I can’t say with 100% certainty when I got my first pair of black jeans. If I had to guess, they simply materialized in my closet when I moved to New York City as a rite of passage.
But whatever the case is, black denim has become a staple in my wardrobe over the years, especially during the colder months we have.
There are so many different ways to style black jeans because they are (in my humble opinion) the dressiest of all denim, but they can also be styled more casually.
I wanted to show you some outfit ideas featuring black jeans so that you can make sure you get tons of wear out of them before we can finally switch to shorts.
Where to buy black jeans
A pair of dark denim is so versatile and something you can wear year-round so you can feel confident about investing in the pair that’s best for you!
If you’re looking for a more affordable price point, Old Navy is a great place to start. Abercrombie and Madewell also have reasonably priced options (that do go on sale quite often, so keep an eye out around holidays!) that I personally love.
Reformation, Agolde, and Frame are all great brands at a slightly higher price point if you’re willing to spend a bit more on your denim.
20 ways to style black jeans
Baby tee
Pairing black jeans with a baby tee is a great way to style this staple denim for warmer weather. Choose a fun color or pattern that complements your own style.
Biker jacket
A biker jacket instantly adds to the edgy and cool vibe of black jeans. For winter I like to layer mine over a thin turtleneck and skinny jeans.
Block heels
Black jeans paired with block heels is a great way to elevate your outfit. If I’m wearing a colorful top, I’ll probably opt for a neutral heel and vice versa.
Buckle heel
Nothing says street style like heels with hardware. These shoes add a touch of sophistication, while the flutter sleeve top adds a feminine touch.
Camel coat
A camel coat is the perfect outerwear piece to contrast against black jeans. It brings an element of warmth to your outfit and can be styled in so many different ways.
Cherry red
Everywhere I look lately I see cherry red and it’s the perfect complement to a pair of black denim. Whether you choose to add some color with a jacket, sweater, or accessories, red adds the bold factor to your look.
Crop top
Balance the sleekness of black jeans with a crop top for a trendy and flattering silhouette. This pairing works well for casual outings and warmer months, but can also be layered with a jacket for chillier day.
Denim jacket
A blue denim jacket over black jeans creates a classic and effortless everyday outfit. It’s a great way to pull off denim on denim without going full Britney.
Houndstooth jacket
A houndstooth jacket gives black jeans a sophisticated and polished touch. The timeless print elevates the outfit, making it perfect for work, dinner with friends or a day in the city.
Leopard boots
Make a statement with leopard boots to add a bold touch to your outfit with black jeans. This fun print acts as a neutral and pairs well with solid colors or minimal patterns.
Mixed monochrome
Mixing textures and prints within the same color palette keeps the outfit stylish and modern. Black and white are a timeless combination so pair your black denim with a white jacket, boots or handbag—or all three!
Pink parka
A colorful parka adds a fun and feminine touch to black jeans while keeping you warm. If you’re looking for a way to add more color to your winter wardrobe staples, this is a great way to brighten up your outfits.
Pink sweater
A pink sweater brings a soft and playful contrast to black jeans. Whether it’s a pastel or bold shade, pink adds an instant element of fun to your outfit.
Plaid scarf
Layering a plaid scarf over black jeans is a cozy and stylish way to add color and texture. When you have a statement piece like this, you can keep the rest of your look simple.
Red boots
The beauty of black denim is that you can style it in so many different ways, including with fun colors! I love red but swap in some footwear your favorite hue to pair with your black jeans.
Ruffle blouse
A ruffle blouse softens the edginess of black jeans with a feminine and romantic touch. This pairing is great for date nights, brunch, or a polished work outfit.
Studded jacket
A studded jacket adds a cool, rocker-chic vibe to black jeans. Color-wise the outfit is still pretty neutral but the texture makes it feel edgy and adds interest to the look.
Suede jacket
A suede jacket pairs beautifully with black jeans and balances out the structure of a true denim. The pairing of fabrics brings in some warmth and is a go-to outfit combination for me in the fall and winter.
Wide-sleeve sweater
This cozy-chic pairing is perfect for cooler days while staying effortlessly stylish and pairs especially well with a skinny or straight leg silhouette for a touch of drama.
Winter layers
Layering up in the winter with black jeans allows you to stay warm without sacrificing style. I like to layer a long-sleeve top underneath a camisole especially during transitional weather.
How to dress up a pair of black jeans
Wear with heels
- Dark jeans are inherently dressier than light wash denim but to truly add that extra bit of sophistication a pair of heels will elevate the outfit.
Pair with a luxe fabric top or jacket
- I love pairing jeans with fancier fabrics to make them feel more dressed up—think silk, satin, velvet or something else with texture to balance out the denim.
Elevate your hair and makeup
- In addition to how you style the clothes, think about how your hair and makeup factors in. A sleek updo or smokey eye can also make an outfit feel more appropriate for evenings or dressier occasions.
How to dress down black jeans
Style with a graphic tee or sweater
- Jeans and a t-shirt are a classic combination so to make your outfit feel more approachable consider a graphic t-shirt or sweatshirt as additional comfort fabrics.
Pair with sneakers
- I love a good pair of sneakers with jeans and you have plenty of styles to choose from depending on the cut of the jeans. Wearing a pair of wide-leg denim? Try a low tennis sneaker. Have a slightly cropped pair? Add some high top Converse.
Double up on the denim
- What’s more casual than a pair of jeans? A pair of jeans and a chambray top or denim jacket. It’s not going to immediately scream Canadian tuxedo with black denim, but it will definitely have a more casual vibe than if you opted for a leather or suede jacket.
I hope you found this post helpful! What’s your favorite way to style black jeans? Tell me in the comments!
Want to style light wash jeans? Read this post next!
yours,
Austen
