Office dress codes have become laxer over the years, especially in workplaces that aren’t customer-facing. After all, we do our best work when we feel comfortable! But you may still feel a bit iffy about wearing denim to work. It’s the high of casual-wear…isn’t it? Not necessarily! You can totally dress denim up to be office-appropriate.

 

Dressing up your jeans

 

Play it safe if you’re new to wearing denim in the workplace with black denim. Worn with a patterned shirt tucked in, black straight legged jeans can create a more fitted look than black work pants. If you go for a high-waist cut, jeans can elongate your legs — perfect when matched with your favourite pair of heeled courts. Buy a pair of black jeans with a playful hem to add an edge to your outfit that’s still smart.

 

Culottes are another on-trend way to bring denim to the workplace. Black or indigo jean culottes paired with a smart blouse, oversized jacket, and peep-toe flats is one outfit that would look summery yet work-appropriate. Tuck your blouse in to neaten up your outfit and add heels when heading out for after-office drinks.

 

Pair some comfy loafer and a cami-blouse with cropped leg jeans for a summer-friendly office look. If you feel like adding a pop of colour to your look, but don’t want to go too loud, opt for a pastel palette. Lilac or sky-blue denim can complement a smart shirt well — ideal for keeping it bright and cool when the sun is shining too.

 

You can make classic blue skinny jeans work too! With a sleeveless white shirt tucked in and a checked blazer, you can create a fashionable ensemble that’s anything but boring. Slip on your point-toe pumps and begin your commute.

 

The holiday fave, white jeans can be styled to work for, well, work! Worn with a dark or pastel shirt, white denim can be work-appropriate — choose a pair with a slim-leg to create a smart, summer look.

 

 

Working a skirt

 

The pencil skirt and shirt are a safe, go-to office combination. It’s one way to feel feminine without revealing too much and can look uber stylish as part of a power suit. Why not trade in your black midi garment for a denim skirt?

 

Go for a dark-wash denim skirt to sneak a little denim into your attire. Avoid distressed denim and light-washes as these can appear more beachwear than workwear, and steer clear of any pieces that sit far above the knee. Instead, a pencil-style skirt in navy or black denim worn with a ruffle shirt is a go-to outfit. Pair with a fitted jacket to replicate the power-suit, or with a floaty blazer for a less formal look. For added embellishments, choose one with subtle press studs down the centre and leave the bottom stud undone to create a leg split. Alternatively, an A-line denim skirt can be a smart look, paired with a long-sleeved crew-neck and heeled ankle boots.

 

You can experiment with different colour denims too. Similar to when wearing denim jeans, pastel coloured fitted skirts are a fun go-to for the warmer months — tuck in a chiffon blouse and wear with heeled sandals or pointed ankle boots. Or, if you’re feeling more daring, opt for a bold red or green denim skirt and wear with a classic black V-neck to tone it down. Co-ordinate your outfit with a complementing coloured cross-over or tote bag.

 

There’s plenty of ways to bring a touch of comfy denim to your workwear. Make sure that this dress-code is accepted in your office before you start wearing jeans to work, and if it is, there’s no need to hold back! From stylish indigo culottes to studded pencil skirts, bringing denim to the office can keep you fashionable and well-dressed. Don’t forget to accessorise appropriately too, cross-body bags are a good way to inject some colour into your outfit and a tailored blazer is a perfect staple piece to formalise your wardrobe.