jeans photo collage of young boys and girls in t-shirts and jeans

20 Chic Ways to Style Your Jeans

Ripped, torn and paneled – skinny, wide and boyfriend – indigo, white and even green! No other modern garment has been enjoyed in so many avatars across the world. Irrespective of trends that come and go, denim duds will always remain in our hearts and in our closets. Here are twenty chic ways to style up your favorite pair of jeans for both men and women.

1.Class act

A white shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans is an ensemble that can be worn anywhere, from a snooty party to the office. Both women and men should invest in a classic, long-sleeved white shirt and a pair of well-fitted, straight-cut jeans. This versatile combination can be dressed up with red stilettos and lipstick for a lunch date or sobered down with a pair of ballet shoes and a ponytail for running errands.

2.Gentlemen only

Gentlemen can team their white shirts and blue jeans with a pair of suede loafers for lunch at the club or roll up their sleeves, add sports shoes and go watch their kids play cricket. We guarantee this duo will never go out of style.

3.Boho chic

Let your inner wild child rise to the surface and choose a trendy off-shoulder top to team with a pair of wide-legged jeans. Another advantage of choosing these bell-bottom style denims is that they are extra comfy and hide a multitude of sins…yes, even a buffet lunch! Wear them with silver jewelry, open-toed sandals and a care-free spirit.

4.Designer denim

After the distressed denim trend, we see paneled denims at fashion weeks and at fashionable corners across the world. Choose a peplum style top in a solid color, match your bright pink lips to your heels and head out for a night on the town in your designer duds. Don’t forget to carry a designer sling bag and wear some diamond earrings to add to your polished ensemble.

5.Travel in style

Denim leggings paired with a flannel, checked shirt is the perfect outfit for Christmas travel. Wear a pair of fuzzy boots to keep your ankles warm, add a cashmere stole, a sling bag and you’re all set to create ‘airport style’ like the stars. Guys, team your jeans with a flannel shirt, sneakers and a cardigan to keep warm on the flight.

6.Kitschy cool

To step up the quirk factor, team a pair of loose boyfriend jeans with a quirky sweatshirt. Unusual prints like spectacles, dogs smoking pipes, even sewing machines in neon colors always look modern and fun. Add some funky colored mascara to your hair for some extra pizzazz and a pair of mirrored sunglasses for that cool quotient.

7.Collegian chic

The most preferred college uniform the world over is a pair of well-loved Converse sneakers, a college sweatshirt and a pair of well-worn, loose-fitting boyfriend jeans. Add a pop of color with a swatch watch and don’t forget your books when you stroll into class.

8.Polo club

Of course, jeans can be right at home at posh social events such as polo matches and the racing track. Add a short-sleeved polo tee or a tee in your favorite racing team’s colors. Ladies – make sure to choose a pair of trendy kitten heels as you may have to walk around a fair bit. Tie back your hair in a high-ponytail; add a pair of mirrored aviators, red lips, a statement watch and you are certain to be the belle of the track. Guys – splash on your favorite aftershave, slip into a pair of loafers and head out with confidence.

9.Blazer duty

A great semi-formal look for men – pair a black blazer with a polo-t-shirt or a plain shirt. A shirt/polo in a solid and neutral color like black or white always works well. Add a pair of patent formal shoes and a smart watch and you’re certain to turn heads. Don’t forget to match your shoes to your belt.

10.Ethnic edge

The most popular ensemble for college students – team a colorful ethnic kurta or kurti with a pair of jeans for a relaxed yet pretty outfit. Add a pair of vibrant kohlapuri sandals or mojiris depending on the weather, some statement earrings and have a wonderful day in class.

11.Urban tribe

Another ubiquitous look made famous by college-going kids in India: choose a pair of your most beloved (read faded) jeans and team them with a black or a white tank top (also known as a ganji/banian). Add a stack of silver bangles, a brightly patterned stole and a multi-colored jhola bag and head for your philosophy lecture.

12.Heavy metal

Ladies – choose a pair of jeans that you feel best accentuates your assets. Slip into a pair of metallic sandals, high enough to make Jennifer Lopez proud. Add a black tee, a sequined vest, large hoops and head out to paint the town red.

13.Sexy chic

Another great look for an evening out on the town is to opt for an all-black ensemble. Choose a pair of well-fitted distressed jeans in black, team it with a black bustier or a black corset in lace or leather. Different textures on top and on the bottom add to the appeal of the look. Add sexy black heels, sultry eye-makeup and dance the night away.

14.Beach boys

The perfect item of clothing to carry on your vacation: choose a pair of lightweight jeans in a pale blue hue for your Goan sojourn. Add a brightly patterned Hawaiian shirt, a pair of dark wayfarers and a fedora hat and be grateful for your fantastic life! And beer, do not forget to be thankful for the beer.

15.Love to layer

A trick favored by popular bloggers and fashionistas across the world, layering is a great way to use your summer wardrobe in the autumn. Take a basic white tee and your favorite skinny jeans. Add a long, printed satin kimono, a red stole in silk, a pair of high-heeled gold booties and you’re certain to turn heads with your trendsetting style.

16.Charm school

Another huge trend this season has been pussy-bow blouses. These are also very practical to wear in the colder evenings before Christmas. Add a pair of tie-up ballets, also very trendy, some diamond danglers and an envelope clutch with your slim-fit jeans and head to your office Christmas party.

17.White party

Wearing all white (without dropping tomato ketchup on yourself) can contribute to the most striking of ensembles. Choose a white satin camisole to wear underneath a long-sleeved lace blouse and distressed white jeans. Add a pair of strappy silver sandals and be sure to take pictures of your fantastic outfit for your look book.

18.Sweater weather

Team your favorite blue skinnies with your favorite turtle-neck sweater for a stylish winter ensemble. Add a pair of over-the-knee-boots and a structured winter coat and you’re all set to look hot and stay warm.

19.True blue

Chambray fabric, which looks very similar to denim, has also been very in vogue this year. Choose a chambray blouse with kimono sleeves or even a blue denim shirt and wear it with your trusted dark-blue Levi’s. A pair of sneakers if you’re running errands or a pair of nude pumps if you’re headed for brunch should complete this look. Add a pair of over-sized sunglasses to accessorize.

20.Fur baby

Our last look is another one to be tried this winter. Wear a pair of chunky ‘Chelsea’ boots with a shearling coat or vest over a pair of your favorite dark denims. Add a dash of burgundy lips, a smile on your face and you’ll be ready to brave even the chilliest of days this December.

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Shibi, like the song in ‘West Side Story’, is oh so pretty, witty and bright! Modest too, but we can discuss that later. A Chennai native (34) who now dwells in the capital, there is nothing she loves more than a good story. Except for a good handbag. A self-professed shopaholic with impeccable taste, the young women’s rights lawyer and mother was ‘discovered’ by an Indian Express editor in Chennai at a famous boutique eight years ago and she has not looked back since. Fashion writing allows her to combine her two greatest loves and Shibi has been published in The Hindu, the Indian Express, Femina, Scroll, Bodahub, Hi-Blitz Magazine and many more. A militant optimist, Shibi abhors armchair activism and suggests that everyone ‘Be the Change’ instead of complaining about Modiji. Or run for POTUS – anybody seems better qualified than Trump. She also loves animals and has orchestrated many a doggy/kitty rescue; her most fervent hope is to see the status and treatment of both animals and women improve in India and the world over. Also, she requests you to RECYCLE and to REUSE. Climate change is real, people. Jai Hind!