With the casualization of the workplace, I think it is important to touch on wearing jeans to work in this series. Jeans in the workplace are very different than jeans that you wear casually on the weekend. Unless your profession involves things like needing a large machine operator’s license, blowing leaves off someone’s yard, driving a food truck or folding at the Gap, it is important to keep a few things in mind before you put on a pair of jeans for work. For more professional environments where jeans are always allowed or are permissible on certain days, here are a few fashion tips, outfit ideas and styles to consider.
Leave the rips, holes and distress marks for the weekend
Professional jeans should be polished and worn like you would a pair of work trousers. Look for dark washes that aren’t too distressed or sandblasted. Rips and holes, even if they are intentionally placed, should be avoided unless you work in a highly casual or creative environment where you can get away with it. Even if more distressed styles are acceptable at your workplace, I still encourage you to make the coordinating pieces of your outfit more polished. On the weekends a distressed pair of jeans and a t-shirt may work but for the office, these types of jeans should be paired with more tailored pieces so the sophistication of these items can elevate your super casual jeans.
Tailoring and fit
For work, your jeans should fit and they should fit you well. It can be hard to find a perfect fitting pair of jeans right off the rack so you may need to consider having them tailored. It costs very little to have jeans hemmed or taken in at the waist and will go a long way towards making you look more professional.
Caring for Your Workplace Jeans
To keep your jeans dark and crisp, consider washing them inside out when you launder them. Doing this will keep them from fading too quickly. Keeping them out of the dryer will also keep the fibers from wearing down too quickly. Alternatively, you can also consider dry cleaning your work jeans. Another wacky alternative, to really keep them fresh and from fading, you can also wash them in the freezer! That’s right, jeans can be washed in the freezer, apparently. I’ve never tried this but I have read that folded jeans in a Ziploc bag can be stored in a freezer for a week to kill any living organisms that may have set up a home in your denim. After a week they will be clean and crisp…and cold. This method does not remove stains, however.
Styling Jeans for Work
Here are three workplace jeans looks to consider.
Look #1
For work, this pair of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Skinny Jeans work well because they only in a darker wash but they also don’t have contrast stitching which can make jeans look casual. The key to styling jeans for work is to treat them like any other pair of pants you would wear to the office. Don’t forget things like accessorizing and wearing professional pieces with your jeans.
Look #2
While these jeans from Lucky Brand have a more relaxed, sandblasted look, what makes them look more professional is how they are styled. When wearing more casual looking denim, think about the pieces you wear with them. Pieces like separate blazers, professional shoes and jewelry will elevate the casual look of your jeans.
Look #3
Jeans, like these from Levi’s, worn with just a button down shirt can look very casual and not very professional. However, all it takes are a few accessories, like a belt, pair of nicer shoes and some jewelry to make the outfit look polished.
Workplace jeans for all shapes and sizes.
Looking for that perfect workplace denim? Check out these styles for your perfect pair.
Apt. 9 Curvy Bootcut Jeans
The boot cut style is figure flattering and the dark wash is professional.
Hudson Signature Boot Cut Jeans
Back flaps work for flatter bottoms and a contour waist camouflages a slight tummy.
AG Petite 'Angelina' Boot Cut Jeans
A professional dark wash in a flattering boot cut style for petite women.
Catherines Slimmer Synergy Jean
Professional Plus Size Jean with tummy control and dark wash.
NYDJ Filipa Trousers Tall
Perfect professional denim for tall women (35" inseam) in a true trouser style jean.
Gap 1969 Perfect Boot Cut Jeans
Classic, dark wash is perfect for the office.
Lucky Brand Curvy Sofia Boot
Dark wash curvy fit is perfect for the office. Higher back rise is perfect for bending.
Levi's Revel Demi Curve Skinny Jeans
Liquid Shaping Technology fused into the denim to provide hold and comfort.
Levi's Modern Rise Bold Curve Bootcut Skinny Jeans
Designed specifically for curvy women with a defined waist.
NYDJ Skinny Jeans
Realistic skinny jeans for realistic bodies and much more professional
