Ah, jeans. They're the all-round performer, year on year. They were originally created as workwear and now we're making them work hard across multiple trends and occasions. Jeans are an incredibly versatile piece of clothing that make a myriad of wardrobe possibilities come to life—what other item can translate an evening look to daytime so effortlessly, for example? They're also built to last and often look so much better with a bit of wear and tear integrated into their fabric after faithfully seeing you through years of dressing.
One of my favourite ways to wear jeans is with a simple, crisp shirt. It's the perfect outfit for these warmer days before we reach the depths of autumn, but a shirt also works well underneath a blazer or leather jacket—two timeless jacket styles we'll see lots of this season and beautifully executed by the likes of Gucci on the A/W 23 runways.
And when it comes to shoes, statement styles can still have their moment with jeans, whether you're looking to reveal an embellished point from beneath a long, loose denim hemline, or a retro-inspired trainer below a turn-up ankle. A pair of loafers with bare ankles or socks looks great with pencil-leg jeans, whilst a Chelsea boot appearing under an ankle-grazing pair also hits the mark. Personally, I love wearing mary janes with jeans; I think it's such a chic look, so scroll down for my pick of the best T-bar styles to wear with denim.
Rumour has it that one big fashion magazine used to ban its staff from wearing jeans in the office, and now they're the ultimate staple item—you won't find a wardrobe without at least one pair. So, cue my tips on how to get the best wear out of your denim all year round, with a special focus on how to wear them with some of autumn 2023's key trends.
1. THE CRISP SHIRT
Brooklyn Gallagher keeps it clean and simple whilst showing some skin with her relaxed white shirt.
Versace sent a starch-stiff white shirt down the runway paired with hard, leather accessories and oversized earrings.
SHOP THE LOOK:
ARKET knows how to do a white shirt. This cotton poplin is light, crisp and holds its shape well for a great silhouette.
I'd be surprised if you hadn't heard of With Nothing Underneath and its absolutely bang-on shirts. Well-made and comfortable, they're worth the price tag.
This half-length shirt from French Connection would look great tucked into high-waisted jean or over a wide-leg pair for a cool, no-fuss look.
Also available in white, this shirt from Mango with its thin stripes would be perfect with dark, indigo shades of denim.
Margaret Howell is another brand that makes great shirts. These are made in North London, and the seamstress who creates each one stitches their initials into the care label for a personal touch.
2. LEATHER SEPARATES
Anne-Laure Mais keeps it unequivocally French with her low-heel boots, leather jacket and a scarf artfully tossed over her shoulder.
This NYFW guest nails layering with a hoodie under their tough, padded leather jacket.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The power of a good trench can't be underestimated. Cinch it in at the waist by tying the belt, and wear with wide-leg jeans for an on-trend silhouette.
Cropped and with slightly wider proportions, this trench-style jacket would suit high-waisted jeans to a tee.
There's a lot to love about this jacket from Zara: the proportions, the hardware details and the belt are all spot-on. And as demonstrated, it looks great with faded, worn-in jeans.
Worn open with a pair of straight jeans and knitwear underneath, this weathered leather jacket from Tibi will see you into the change of seasons.
This leather blazer from denim extraordinaire Me+Em is the perfect piece to wear with any style of jeans, be it wide, flared, boyfriend, mom, pencil… take your pick. Some cute ballet flats would pull it all together.
3. EXECUTIVE TAILORING
Danielle Williams-Eke keeps it formal yet relaxed with a silk blazer and embellished heels, finished off with her miniature handbag.
Gucci maintains this loose, slouchy fit throughout each outerwear piece this season.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Available in dark brown as well as navy, this blazer boasts exaggerated features in a great wool fabric.
This blazer comes in beige, grey and black, and I love the thickness and softer edges.
This blazer from coveted MATCHES brand Raey is also available in white and pink, and I love the soft, wide shoulders and the concealed, single-breasted button. This colour would be sublime with a mid-wash or dark indigo pair of jeans.
The clean lines of this blazer would look great with a pair of jeans in a raw, dark blue wash.
Classic, versatile and easy to throw on. Add a scarf and large under-the-arm bag for a chic and expensive-looking outfit.
4. FANCY FOOTWORK
Anouk Yve pops on some T-bar shoes with her slim-leg jeans for a chic and relaxed look.
Franny looks so chic in her Mary Janes, black jeans and white shirt.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The Row's pieces are all very considered, and these mary-jane flats have just the right amount of space between the strap and the front of the shoe. They'd be gorgeous peeking out under a denim-clad leg.
Classic and comfortable, the embellished buckle gives a little something extra. These with mid-wash, slim-leg jeans? Yes!
I love the chunky, rounded shape of this pair of T-bar loafers from Grenson. They'd look great with a pair of wide-leg, turned-up jeans.
COS's leather pieces are always well-made, and these ballet flats with a mary-jane strap have a pleat detail at the toes for extra elevation.
I love the square edging of these along with the pearl embellishments for an elegant finishing touch.
5. THE BLACK MAXI COAT
Erika Boldrin balances her slouchy jeans and chunky trainers with a wide-shouldered, double-breasted black coat for a smart and up-to-date look.
Alaïa's cocoon coat with exaggerated lapels looks great with turned-up jeans and creates a rounded, sophisticated silhouette.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I can feel the sheer luxury of this coat through my computer screen. I used to work in retail for Joseph many moons ago, and I dreamed of one day owning one of its classic coats which are designed to last a lifetime. (Note: I'm still dreaming.) This one is made from double-layered cashmere for extra warmth and comfort.
The wide fit and long length is perfect, if you ask me.
Wear this coat long and straight or use the belt to cinch it in at the waist for a tapered silhouette.
The tuxedo-style satin lapels on this coat will punctuate any look with an elegant touch.
This coat is 100% wool, so there's no doubt it'll keep you warm during the colder months.
Next Up: Jeans Dominate My Capsule Wardrobe—8 Outfits I'm Relying on for Autumn
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