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.
-
This Stylish New Yorker Has Has Impeccable Taste—35 Chic Spring Picks That Have Her Attention
The dresses alone are gems.
-
The Anti–Ballet Flats French and Italian Brands Are Currently Smitten With
Chic flats, sans ballet.
-
Flat-Shoe Summer Awaits—Here's What Everyone's Wearing Instead of Heels
Shop the styles inside.
-
5 Elegant Color Combos Every Cool European Will Be Wearing This Summer
Number four is our favorite.
-
FYI: This Shirt Trend Makes Jeans Look So Much Prettier
Yes, pretty.
-
Forget Outfit Anxiety—This Hack Is Making Styling Stress Entirely Obsolete
No more panicking about what to wear.
-
Summer 2024's It Shoe Just Met Its 2025 Replacement
Click here to meet its successor.
-
The Curvy Girl's Guide to Finding Pants That Fit Flawlessly
Waist gap, begone.