Remember your elementary school teachers going wild over casual Fridays? They were ahead of their time in making jeans office casual. Before you get hung up on whether jeans are business casual or not, rest assured that there are ways to make jeans office-appropriate (even if they’re not supposed to be).
Are Jeans Considered Business Casual?
Are jeans considered business casual dress? Depends on where you work. Not every employer has a dress code, and those that do have varying levels of strictness when it comes to the actual clothing items you can wear. Similarly, some professions require specific attire, such as professional wear when presenting in front of a judge and/or jury or medical-approved scrubs for seeing patients.
Once you’ve cleared up with your managers and HR whether jeans are permitted at your job, you get to figure out how to incorporate jeans into your business attire.
How to Nail Business Casual Jeans on Your First Try
There are a few unwritten rules about wearing jeans to work. Of course, rules can change. But if you want to nail business casual jeans on your first try, these are the guidelines we suggest following.
Ease Into the Idea With Pleated Jeans
If you’re new to the business casual game and you’re not comfortable deviating from your regular professional dress, give pleated jeans a try. These jeans mimic dress pants with the pleats they have along the waistband. From a distance, they cut a more professional silhouette and will work in almost any business casual context.
Pleats are perfect for people with larger frames who may want a little more room around the hips or waist to feel their most comfortable.
Choose Dark Wash Denim Over Light
The professional dress pant color palette generally sticks to either the very dark or very light (black vs. tan or khaki). However, if you want your jeans to feel more professional, stick with a dark wash. Dark wash includes blacks, dark blues, and dark grays.
Darker jeans draw less attention to their casual cut, which helps them mold into the professional environment. Light wash is a bit more in-your-face and can call unwanted attention to your more casual dress.
Balance the Casual Look With Dressier Separates
One way to rock business casual jeans in a pinch is by pairing them with dressier separates. When putting your outfit together, focus on your accessories. Think about the shoes, ties, belts, jewelry, and so on that you may want to wear. Choosing color-coordinated and luxury-looking accessories can dress up any pair of jeans in your closet.
For example, if you put this pair of gray Cole Haan oxfords and this patterned cotton tie or these white mules with a gold detail and a gold designer watch with a pair of jeans and a dress shirt, you’ll look at home in any office setting.
Pair With a Belt to Up the Business Factor
If you’re big on comfort, you probably don’t wear your jeans with a belt. But when it comes to wearing jeans at the office, you shouldn’t leave the house without one. Belts are like the suspenders of the past; they read formal even if they’re purely functional. And the key to wearing jeans on business casual days is to instill formal elements in other places than your pant choices.
Stay classy with a simple black belt like this one from Steve Madden, or step out of the box with a unique motif like this snake-buckle belt.
Always match your belt to your shoes and other accessories. Mismatched belts and shoes won’t create the put-together piece you’re aiming for.
Toss on a Blazer to Switch From Day to Night
Jeans and button-downs are inherently professional, but toss on a blazer, and you’re ready to rock the boardroom. Well-cut blazers (which come in a myriad of materials) should be in everyone’s closet if you work in a professional setting. Stick with lightweight linen and cotton in the summer and wool in the winter. Or, inject a little personality by pairing jean-on-jean with something like this denim blazer for men or this denim blazer for women.
The key to a good blazer is the fit. If you were ever going to invest in getting a piece of clothing tailored, this is it.
Stick With a More Relaxed Fit for Ultra Comfort
If you want to be comfortable in the office, make sure you stick with jeans that have a relaxed fit. Ultra skinny jeans don’t sell the same professional look as straight or relaxed fit do. Remember, you’re getting a break from your regular work wear, and you want to take full advantage of the chance to get comfortable.
For example, these Wrangler jeans are a relaxed fit and dark wash, so you can knock two birds out with one stone.
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Avoid Wrinkles, Holes, & Frayed Hems
While you can make your business casual jeans look fashionable, they won’t always hold up to the latest fads and trends. Artfully placed holes, tears, and frayed hems aren’t going to go over well with your office manager. When it comes to business casual, classic is best. You’re not trying to walk a runway; you’re just trying to make it through another workday.
Personalize Your Jeans When Possible
While you should avoid unkempt and disheveled jeans for your office outfit, you’re not barred from customizing your choices. Sew/iron on a unique fabric patch onto your pocket or roll your hems to turn them into high waters. Sure, there are limits on what you can get away with. But you should show off your personal style when possible.
Rock Your Business Casual Jeans With Confidence
It doesn’t matter if you nail all the elements of a picture-perfect business casual jeans look if you wear it confidently. People won’t nitpick the tiny faux pas if you look like you feel good in your outfit. So, grab your relaxed-fit dark denim and matching accessories like it’s just another day at the office.
