer and Heels

One of my favorite “night out” looks is a pair of black jeans and a blazer. Throw on a pair of heels and you’re good to go! It feels sophisticated without being fussy. Both strappy heels and pumps would work well for this outfit. See this idea photographed below.

Silk or Satin Tops

Wearing a silk or satin top automatically shifts your outfit from casual to dressy. The textures of silk and satin lend themselves to more elevated looks – even when dressed down with casual shoes. I rarely wear a silk or satin top unless I’m headed somewhere in the evening, but it could work in certain work settings if paired with a blazer.

Head-to-Toe Black

While a monochromatic look can be casual too, there’s something about a black on black look (like the blazer outfit I shared at the beginning of this post) that feels effortlessly chic and timeless. I also love an all-black outfit paired with a brown or burgundy bag or accessory. (Here’s a photo of an outfit where I paired brown jeans with a black top so you can see that those two colors can be styled together!)

Bold Accessories

Let accessories shine by adding bold earrings or a statement belt. A pair of black ankle booties or stiletto heels finish off the ensemble, making your black jeans look evening-ready.

What shoes to wear with black jeans

It depends on the rest of your outfit, but with the right cut of jeans, almost any shoe will work as long as it complements the rest of your outfit. 

• Loafers or ballet flats make any outfit look more polished but are still comfortable. These can be polished or casual. For loafers or flats, opt for a cropped jean that hit above your ankle rather than full-length.
• Sneakers obviously look great with tees and sweatshirts, but they also add an unexpected element when paired with a blazer. I like pairing sneakers with lots of jewelry to keep the look feminine.
• Heels are perfect for dressing up black jeans. I prefer them styled with straight-legged or flared options. (Heels with skinny jeans are not as on trend this year as in years past.)
• Booties and boots are great with black jeans as well. Again, make sure you style the right cut of jeans with the appropriate style of boots. This post explains what jeans and booties look best together.

Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Black Jeans

When styling black jeans, a few guidelines can help keep your look polished and timeless.

• Do: Invest in a high-quality pair of black jeans that fit well and retain their color over time.

• Do: Experiment with different top styles and lengths, such as cropped sweaters or longer tunics, to add dimension to your outfit.

• Don’t: Wear faded or distressed black jeans for dressier occasions. Stick with deep, rich black denim (or coated denim) for a more refined look.

• Don’t: Overdo it with accessories. Black jeans are versatile, but adding too many layers or accessories can detract from their simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are black jeans suitable for all seasons?

Absolutely! Black jeans can be worn year-round, whether with lightweight tops and sandals in summer or layered with sweaters and boots in winter.

Can you wear black jeans to a semi-formal event?

Yes, if styled correctly. A tailored blazer, blouse, and heels can make black jeans look polished and semi-formal. You could also look into a pair of coated black jeans, or — while not true denim — black velvet pants or a tailored pair of leather pants can be dressed up for a semi-formal event.

How do I keep my black jeans from fading?

To maintain their color, wash them inside out on a cold cycle and avoid excessive heat. Line drying instead of tumble drying also helps.

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