3 Ways Successful Women Style Denim at the Office

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Here’s the thing, denim doesn’t have much of a history in the office. In fact, it hasn’t always been welcomed. As opposed to workplace staples like a pantsuit or a pencil skirt, jeans have often been a more restricted style. But with occasions like casual Fridays brought into the mix, created in large part to allow more non-traditional work outfits, denim has largely been let into the office fold. Perhaps not in all work environments, but it's certainly the case in the creative and fashion-adjacent spheres.

And with the rising acceptance of denim at the office, I was curious to find out how successful women are wearing it in a professional setting. A simple pair of jeans is endlessly versatile and really work as part of the modern work wardrobe. Here, three professionals in a range of fields are sharing how they wear jeans for their everyday jobs. Even if you only wear denim once a week, these are some ideas you’ll want to repeat.

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"Luckily, I work in a unique industry where wearing denim to the office is more than acceptable. When I wear jeans, I like to incorporate a tailored piece with something a little more trendy, then finish off the look with something quirky. Don't ask me to describe my personal style to you. I'm clearly still figuring it out."

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"My go-to office uniform is a classic tee (usually styled with a sweater), a pair of high-waisted jeans, and my Gucci loafers. There's something so chic and effortless about it. I'm usually running around all day meeting with clients, so I like to feel comfy while on the go."

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"Denim jeans are the most common workplace pieces at tech companies like Google. I love to choose a pair of jeans with interesting designs to look polished in the office. Raw-cut cuffed hem, inside-out side seams, or some colors/embroidery can instantly elevate my look. I usually style such jeans with clean-looking tops and shoes so that the look is balanced and my jeans are the center of the attention."

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.