Confession: I’m a lazy dresser, like to the point where I’ll primarily buy fabrics that don’t require ironing. But I’ve learned that it doesn’t take much to look put together, even with something as basic as jeans. All you need are a few key tops and a few accessories that do the dressing up for you. In this post, I will share my tips for creating 3 easy, non-boring outfits with jeans, featuring my favorite jean style right now: the relaxed skinny jean.
Add a Floral Top
Top: J.Crew l Jeans: Zara l Bag: Jordana Paige l Shoes + Bracelet: Coach
Trust me, this outfit will be your business casual uniform in spring (once winter finally gets the hint and moves on). Adding a colorful floral top in a beautiful fabric, like silk or a crisp polyester, is the easiest to add polish to your jeans. If you’re feeling really fancy, add a pair of spring-appropriate strappy sandals. I chose to finish my outfit with the super chic Cora bag from Jordana Paige and a gold bracelet.
Tip: If you want a more mature floral print, stick to graphic or tropical floral tops with big flowers in bright colors. J.Crew usually has the best floral tops. Speaking of J.Crew, don’t forget to enter the $100 J. Crew giveaway (it ends next Wednesday!).
Add a Draped White Blouse
Top: H&M l Jeans: Zara l Bag: Jordana Paige l Necklace: Ann Taylor l Shoes: Reed Krakoff
Remember when I recommend draped white blouses in the last post? Well here’s an example of how to wear it. Since the draped blouse will have all the elegant sassiness you need, you can keep every other element in your outfit basic. Just add a nice pair of black heels and simple necklace, like the gold bar necklace I’m wearing (white and gold is a timeless combination).
By the way, that clutch is a part of the same Jordana Paige bag I used in the photos above. It’s a detachable. clutch. Crazy, right? If you don’t believe me, here’s photographic proof:
Jordana has designed genius bag that’s designed to be as cute as it is functional (there are many pockets on the inside for easy organization). I say, mission accomplished. If you want to get your own Cora bag, use code DD515 to get 10% off (but hurry because that code expires on May 15). 😉
Go Monochromatic with Fun Accessories
Sweater: J.Crew l Jeans + Flats: Zara l Hat: Urban Outfitters (similar here) l Bracelet: Coach
For some reason I can’t explain, I default to monochromatic color palettes. I love the effect of pairing different shades and tones of one color in different textures. But if I just wore the blue sweater with my blue jeans, this outfit would look kind of blah, right? That’s where accessories come in. Find your go-to feel good accessories for spicing up an outfit (mine are flats in fun patterns and, of course, my trusty fedora), and add those to a monochromatic jean outfit for an effortlessly chic effect. If you need some shoe inspo, here are my affordable picks:
These outfits are so easy to duplicate and take about five minutes to put together. So the next time you throw on your jeans and go to grab a wrinkled cotton shirt, think of all the options at your disposal to make those jeans look, well, less boring.
How do you wear your jeans? Are you a jean and tee girl, or do you have your own tricks for making stylish jean outfits?
The Comments
Ashley LaMar
My favorite is monochromatic with bold fun accessories. I love huge statement necklaces and I’m also a sucker for a great hat. I LOVE the hat you’re wearing. CUTE!
Elizabeth
> Ashley LaMarThanks, Ashley! I definitely share your love for statement necklaces; I don’t have enough of them. Where do you typically buy yours?
Elizabeth
Wow, you are so classy and polished! I wear denim skirts, which are really hard to find these days, and I like to keep it simple. A basic tee with a cute scarf and dressy-casual sandals would be a typical outfit you would see me wear with denim 🙂
Elizabeth
> ElizabethThank you, friend! It seems you are ahead of the fashio curve on denim skirts. They are trending this season, so hopefully that means more places will sell (modest) denim skirts. I know H&M has a really cute option. And your typical outfit sounds like something I would wear! Dressy-casual sandals for the win!
Elizabeth
> ElizabethBy the way, what kind of camera do you use? Your pictures are always so clear!
Elizabeth
> ElizabethThanks for saying that! I was just thinking I needed clearer photos. I use a Fuji Finepix SL300. I snagged it from my mom 😉
Sarah @ International Blessings
Great tips. My style is definitely lacking, especially since staying home with my kids! I really like the draped blouse with jeans look. And the simple necklace makes it look dressy yet simple.
Elizabeth
> Sarah @ International BlessingsThank you, Sarah!
Lauren @ Lauren In Vivo
This is so great! I have a pair of boyfriend jeans I’ll be pulling out once it warms up a little more in the Northeast, but I can definitely still pair them with similar tops. Especially loving the white draped blouses. So nice and clean. Also, I really like your blog design. 🙂
Elizabeth
> Lauren @ Lauren In VivoThank you, Lauren! I hear it’s warming up over there, so you should be able to pull out your jeans soon!
Robin
I love these ideas! My favorite is monochromatic with accessories. I like to wear jeans with a v-neck t-shirt, a fun scarf, and boots. 🙂
Elizabeth
> RobinThanks, Robin! Scarf and boots is always a good combo…and I’m gonna guess you are an East Coaster. 😉
Morgan
You look lovely in each one of these outfits! The draped white blouse is likely the one I’d wear of these 3 (though I love the floral). And I am so with you on buying fabrics that don’t require ironing! haha
Elizabeth
> MorganHaha! Lazy dressers, unite! Thanks for the sweet words Morgan.
Paul
All I can say is wow. What a great blog, you have great fashion sense, and great common sense. You have beautiful and accurate Bible based info that you have shared for young women. Keep up this rare beauty that you possess on the inside and that you definitely have on the outside.
Elizabeth
> PaulI’m totally blushing right now. You are so sweet, Paul! Thank you of those kind words of encouragement!