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

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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.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Anouk Yve goes all black with straight-leg jeans, sheer socks, and sleek Mary Jane flats.

2.

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(Image credit: @slyviemus_)

Sylvie Mus takes on the cuffed-jeans trend with black tights and slingback heels.

3.

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Lorna Humphrey poses in Paris with gray jeans, black socks, and cult-status Prada loafers.

4.

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(Image credit: @christietyler)

Christie Tyler is known for her classic yet fashion-forward style—this combination of jeans with socks and loafers is no exception.

5.

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Mus goes French-girl chic with straight-leg jeans, tights, and suede slingbacks.

6.

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

A closer look at Humphrey's chic gray denim and Prada loafers with socks.

7.

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(Image credit: @lindseyholland_)

Lindsey Holland is perfectly polished in cropped jeans, black socks, and patent loafers.

8.

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Another sophisticated take on the tights-with-denim look from Mus.

9.

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(Image credit: Citizens of Humanity)

The Citizens of Humanity fall 2023 lookbook is full of great tights-with-denim pairings.

10.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Yve shows up again with her cool denim and socks with loafers.

11.

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Humphrey takes a coffee break in a classic outfit with ankle-length jeans, black socks, and timeless loafers.

12.

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Did I mention Mus has mastered the denim-with-black-tights trend?

13.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Yve is the epitome of chic in this elevated denim outfit with black tights and cap-toe pumps.

14.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Tylynn Nguyen is serving party outfit inspo with her light-wash jeans, black tights, and embellished pumps.

15.

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(Image credit: Citizens of Humanity)

Citizens of Humanity coming in with a casual-chic black-denim-and-tights pairing that's perfect for fall and beyond.

Jennifer Camp Forbes

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a 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, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which 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. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.