Black Jeans Outfit Ideas: 13 Looks for Every Event on Your Calendar

Tue, October 22, 2019 at 1:04 PM UTC

We could wear jeans pretty much every day of the week and be perfectly happy. But a constant stream of blue denim, as comfortable and versatile as it may be, can start to feel a little boring around day three. And while you can never go wrong with a pair of crisp white skinnies (yes, even in winter), black is definitely our top choice.

Black jeans can look just as professional as a pair of traditional trousers or lend a rock-and-roll edge to an otherwise preppy ensemble. Plus, they’re easier to shop for than trying to hunt down that perfect shade of blue and they don’t require you to carry a stain-remover stick with you at all times.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 13 gorgeous black jean outfits that are easy to copy and comfy to wear, no matter what you’ve got on your calendar.

1. Extra-Long Blazer + Patterned Blouse + Slim Straight Jeans + Pumps

Casual Friday, here we come. The blazer and heels give this look a professional vibe, while denim with a little bit of give (not quite skinny jeans, not quite a straight leg) and a flowy top lends weekend-level comfort.

Get the look: Madewell blazer ($168); Current/Elliott top ($228); GAP jeans ($70); Manolo Blahnik heels ($995)

2. Duster Coat + White T-Shirt + Cropped Flares + Black Sandals

How do you take a plain white tee and easy denim and turn it into a fashion-forward ensemble? With one simple addition: A duster. The dramatic, flowing fabric adds some much-needed interest to an otherwise super-simple outfit. Sport a dreamy floral version for spring and summer, then swap to a long knit for fall and end the year in a warm leather version.

Get the look: Muche et Muchette duster ($198); Miss Selfridge T-shirt ($23); Mother jeans ($196); Coach 1941 x Tabitha Simmons bag ($395); Birkenstock sandals ($100)

3. Button-Up Shirt + Layering Turtleneck + Boyfriend Jeans + Combat Boots

This is very Katharine Hepburn meets Brooklyn babe. Worried you’ll look just a bit too much like you raided your brother’s closet? Add one or two feminine accessories, like a pearl-adorned headband, rhinestone barrette or bold statement earrings.

Get the look: Thakoon turtleneck ($95); Lafayette 148 New York button-up shirt ($258); Topshop jeans ($80); Frye belt ($68); Dr. Martens boots ($140)

4. Moto Jacket + Sweater + Straight-Leg Jeans + Booties

Black on black (on black on black) might be the stereotypical NYC uniform, but we think adding in a rich, dark hue like burgundy, navy or deep emerald is much more appealing. Plus, this jewel-tone will provide depth and intrigue without sacrificing any of the figure-flattering qualities of head-to-toe black.

Get the look: Levi's jacket ($98); Uniqlo sweater ($40); Ei8ht Dreams jeans ($220); Steve Madden boots ($132)

5. Funky Sunnies + Colorful Jacket + Black Tee + Skinny Jeans + Sneakers

Another way to introduce hints of color is with a set of easy sneakers, some solid-hued outerwear or a pair of sunglasses in an unexpected shade (leave the tortoiseshells for another day). Use your black jeans and matching top as a blank canvas to showcase your favorite non-black pieces.

Get the look: Chloé sunglasses ($400); BB Dakota jacket ($78); Madewell top ($16); Good American jeans ($149); Nordstrom bag ($115); Adidas sneakers ($80)

6. Navy Sweater + Boyfriend Jeans + White Boots

Black and white are a classic duo, but did you know that black and navy can look just as fabulous? They each help to showcase the details of the other (i.e., highlighting the intricate stitching in your favorite knit or emphasizing a pair of sleek leather pants), whereas sticking to just one hue can muddle your figure and leave you looking like a monochromatic blob.

