Here's why Kristen Bell's jeans and a blazer is the timeless outfit formula that celebrities rely on
Smart and chic, this look is so easy to recreate
There’s no autumn outfit formula quite like jeans and a blazer; the timeless pairing never fails to look put-together. It's a look celebrities return to on repeat, and we never tire of seeing it – especially when it's as chic as Kristen Bell’s recent outfit.
Proving just how enduring the smart casual combination is, Kristen recently stepped out in a pair of vintage-wash, wide-leg denim jeans, which she paired with an oversized, unbuttoned black blazer. Underneath the jacket, she wore a simple white tee, and finished off her look with a pair of versatile patent black heels.
Timeless, smart and effortlessly chic, with a good pair of jeans and a trusty black blazer in your capsule wardrobe, you’ve got two staples that can be worn countless ways through the season. But arguably, if you're ever struggling on a Monday morning, your best bet is to wear them together.
The flattering high-waist is balanced by a naturally figure-contouring wide-leg cut that makes these mid-wash denim jeans a wardrobe staple.
It's called the 'ultimate' blazer for a reason. A flattering, tailored fit, structured shoulders and a nipped-in waist create a structured silhouette. The single-breasted frontage means you can style it up over a blouse, or deliver a more relaxed style over a tee.
There's no heel quite as versatile as a patent black pump. Nodding to the autumn/winter shoe trends for 2026 with a sleek slingback buckle, team them with everything from jeans to your party-ready little black dress.
These wide-leg jeans from H&M come in a range of denim washes, and this worn, dark blue pair are a great match for Kristen's style. The high waist helps to balance out the baggier leg by cinching you in at the waist.
Subtle shoulder pads add striking structure to this oversized blazer, which is complemented by a wide lapel collar. The formal, if slightly retro, aesthetic of the three-button jacket adds a delightfully vintage feel to any look.
A stash of great white T-shirts works all year round and solves a multitude of outfit dilemmas. Crafted from 100% cotton fabric, this makes a breathable choice and a great layering piece, as it allows air to flow, stopping you from feeling sticky.
The baggy, wide leg cut of Kristen’s jeans brings a laid-back feel to her look, which is contrasted by the tailored edge of her blazer, though complemented by its slightly oversized fit. This balance is one you want to tread carefully when styling wide leg denim for smart casual outfits and more elevated day wear, with elements like structured shoulders, waist-nipping tailoring and clean, unfussy cuts being details that can keep a blazer from feeling too oversized against loose-fitting denim.
Kristen brought proportion into her style by tucking her white t-shirt into the high waistband of her jeans, with a belt further emphasising her frame to introduce balance. High waisted jeans alone can do this, as they hug the waist and hips to highlight the narrowest part of the body. If you feel that you’re often swamped by wider denim cuts, follow her lead and try a high waisted pair, especially if you want to layer on a relaxed-fitting blazer or try out the more loose-fitting options from the best autumn jackets this season.
Against the monochrome styling she built up around her denim, Kristen’s choice of patent black heels was an expert one. Not only did it play into a sophisticated autumnal colour palette, but the minimalistic design and sleek, pointed toe also helped to balance the wide cut of her jeans. It’s a shoe you might only want to wear for those more elevated autumn outfit ideas this season, but you can definitely be inspired by it when it comes to everyday wear, with some simple black ballet flats or flat, pointed-toe boots being great substitutes for more casual, day-to-day wear throughout autumn.
