Can jeans be business casual? 7 ways to style denim for a smart casual office look

Can jeans be business casual is a common question, and whilst denim is considered a more casual fabric, when styled correctly jeans can work for any occasion - even the office.

There’s no dress code more confusing than ‘smart casual’, particularly when jeans are involved and there are a few key things to consider when trying to strike that balance. Style and cut play an essential role so once you’ve found the best jeans for your body type, make sure they also have that professional polish. This means avoiding details such as distressed denim and ripped jeans as these generally look more scruffy. Darker washes tend to look smarter so steer clear of light or acid wash denim if you want to keep that office-appropriate vibe. Most cuts will suffice but a wide leg or slim flare always look sophisticated, as well as a classic straight-leg. Plus these styles are some of the best jeans for women over 50 and will go with a variety of footwear making them easy to dress up or down for those smart casual outfit ideas.

With office dress codes, on the whole, becoming more relaxed post-pandemic, jeans are becoming more accepted in a workplace environment, although it's always important to check your own workplace dress code before trying this look.

“If you're working in an office environment where the dress code is ’smart-casual’ I believe it’s totally acceptable to wear a pair of jeans. Avoid styles that are designed to look scruffy, with rips, frayed hems or worn patches and instead go for darker denim washes that will obviously look smarter. Straight leg, bootcut or flared styles are the most stylish option and I would stay away from overly baggy or skin-tight shapes,” explains fashion editor and stylist Julie Player.

7 ways jeans can be business casual - outfit ideas chosen by a fashion editor

It’s not just the type of jeans you need to think about when asking can jeans be business casual. What you wear with your jeans is just as important and this is where you look to the ‘business’ side of the dress code. Look to wardrobe pieces that are typically smart such as tailored items including blazers, shirts, blouses and smart shoes such as heels or loafers to nail that effortless high-low mix.

“Wearing your jeans with a tailored blazer is the most obvious choice, but bear in mind that you’ll probably take your jacket off while in the office so it’s important to consider what’s underneath too. Consider tucking in a silk blouse and accessorise with a smart belt and layer a couple of necklaces to finish the look. Alternatively, if you prefer to wear your tops loose go for a cute peplum top or blouse with an oversized collar for a fresh, modern look,” says Julie.

1. Add a blazer

Blazers are your fast-track way of adding instant polish to a jeans business casual ensemble. A combo you can reach for time and time again, a blazer-jeans pairing is one that makes great summer outfits for work. Whether you like a double-breasted design, an oversized boyfriend fit or a cropped silhouette, most blazers will smarten up your denim in an instant. If you opt for a cropped shape, make sure you team with high-waisted jeans to offset the shorter hem. Stick to neutral hues such as camel, creams and black for versatility or add extra interest with a classic check or pop of bold red. Depending on how smart you want to keep it, you can layer the best cotton t-shirt underneath or a button-up shirt for a sleeker approach.

2. Team with a shirt

Sometimes the simplest of outfits have the most impact and a crisp cotton shirt and jeans pairing is one way of answering whether can be jeans be business casual. Super sharp and timeless, keep it pared-back in a white shirt or add some subtle stripes for a dose of Parisian chic. This outfit combo looks sleek paired with dark-wash jeans and a high waist with the shirt tucked in to show off the waist. You can try half-tucking in the shirt for a more relaxed feel and finish with some heels or loafers for an androgynous spin. For a more casual look at the weekend, team with the best white trainers.

3. Stick to a dark wash

Ask any stylist 'can jeans be business casual?' And they'll tell you when wearing denim that darker washes always look smarter. A light-wash or acid-wash jean is a lot harder to dress up for the office so these jeans are best saved for weekends and social activities. Avoid any rips or distressed detailing as these will also make your jeans feel over-worn or tired, rendering them instantly more casual. You can keep it simple with your styling and opt for a close-knit tee or a flowy blouse for a smart look without any stuffiness.

"I would say that darker denim often reads as smarter and can easily be swapped out for your black work trousers. When in doubt, a straight legged dark denim jean, paired with a white shirt, layered with a black blazer and black court heels finished off with some delicate gold jewellery is an instant office hit,” says Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion brand SilkFred

4. Opt for a smart fit

If you want your jeans to be business casual, other than looking at how to style jeans, you need to consider the type of jeans to go for. Slim or straight leg jeans have often been seen as smarter with baggier styles verging on the more casual end of the style scale. However, with skinny jeans falling out of favour the past couple of seasons, wide leg and barrel leg jeans have started to take over and can be just as polished as the former. Similar to wide-leg trousers, these styles of jeans always look elegant, just avoid any rips or distressed detailing. Offset the voluminous bottom half and style with a more fitted top-half, a tailored jacket or waistcoat and finish with the best designer heels for extra height.

