Fashion & Style

8 Ways to Style Denim for Work

by Kelly Morris, Copywriter

Women's denim outfits and looks for work

The idea of heading back into the office after a year spent WFH might seem daunting, especially when it comes to letting go of your new-found fashion freedom. You still want to be comfortable and look your best. And we’ve got the answer: denim.

Not just a part of your weekend wardrobe, there are so many ways to add denim into your workwear, all it takes is a little know-how. The ultimate style hero, it’s easy to transfer denim’s laid-back appeal into something that feels a little more dressed-up without sacrificing your outfit.

Take your style cues from the likes of Katie Holmes, Lucy Hale and Gemma Arterton as we take you on a denim masterclass, showing you how to make it work for your working wardrobe.

Woman wearing ripped blue jeans, humper, denim jacket and tweed coat with black shoes

1. Embrace Layers

We love this pairing of denim and tweed. Layering a denim jacket beneath a check blazer offers a fresh way to wear it, limiting the blazer’s ‘professor’ vibes and creating a relaxed borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette. Balancing the jacket with well-worn ripped jeans stops it looking out of place and keeps the look tonal, with smart accessories adding just the right amount of workplace polish.

2. The Denim Skirt

Queen of denim Katie Holmes knows how to make our favourite fabric work for any situation. Showing how you can make your cutest pieces work-worthy, we love how she styles this midi skirt with a romantic blouse, layered gold jewellery and slouchy block-heeled boots.

Katie Holmes wearing a long denim skirt with boots and a floral blouse

Gemma Arterton wearing blue jeans with a bow tie shirt, blazer and loafers

3. Add Tailoring

The perfect smart-casual balance, Gemma Arterton nails the look by pairing her trusty cropped jeans with a chic white blazer. Rather than styling with a t-shirt, her cute pussybow blouse adds a feminine touch and keeps things professional. She earns extra points for the matching belt and loafers – proof that the right accessories can make all the difference.

4. Work a Darker Wash

For an easy way to introduce denim to your workwearrotation, take your inspiration from Lucy Hale, letting darker washes like blue and black jeans replace your office trousers. If colour is your thing, you can still add a bold jacket to let your personality shine through. Keep the cut classic with straight, mom or slim-leg fits for an understated way to wear.

Lucy Hale wearing black jeans with a white top, blazer and heels

Woman wearing a white denim skirt with a brown leather jacket, heels and sunglasses

5. Choose White

What could be fresher than white denim? It might seem like an unexpected choice but paired with this colour-block leather shirt it’s an elevated approach to denim dressing. Balance your silhouette by styling your white jeans, skirt or shorts with a crisp oversized shirt and add a blazer on chillier days.

6. Go Top to Toe

For a bold and confident look that’ll take you from desk to drinks, make head-to-toe denim your go-to. Whether you favour a statement jumpsuit or a shirt-and-jeans combo, keep accessories minimal (it’s your denim doing the talking) and look for fitted cuts and matching washes to keep the look playful yet sophisticated.

Woman wearing a blue denim long sleeve jumpsuit

Katie Holmes wearing ripped blue denim jeans, black shirt and sandals

7. Mix High with Low

Think you can’t wear ripped jeans to the office? Think again. Showing us how it’s done, Katie Holmes manages to make her distressed ‘90s-style jeans office appropriate with a classic black button-up shirt and matching sandals for the perfect high-low combo. Choose a shirt in a block colour or satin finish to master the look.

8. The Denim Dress

If you want to know how to make a denim dress part of your working wardrobe, we’ve got a secret to share: it all comes down to the fit. Amanda Holden has perfected the look in her form-flattering, jacket-inspired denim dress with barely-there sandals and minimal accessories.

Amanda Holden wearing a blue long sleeve denim dress and heels

Pick Your Favourite

SHOP DENIM

Fashion & Style

8 Ways to Style Denim for Work

1. Embrace Layers

2. The Denim Skirt

3. Add Tailoring

4. Work a Darker Wash

5. Choose White

6. Go Top to Toe

7. Mix High with Low

8. The Denim Dress

Pick Your Favourite

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