Dressed Up Denim At Work.
Who would have thought, huh?
I still remember the time when a VERY CONSERVATIVE company I used to work for allowed us to have “Denim Friday”. It was a BIG DEAL and it came with a page-long email of restrictions – including the no holes in the knees or rhinestones on the back side and length of the inseam.
Times have changed. Drastically.
Denim is now grown up and very refined.
(In fact, it was one of the trends I talked about in the 2016 Spring Fashion Guide For 40-Year-Olds.)
But, if you are of a certain age or were brought up with “fashion rules”, you may still have some lingering doubts. I know. I’d second guess myself too and wonder, “Is it REALLY appropriate?!?”
The answer is yes. If it is done right. Here is a brief tutorial on how to wear dressed up denim at work, so all of our fears can be put to rest.
How To Wear Dressed Up Denim At Work?
Dressed Up Denim is a juxtaposition.
Typically, denim is very casual, but new cuts, designs, and fabric make it more refined than “typical denim”. So instead of thinking of it as “denim”, think of it like a color called “denim”. But keep in mind, unless you want to look circa 2001 “Justin & Brittany” … a little of this trend goes a long way.
Pick Pieces That Are Classic Styles
Luckily, designers have embraced this color “denim” and have created pieces that are office worthy. Including jackets, wide-legged pants, shoes, and dresses.
I’m in LOVE with the Michael Kors Notched-Collar Boyfriend Blazer from Macy’s. It’s such a classic style that can be dressed up for a serious business meeting or dressed down for “happy hour”. Plus, the material combination of linen/cotton/elastane means the look of linen without all of the wrinkles. (And it is on sale right now at Macy’s Friends & Family Sale.)
This jacket is so versatile. I’ve worn it with INC White Cropped Jeans, black dress pants, colored jeans, and cargo pants. And I’ve paired it with blouses, like the Maison Jules Sleeveless Blouse, tank tops, t-shirts, and sleeveless tops.
Mix & Match With Ease
The other key to dressed-up denim is to mix and match it with other more formal separates. Wear wide-legged denim pants with a more formal blouse. Wear a denim shirt with traditional blazer and pearls. Wear a denim dress with dressy sandals.
Remember, dressed-up denim is a juxtaposition. Don’t worry about taking it to the next level by mixing the formal with the informal….that’s kind of the point.
Plus, since denim is considered a neutral, it compliments every color and pattern and will go with about everything in your closet.
Final Words
I know it may seem a little scary, especially if you work for a formal office. But this trend can be pulled off if you remember these things…
- A little goes a long way. Pick one piece to be dressed-up denim.
- Juxtaposition is key. Mix the formal with the informal.
- Pick classic styles so it doesn’t look like you came to work in a jean jacket.
Now the million dollar question…how will you wear dressed up denim to work? Are you brave enough to embrace the trend?
