If there's anything we can learn from the fashionable collective of Paris and London, it's how to style an outfit of elevated basics. Known to shop for staples you can rewear and mix and match, it goes without saying the most stylish influencers and industry insiders from Europe know a thing or two about the best basics to wear with jeans. Luckily, we at WhoWhatWear are taking notes.
Jeans are forever a mainstay, but since the dwindling of the mega Y2K revival, it feels like we're all in the midst of a rejuvenated love affair with the easy staple, and why not when it's among the smartest pieces to invest in? Buckle up for a wardrobe's worth of inspiration ahead.
With a Blazer
Adding a blazer to jeans is the easiest way to both look extremely put together and feel as comfortable as it gets without bordering on lounge territory.
This outfit makes me want more pieces in slate blue.
Love this cut.
These are ever so slightly frayed at the bottom.
With a Longline Coat
Longline coats are this year's biggest outerwear trend, and even with relaxed jeans and a tee, there's no outfit they won't add a level of sophistication to. Try the look for your next day of errands.
This coat is major.
While we're here, Free People's tees reign supreme, just like its jeans.
Finally, a pair of baggy jeans that are the perfect shade of blue.
This beanie color couldn't be any more perfect for the season.
With a Leather Jacket
This season proves the leather-biker-jacket trend is still soaring high, and loose jeans are their indisputable match. For an even more effortlessly cool appearance, consider adding a baseball cap to complete the outfit.
I've never regretted a good leather jacket purchase.
Looking for the perfect white tee, you say?
These jeans have most everyone covered. They're available in standard, petite, and tall, from sizes 23 to 26 W.
We're team "keep an emergency baseball hat on hand."
With a Slouchy Cardigan
Women in Paris and London know their basics just as well they know their proportions. For instance, styling baggy jeans with an oversize but polished cardigan and a tucked-in tee makes for a final look that is cool-girl approved.
Big pockets somehow make cardigans look that much more elevated.
For a short-sleeve tee that feels a bit more fashion-forward, look for wider and longer, oversize sleeves.
Everything from Everlane feels like it should cost more than it does. (Take it from someone who is constantly trying out its new pieces.)
Don't underestimate the power of adding a fictional but stylized belt to your jeans ensemble.
With More Denim
Naturally, among the best things to pair denim with is… more denim. The best part about the Canadian tuxedo is it leaves options open for styling. For something on the slightly dressier side, for instance, you might try going with your color of choice in pumps and a matching top-handle bag.
Wear this buttoned up as a shacket or undone with a tank underneath.
Nordstrom always has the best sales, and these are currently over 30% off.
Pro tip: Look for shoes with the heel set slightly inward (such as these) rather than at the very back of the shoe for better balance and exponentially more comfort.
How cute!
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