Get the look: Lovers + Friends sweater ($178); GRLFRND jeans ($228); Marc Fisher LTD. boots ($189)

7. Trench Coat + Moto Jacket + Black Top + Cropped Straight Jeans + Fancy Flats

Now this is how French girls do black denim. Keep your base simple with jeans and a coordinating sweater, then add on a tough leather jacket, layer a timeless trench over it and finish off the look with a pair of party-ready flats in a bright, rich hue. Oh, and don’t forget to apply a swipe of red lipstick (mais, bien sûr).

Get the look: Leith trench coat ($89); Superdown jacket ($110); GAP sweater ($60); Madewell jeans ($125); Valentino flats ($775)

8. Femme Blouse + Straight-Leg Jeans + Block Heels

This outfit formula works no matter what denim wash you’re working with and for almost any occasion; just tweak the details as necessary. Running errands? Opt for a classic button-up and cap-toe slingbacks. Date night coming up? Try an off-the-shoulder top and a strappy heel. Brunch with friends? Time to break out your favorite funky prints for both shirt and shoes. This matchup is incredibly easy, yet always looks put together.

Get the look: Velvet by Graham & Spencer blouse ($229); Botkier bag ($198); Mother jeans ($198); J.Crew Factory heels ($118)

9. Oversize Sweater + Straight-Leg Jeans + Pointy-Toe Kitten Heels

Wearing a bulky sweater with skinnies can wind up making you look like an apple on two popsicle sticks, but true boyfriend jeans can overwhelm your frame and bury your gorgeous figure under a ton of fabric. Go for something right in the middle instead; slightly loose denim that gives shape to your legs without clinging to them. Finish your balancing act by adding elegant kitten heels with a pointed toe.

Get the look: Saylor sweater ($319); Lucky Brand jeans ($119); Sam Edelman heels ($120)

10. Patterned Jacket + Tailored Jeans + Classic Pumps

We like to think of this ensemble as a sort of nod to a suit—without actually being a suit. Clean-cut denim (no raw hems, distressed knees or unnecessary feathering here) can look just as professional as a pair of trousers. All you need is a structured jacket, even one in a bold print, plus a pair of timeless high-heels to do the trick. As for your top? Just reach for your favorite T-shirt or turtleneck and you’ll be set.

Get the look: MICHAEL Michael Kors jacket ($177); J.Crew top ($37); Rag & Bone jeans ($225); Linea Paolo shoes ($130)

11. Neutral-Hued Jacket + Matching Sweater and Boots + Straight-Leg Jeans

Black denim is a great backdrop for showing off your brightest and boldest jackets and shoes, but sometimes the pants deserve to steal the spotlight for itself. Give your jeans a chance to shine and sport matching light-colored pieces for the rest of your outfit. Think of it as a sartorial version of a standing ovation for your favorite pair of jeans.

Get the look: Express coat ($228); Free People turtleneck ($30); ASSK jeans ($165); Tory Burch bag ($498); Matisse boots ($200)

12. Black Denim Jacket + Black Tee + Black Jeans

If the thought of wearing blue jeans with a blue jacket leaves you with visions of Britney and Justin à la the 2001 American Music Awards, we suggest trying a black wash instead. It leaves you looking much less like a lost ranch hand and more like a rocker babe. Still not quite your vibe? Stick to simple, timeless accessories like gold hoops or pearls and chic pointy- or almond-toe shoes in place of combat boots.

Get the look: AGOLDE jacket ($198) and jeans ($168); L.L.Bean T-shirt ($23); Lovers + Friends belt ($88); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($125)

13. Faux-Fur Coat + Turtleneck + Skinny Jeans + Chelsea Boots

As much as we love cozying up in a faux-fur coat, they can sometimes feel a bit extra (cue comparisons to Cookie Lyon and also Cookie Monster). One easy way to tone down the ’70s, glam vibes is by choosing easy basics for everything else. Swap sexy pointy-toe booties for a flat Chelsea style, and opt for a streamlined knit over one with embellishments or a ton of color.

Get the look: ASOS coat ($83); Everlane sweater ($130); Universal Standard jeans ($90); Vaneli boots ($199)

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