An Incredibly Chic and Easy Way to Make Your Denim Outfits Look More Expensive

If you're anything like me and my fellow Who What Wear editors, you're always on the hunt for ways to make your outfits look more expensive. My denim-outfit rotation has been in dire need of this kind of boost, and I recently noticed a trend bubbling up that will do the trick without any heavy lifting. It all revolves around a chic and easy styling tip that requires three key pieces: the jeans of your choice, a pair of sheer black tights or black socks, and a sleek pair of black shoes that allows the socks to be seen. I know it sounds simple, but it makes a tremendous impact.
To put it in perspective, I set out to find some visual inspiration where this styling tip is at play, and sure enough, each ensemble I came across is elevated with a designer feel as a result. Keep scrolling to check out 15 chic fall looks that incorporate jeans with stylish black socks and shoes for the ultimate expensive-looking denim outfit.
1.
Anouk Yve goes all black with straight-leg jeans, sheer socks, and sleek Mary Jane flats.
2.
Sylvie Mus takes on the cuffed-jeans trend with black tights and slingback heels.
3.
Lorna Humphrey poses in Paris with gray jeans, black socks, and cult-status Prada loafers.
4.
Christie Tyler is known for her classic yet fashion-forward style—this combination of jeans with socks and loafers is no exception.
5.
Mus goes French-girl chic with straight-leg jeans, tights, and suede slingbacks.
6.
A closer look at Humphrey's chic gray denim and Prada loafers with socks.
7.
Lindsey Holland is perfectly polished in cropped jeans, black socks, and patent loafers.
8.
Another sophisticated take on the tights-with-denim look from Mus.
9.
The Citizens of Humanity fall 2023 lookbook is full of great tights-with-denim pairings.
10.
Yve shows up again with her cool denim and socks with loafers.
11.
Humphrey takes a coffee break in a classic outfit with ankle-length jeans, black socks, and timeless loafers.
12.
Did I mention Mus has mastered the denim-with-black-tights trend?
13.
Yve is the epitome of chic in this elevated denim outfit with black tights and cap-toe pumps.
14.
Tylynn Nguyen is serving party outfit inspo with her light-wash jeans, black tights, and embellished pumps.
15.
Citizens of Humanity coming in with a casual-chic black-denim-and-tights pairing that's perfect for fall and beyond.

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
I'm an NYC-Based Dad Who Is Always on the Move—This Is How I Redefined My Everyday Wear
Effortless, easy, and cool.
-
Ignore the Haters—I Still Love These Versatile and Comfy Pants and Bet You Do Too
See how fashion people from NYC to Paris to London wear them for fall.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025
Everything is under $100.
-
All of the Coolest People I Follow Just Bought Into This New Fall Denim Shape
No, it's not barrel, wide leg, or bootcut.
-
Everything Who What Wear Editors Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in, shall we?
-
Loafers Are Great, But If You're Bored, This Is the Classic Flat Shoe Trend to Try Next
Could this be the new It flat shoe for fall?
-
Paris Hilton's World: Her Pink Motorola Razr, Favorite Y2K Looks, and What 11:11 Media Means to Her
A glimpse into the life of this savvy entrepreneur.
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was Wearing
Forget ballet flats.