5. Try black jeans

Similarly to dark-wash jeans, black jeans are a smart choice when it comes to solving the can jeans be business casual dilemma. The best part about black jeans ensembles is that with a fresh pair of dark black jeans, from a distance they barely look like jeans at all, meaning you get all the comfort of your fave denim, whilst still appearing super smart.

For what to wear with black jeans, you can create a polished, monochrome outfit and style your black jeans with a white shirt or black sweater. Alternatively, don’t be afraid to add some color - a vibrant shoe or a bold knit can really lift this look and inject some over 50s style personality.

6. Layer a trench

A key player in many a capsule wardrobe, the best trench coats are a smart and practical outerwear option, especially during spring and fall months when the weather can’t quite make its mind up. Ideal for transporting jeans to be business casual, the tailored cut of a trench coat leans into the ‘business’ side of the dress code, while the jeans keep the look a little more casual, allowing you to keep the rest of the outfit pretty low-key for an effortless aesthetic that still feels practical. Add a lightweight roll neck and some heeled boots on wetter, cooler days.

7. Add heels

Never underestimate the power of a decent pair of heels as a means of taking your jeans to business casual level. Heels offer an instantly more dressed up and glam feel to a denim ensemble. If you’re wondering what shoes to wear with wide leg trousers, they look great styled with a chunky heeled sandal, while straight-leg or skinny jeans can pull off something more delicate such as a barely-there sandal or slip-on mule. If you’re heading to the office for the day, make sure you opt for a comfortable level of heel - a block or kitten will ensure round-the-clock comfort.

“It’s perfectly acceptable to team your jeans with a pair best white trainers but for a more office appropriate look try preppy leather loafers or wedge sandals for a 1970s vibe,” says Julie.

FAQS

Can jeans be business casual - what to consider

When navigating can jeans be business casual the first thing to do is check your office dress code and observe what other people in your surroundings are wearing as this will dictate how smart - or how casual - to go. The business casual dress code is pretty versatile so it’ll all depend on what kind of office you work in. If jeans feel suitable, there’s just a few fashion hacks to master next.

"Although most workplaces don't require all women to stuff their feet into high heels and skin-tight pencil skirts anymore, we still want to look put-together and professional,” says Megan.

"Overall, it is important to look at where you work, have a look at what other people are wearing and go from there. Also, you want to take note of what feels comfortable to you. Do you feel too dressed-down in jeans? If wearing jeans to the office makes you feel too casual, then they probably are. But if you feel good and confident in a good pair of jeans, then go ahead and add them into your office wardrobe rotation."

If you do decide to wear jeans to the office, investing in a good quality pair will make all the difference and ensure they go the distance as well as look smart. Taking a more sustainable approach of quality over quantity will have you wearing your jeans for years to come.

“When looking for a good high-quality pair of jeans, one of the key things to look out for is the stitching. If the stitching isn't high-quality or cared about, it's likely that your jeans will fall apart quicker or have been made without the desired care and attention,” says Megan.

"You can also tell the quality of the jeans by the thickness of the denim. The general rule of thumb is that thick denim means better quality. I would also look out for the small details - are the zippers and buttons of a good quality? Do they look well constructed and sturdy? These are all components to finding and identifying a high-quality pair of jeans."

What is the dress code for business casual?

The dress code for business casual is more relaxed than a traditional work uniform but it still needs to look professional and appropriate. Think on-trend pieces mixed with wardrobe basics - not too formal but still pulled together. Jeans typically fall into the business casual category as long as they are in good condition and styled with smarter pieces. This means avoiding other informal attire such as trainers, hoodies and loungewear and sticking to blouses, shirts and smart shoes to lean into the ‘business’ side of the dress code. It’s always safer to err on the side of formal.

What are the rules for wearing jeans to work?

Jeans are the cornerstone of many outfits from casual weekend looks to date night. When it comes to wearing jeans to work, it mainly comes down to styling and the type of jeans you choose. From skinny jeans to wide-leg, some cuts are considered smarter than others.

"I would recommend steering away from distressed styles and acid-washes. Also, trend-led silhouettes like ultra-low waists and long puddle leg lengths are generally a no-no for professional settings. Classic cuts like boot-cut or straight leg jeans pair nicely with heels and darker denims look great with classic white shirts and are generally unassuming,” says Megan.

What to avoid when dressing business casual?

The key here is to keep things understated and chic so steer clear of loud prints and patterns, heavily distressed denim and anything too flashy or distracting. Avoid sports or leisurewear and clothes that are too revealing or uncomfortable. You also want to avoid going overly formal so if you choose to wear women’s trouser suits, dress them down with a casual t-shirt and trainers. The aim here is to strike the balance and create a cool high-low look. In cases where jeans are involved, the casual side is covered so everything else can be pretty polished.