Kate McCusker
Deciphering what to wear with black jeans can be a sartorial challenge. One of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe, with the ability to be dressed up or down, nailing a black jeans outfit for all occasions will help you solve those 'nothing to wear moments'.
The best jeans are a wardrobe essential. Underpinning your capsule wardrobe, black jeans have the ability to take on multiple roles. Smart, sleek, sexy and casual, working out what to wear with black jeans for every occasion will make getting dressed every day a whole lot easier. A style staple, we don't expect to see black jeans as a specific denim trend 2023, but they can be used as an outfit building block to help you inject the latest runway looks into your closet as they go with pretty much everything.
Super versatile, black jeans can literally pair with any of the fashion color trends 2023, from bold pink to pale pastels, the discreet style can help you unlock whole new looks. For smart occasions, such as meetings or dinner dates, the best skinny jeans will help streamline and sculpt your silhouette. For casual weekend brunches or get-togethers, the best mom jeans in black will keep your look on point. But it's figuring out what to wear with black jeans and when to wear them that can be the styling challenge. We break down what to wear with black jeans to see you through the season.
What to wear with black jeans
1. Black Jeans + Blazers
When it comes to how to style jeans, black jeans + the best blazers are a style match made in heaven. Versatile, polished, and unassailably chic, this classic combo will never fail to breathe new life into your workwear wardrobe. Why? Because unlike your classic pair of blue jeans, black jeans are infinitely more polished. When worn with a blazer, dark denim makes for a stylish (not to mention more comfortable) alternative to staid, office slacks. While you might not use black jeans as the answer for what to wear to a job interview, once you've bagged the job, chances are you can slide a pair of well-tailored, black jeans into your workwear capsule wardrobe. As we head into the warmer months try adding any of the best shirts or blouses for a smarter finish, or for a slightly more relaxed feel, style with a t-shirt. Finish the look off with anything from a pair of comfortable flats, such as the best loafers for women - which are so on-trend right now, or your best designer heels.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $39.90 / £25.99 | An ankle-skimming cut is an instant leg lengthener and this version, in a dark black hue is a smart choice. The neat hem makes these ideal for pairing with loafers or one of the biggest shoe trends 2023, the kitten heel.
RRP: $545 / £298 | While you could embrace the dopamine dressing trend and opt for a bright-colored blazer, a classic tailored iteration in black will never date and work all year. This design could even be slipped over a dress for a more tailored finish.
RRP: $92.60 / £74.99 | Adidas Stan Smiths are some of the best white trainers on the market. This classic style will never date, and a box-fresh pair will really pop against jet black jeans. One of the hardest working pieces in any minimalist capsule wardrobe.
2. Black Jeans + Shirt or Blouse
Lean into this season's trend for bright color clothing through printed and block color blouses. The speediest way to dress up a pair of black jeans, look for silky and sheer iterations that instantly give a luxe finish. Ideal for what to wear on a first date, a feminine blouse in a bold hue can make a striking statement, helping you to exude confidence. Paired with your fave black jeans, it can create a stylish but relaxed outfit.
Not sure about going bold? Want something a little more timeless? A classic white shirt, in a slightly oversized fit, paired with some black skinny jeans is a look that will never date and feel both put together and relaxed.
Our fashion editor recommends
RRP: $69.50 / £95 | If you've been debating straight vs skinny jeans, get the best of both with these Levi's slim shapers that give you a fit that's halfway between straight and skinny for a smart but not sprayed on finish. A stylish compromise.
RRP: $96 / £45 | Pink may have ruled the runways last year, but it's back with a bang as part of the fashion trends 2023 and the ruffled and floaty fabric of this blouse plays into other major style trends too. We love the pretty pleated neck detail to boot.
RRP: $135 / £95 | Bring pink and green together for a mood-boosting look. These sleek green stilettos are bang on-trend and offer an instantly dressed-up feel to a black jeans outfit. They'll also work brilliantly for what to wear to a wedding.
3. Black Jeans + Bold accessories
Wondering how to make your go-to black jeans look less 'throw on'? It's all down to how you accessorize. From the best scarves for women, like a new season silk scarf, to chanelling the handbag trends 2023 with an oversized tote, nailing how to wear a headband, a pair of black jeans should be seen as a great building block. Allowing your accessories to really sing. Whether you opt for straight, bootcuts or a pair of mom jeans, if you want the accessories to be the star of the show, keep the rest of your outfit muted. Heed to one of the best Coco Chanel quotes though and make sure to remove the last accessory you put on before leaving the house.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $24.99 / £19.99 | Taking a leaf from '90s fashion trends, the best mom jeans have made a big impact, swiftly become one of the many types of jeans that have become integral to our everyday wardrobe. With a universally flattering high waist, mom jeans are a smart choice and work well for all body types.
RRP: $55.65 / £35 | A headband can instantly eliminate a bad hair day and offer a pop of color to your look. This jeweled design is made in the WGSN Color of the Year 2023 and with the embellished gem stone design will work well for event dressing for the season ahead too.
RRP: $360 / £1655 | Black jeans form a neutral basis for a look, so you can afford to pack a punch with your accessories. Add a splash of metallic for a directional look, and a silver crossbody bag will make your look work for day as well as the evening, leaving a little sparkle wherever you go.
4. Black Jeans + Sweater vests
With spring on the horizon, we can't wait for the warm weather. But as bright as spring is, there are still those chillier days that require some smart layering. The sweater vest is an excellent choice for what to wear with black jeans, offering a fun styling option with just the right amount of coverage. Pairing easily over shirts and blouses, you can lean into the vintage feel and opt for black flare jeans too. Check out our guide for more ideas on how to style a sweater vest.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $220 / £135 | The '70s remain a key trend for the upcoming season and learning how to style flared jeans is the quickest way to inject the look into your closet. Keep your top half more fitted to avoid looking overwhelmed in the style and balance out the fuller leg shape.
RRP: £315 (UK only) | Cashmere is great for regulating body temperature, so don't be afraid to wear your best cashmere sweaters in spring. You can pair this look with black jeans, or style your sweater vest over a midi dress for added warmth.
RRP: $79 / £39 | A classic white shirt will always have a home in your closet. A fitted design under a sweater vest will look smart paired with a dark wash pair of jeans. The slimmer fit will ensure your silhouette isn't lost and will always look polished.
5. Black jeans + Leather Jacket
Evoke your inner rocker and team black jeans with your best leather jacket. Both wardrobe classics, jeans + leather jacket is a stylish, casual combination that you can wear over and over again. To fully embrace the style, opt for oil slick coated denim or a leather-look pair and a biker jacket silhouette. Wear with everything from V-neck t-shirts to a Breton striped top, or a fine roll neck sweater on cooler days. Team with a pair of the best Chelsea boots for a 'with the band' aesthetic.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $91 / £49 | Nailed how to style leather pants? Now you can get the look of leather but with the added stretch thanks to these jeans. With an ankle-skimming finish and high-waisted fit, this coated pair offers a point of difference to cotton denim styles.
RRP: £299 (UK only) | In a classic biker shape, All Saints leather jackets are some of the best around. Buttery soft, a timeless design will never date, making it well worth the investment. Pair this with jeans of all kinds or over dresses for a look with an edge.
RRP: $34 / £20 | The best Breton tops work all year through, adding interest to casual denim outfits. Opt for classic color combos including white and black and white with navy, as these will go with anything and always look effortlessly cool.
