In the traditional office, strict dress codes have banished workday denim to the Casual Friday. But luckily, as startup culture paves the way for the modern office setting, a more laid back cubicle look is becoming the norm, and plenty of people are adapting jeans into their everyday office wear.
Still, it’s important to maintain a certain air of polish when you’re pulling on jeans in the morning. To help define what type of denim will fly in the office and what should stick to the weekends, we’ve recruited Rue La La Stylist Alexandra Ryan to lay down the law, and provide some denim-inspired outfit ideas.
This week, the e-commerce company certainly has blue jeans on the brain: on Wednesday at 11 a.m., they’re launching a Celebrity-Inspired Denim Guide, looking to stars like Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum and Reese Witherspoon as their style mavens. The boutique will be the place to shop for new jeans, from skinny to wide-leg, as well as accessories, and the shop will run until Friday, October 24.
Before the boutique opens, however, here’s how to incorporate denim into your office-ready wardrobe (celebrity or not), from Alexandra Ryan.
The Boyfriend Jean
Pair these jeans with a classic, neutral-colored blouse in ivory or white and a pair of pointy toe pumps. For something different, button the blouse all the way to the top – leave no button unbuttoned. Wear the blouse on its own, or throw a blazer over top. For the office, I’d recommend a slightly more fitted pair in a darker wash and save those lighter-wash, super baggy pairs for the weekend.
Distressed Straight Leg Jean
If you work in a more creative environment, try incorporating a pair of distressed straight leg jeans into the mix. This style is one of the biggest trends this fall, and I love it paired with a neutral blouse under a dressy sweatshirt (another huge fall trend). I’d recommend buttoning the top button of the blouse before putting the sweatshirt on to smooth everything out and keep it polished. Throw on a pair of heels and you’re good to go.
Another fun look that’s perfect for when it really gets cold: layer a chunky fisherman sweater over a classic white button up. Pair with dark blue or black distressed jeans and add suede ankle boots. Great for a casual Friday in the office.
Wide-Leg/Bootcut
These are probably the safest bet if you work in a more buttoned-up environment. I love the clean, simple look of dark, wide-leg jeans with a white tee and a structured leather jacket. Choose clean lines on the top so you keep proportions balanced – wide-leg pants are a statement in themselves.
Another option is to really let your wide-legs steal the show by pairing them with a tucked-in, neutral silk blouse (a wardrobe warrior!). Add some delicate, layered necklaces to finish the look.
No matter what you pair with this style of jean, make sure you have the right footwear. I think they look best when the hem grazes the floor, but doesn’t drag. Too short, and you lose the amazing leg-lengthening effect these jeans have. A pointy toe pump (not a platform heel) always looks sophisticated with this style.
There you have it – denim is a classic wardrobe staple, and it’s high time to incorporate it into your office attire, stylishly, of course.
Images via Rue La La
