Any time my friends and I have evening plans, the group text will inevitably pop off ahead of time with the most pressing question: "What's everyone wearing?" While we all enjoy an excuse to dress up, most of the time, a mini dress and strappy heels just don't feel appropriate—or frankly, very reflective of our personal style. Instead, more often than not, the replies tend to be: "Probably jeans and a nice top."
It's an outfit with endless possibilities that can navigate any season and most scenarios. It's also a look that can easily go from day to night, fancy and casual, and that lends itself to being easily adapted to your mood or personal aesthetic. But how does one keep it looking fresh this year?
For me, the answer is to focus on switching out the tops. Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a mission, and when I've finally found denim that is a flattering fit, I'm not easily inclined to open up the Pandora's box of trying to find new options. But with tops, there's a whole sartorial world to explore, with high-street and designer brands alike constantly delivering new swathes of tempting options. If I want something a bit sleeker, maybe I'll try a corset-style top or a lace camisole number. If I want something more casual and effortless, maybe I'll go for a classic shirt or just a simple tee (if it isn't broke!). The key is to build up your reserve, with a mix of versatile staples that can be refreshed with jewellery and accessories, as well as a few statement pieces that do all the work for you.
If you're looking to revamp your top options, I've done some digging to find the best styles currently available for every price point. I'm confident that any one of these classic picks would make your jeans feel instantly elevated. Scroll on to discover my seven favourite tops to wear with jeans, all year round, no matter what the trends are saying.
Shop the Best Tops to Wear With Jeans:
1. Denim Shirt
Style Notes: There's something so chic about double denim, right? Style yours with jeans of any cut and colour. It's an easy yet stylish look that never fails. With cold winter weather, you can wear layers undneath or add a jumper over top for extra warmth.
Shop Denim Shirts:
This would look great with high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.
I'd wear these with white jeans or the same shade of medium blue.
Style with white jeans and sleek boots for an effortlessly elevated look.
2. Cardigan
Style Notes: Wearing your cardigan as a top is a well-known hack amongst fashion people. Not only will it keep you warm during winter, but it also looks super elegant and helps to dress up your more casual jeans.
Shop Cardigans:
Chocolate brown is not going anywhere.
I have worn this cardigan as a shirt all autumn and winter long. It's soft and form-fitting enough to work under any jacket.
Cashmere is always worth the investment, and this pretty cardigan comes in 21 colours. This bright cherry red has been my go-to this year.
3. Off-the-Shoulder
Style Notes: For a date night or dinner out with friends, I always opt for a off-the-shoulder top. Normally I pair these with a looser style of jeans, such as barrel, baggy or puddle, to help balance out proportions. It's a lovely way to feel elegant during winter when you're usually covered up by numerous coats.
Shop Off-the-Shoulder Tops:
This one is made of knitwear so you stay cosy too.
A unique neckline always gives your outfit a chic twist.
Black goes with everything, whether you pair this with jeans, a skirt or trousers.
4. Turtleneck Shirts
Style Notes: Sylvie's look proves that sometimes the simplest of combos are the best. Pair a turtleneck top with blue jeans and a wool coat for a chic look that has that much-desired Parisian touch.
Shop Turtlenecks:
Perfect for a low-key look.
This one is sleek enough to layer under anything.
Mock-neck styles are perfect if you find the feel of turtlenecks are a little too much.
5. Tie-Front Tops
Style Notes: Whether it be knitted, cotton or silk, a tie-front top works for any occasion. Long-sleeve versions are the perfect alternatives to the tie-front vests in your summer wardrobe. Dress it up with dark-wash jeans and heeled boots like Anouk has done here.
Shop Tie-Front Tops:
Velvet is a must-have material for any winter wardrobe.
Bell sleeves and a light shimmer gives this top festive vibes.
This mixture of a cardigan and tie-front top is perfect for pairing with jeans.
6. Collared Shirt
Style Notes: When it comes to shirts and blouses to wear with jeans, there are ample to choose from. A classic striped iteration makes for the perfect weekend outfit when paired with loose denim, while a silk or pretty detailed blouse is a great choice for work or evenings out.
Shop Collared Shirts:
A white shirt works with every pair of jeans.
The rounded sleeves make this collared shirt feel a little more special from the standard options out there.
Shirts with sheen are perfect for winter festivities.
7. Vests and T-Shirts
Style Notes: Despite it being winter, T-shirts and vests are still essentials this time of year. They're the perfect layering pieces to wear beneath jumeprs and knitwear. And as Rebekah proves, it's possible to get creative with winter styling of tees and tanks. A white tee or vest paired with a jacket and a tied jumper over top is a very unique way of giving your look more interest. I also think it's a great way to switch up your denim—you can layer these with jeans or copy Rebekah's look and opt for a denim skirt.
Shop the Trend:
Possibly the best tee on the high street. I will never stop raving about mine!
A satin T-shirt feels unbelievably luxe.
You can wear this year-round, on its own during warmer months and under a jumper in the autumn and winter. It comes in several chic colours, too.
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The Chicest People I Know are Styling This Classy Top Trend With Jeans and Skirts Right NowElegant every time.
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Forget Your Basic White Tee for a Sec—Jeans, Skirts and Trousers Look So Much Chicer With This Sleek TopThis "nice top" never fails.
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If You Want to Look Chic in Jeans, Skirts or Trousers, This Elegant Top Is Always the AnswerMy one recommendation.
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