How to Elevate Jeans

Nothing is more stylish than a good high-low look. It says Yes, I’m stylish but without putting on airs, creating a head-to-toe package that’s chic, intriguing and leaves people wanting more. Jeans can be a powerful part of the outfit equation because they ground any look by keeping fussy and frilly at bay. Bootleg, skinny, trouser or flared, any jean cut can be leveled up with the right styling, so it’s time to reimagine this perennial, #1 wardrobe workhorse into something way more fancy.

1. Sequins
   The shortest distance between casual and fancy is sequins. It upgrades any look automatically, and with very little effort. Match warm undertones to gold, cool ones to silver and neutral pigmentations to champagne or, for an extra splash, try a colored sequins in your best accent hue. Shop sequined tanks, one-shoulder halters or off-shoulder tops and pair with high-rise, wide leg jeans to maintain optimal proportions. Keep the look festive with pointy-toed sparkly pumps or sequined stiletto sandals.

2. Velvet
   Velvet dresses up any outfit instantly. Try pairing a velvet blazer with skinny jeans, a skinny tee and long, skinny earrings for a sleek, sophisticated look. To channel your inner bohemian, pair a velvet kimono with boyfriend jeans, a silk shell top and velvet smoking slippers. Complete either look with a velvet envelope clutch, red power lip and heady perfume to make an everlasting impression that lingers on, and on.

3. Metallics
   Don’t forget white jeans are in the denim family, and can be dressed up just as much as blue jeans. Go for head-to-toe monochrome and accent your summer whites with high-polished metals to level up the look — drop earrings and stacks of arm cuffs, pendant necklaces or statement rings, or all of the above. Go for gobs of accessories in a more is more kind of way, but keep footwear simple and low to keep the look from going overboard. Think goddess sandals, metallic slides or leather flip-flops for an easy-breezy, upscale look that is, above all, balanced.

4. Tuxedo
   A tuxedo jacket and jeans is the ultimate high-low pairing. Try a satin-lapeled tuxedo jacket, two-toned dinner jacket or either with tails for maximum effect. Consider shopping in the menswear department for an oversized fit, then style with rolled sleeves and a cinched patent leather belt to add tone-on-tone drama, a little luster and extra touch of oomph. Classic bootcut jeans match best to the traditional tuxedo silhouette, as do patent leather Mary Janes, stiletto pumps or bow-tie flats.

5. Canadian Tuxedo
   Doubling-down on denim is, surprisingly, doubling down on style. Enter the Canadian Tuxedo, the classic denim-on-denim look that is perennial, versatile and universally chic. The concept is denim on both top and bottom, then styled with black tie accessories for a dressed up version. Go high-drama with shoulder-dusting earrings, a rhinestone cocktail ring, sparkly stilettos and a bejeweled evening clutch. Try with trouser cut jeans and a fitted denim shirt, or a soft chambray tied in front. The look packs a big punch, so don’t forget to accessorize with lots of confidence.

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