Monday, August 24, 2015

How to Make Denim Work for the Office

Everything is turning up blue these days. Every wardrobe item that you can imagine is available in denim: skirts, jackets, dresses, shoes, boots, and even swimwear. "Jeans" doesn't describe just pants anymore.  Most employers allow casual Friday, a day to dress down and wear your favorite pair of denim pants.  Some employees love to sport the comfy casuals everyday. 
There are many options for dressing up your blues.  Staying comfortable and maintaining a professional look can sometimes be challenging.  Just how do you make denim work for the office on a daily basis?
  • Try to stick with a dark wash- stay away from distressed, faded, or torn jeans.
  • Choose styles that are not too trendy. Straight leg jeans, or boot cut are timelessly versatile.
  • Denim on denim is too casual, wear only one denim item at a time
  • Rich browns and silver accents elevate the casual Friday staple
  • Skinny jeans work, as long as they are worn right. Pair them with a stylish tunic, or a blazer
  • Stay away from low rise styles, unless you wear a long top...your co workers will thank you!
Alexander Wang, one of my favorite designers- launched a new denim collection last December: Denim x Alexander Wang. He says "There are a certain number of cuts and washes you feel are right, where you can still keep a strong identity." He has added four more styles to Resort 2016, including styles for men.
Monday Monday, I hope it's a great one!  How do you like to style your blues for work?

Would you like to comment?

  1. I am lucky since I get to wear jeans to work when I feel like it, but I do try to style it up and this is a great way to do it!

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    1. Yes me too Lauren, I see teachers wearing them a lot more these days! Styling them is all the fun!

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  2. Spot on advice, Valerie! I work in a very casual office, so dark wash skinny jeans or straight legs are my go-to!

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    1. Thanks Jenn, straight leg with a little flare is good for me!

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  3. Where's that jacket from? I need it

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    1. Hi Jenna, here is the link http://www.choies.com/product/camel-faux-suede-long-sleeve-slim-blazer_p40454

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  4. Valerie, these are great tips for the coming fall season. I agree that silver accents can help elevate casual style choices. And perfect advice about not wearing low-rise jeans in the workplace. Thong undies seem to show up quite frequently with that particular style, and it's even more unflattering in an office environment.

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    1. Thank you Denay! Yes crack showing is so unbecoming...lol, have a great day!

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  5. Great tips on jeans... but sure love that tan jacket and the other accessories too!

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    1. Hi Clare, thanks for stopping by ...here Is the link to the jacket...it's on sale! http://www.choies.com/product/camel-faux-suede-long-sleeve-slim-blazer_p40454

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  6. Now patiently waiting for it to be casual Friday.... great tips!

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    1. Ha yes always love Friday for many reasons...in Seattle it is "Blue" Fridays for now....Go Seahawks! Thank you for stopping by.

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  7. Love it. Just made the transition out of a more corporate environment to working from home. The first week was filled with yoga pants but I discovered that while wearing "real" pants I was more productive. Hoping jeans wil be the happy medium because I can't imagine wearing trousers at my kitchen table with my cat!

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    1. Thank you! Yoga pants sound great for work, but you are right.. would be hard get work done, congrats on the new job!

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  8. Great tips! We're only allowed to wear jeans on Fridays, but I WISH it was every day!

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    1. Thanks Sarah :) I work in a school, so jeans are allowed every day. I like to dress up , so I only wear them a few days a week.

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  9. Luckily I"m allowed to dress pretty casually for work, so I do wear jeans on occasion. I love a skinny jean with a graphic tee and a blazer. Some fierce booties complete the look!

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  10. Great advice! Will definitely use these tips when I redo my wardrobe!

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    1. Thanks Maya, redoing your wardrobe is always fun!

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