Jeans are the number one staple for so many people around the world, but they haven't always been considered the foundation to a solid business-casual work outfit. However, following the pandemic, many office dress codes have gotten more lax, and we've seen a rise in denim trends that do feel appropriate for teaming with boxy blazers, structural bags, loafers, and modest shirts - even if it's just for a midday business meeting out to lunch. Even polished co-ord sets come by way of denim and are easily complemented by a power pump or leather boot.
As for other silhouettes to try, there are high-rise trousers with ornate-looking buttons that have either a wide-leg or tapered hem with a front slit or zipper. For the former option, allow your "sailor pants" to have full attention by tucking in a turtleneck or pussy-bow blouse and finishing with a chunky shoe. For the latter, a cropped jacket and some eye-catching jewelry feel a touch edgy and are an easy way to play up your hardware without going overboard.
Of course, '80s-inspired paper-bag pants also often come in super-dark washes or a more movable, stretch linen blend that fits the bill when you're on the job. Stirrups are yet another detail you can look for to keep your pant hem clean, rather than rugged and distressed. Finally, you can nod to the fall 2023 runways, where we saw many a skirt or dress layered over pants, and allow just a peek of your denim to slip out from under a free-flowing silk or chiffon midi.
Are Jeans Business Casual?
With so many fresh iterations on the market for 2023, we can safely and stylishly incorporate denim into a business-casual office outfit. Taking all sorts of dress codes into consideration, from strict to more laid back, we've arrived at a handful of pieces that are actually sophisticated enough for your 9-to-5, and we've offered tips on how you should wear them. Ahead, source some street style for inspiration, then shop the most well-tailored, appropriate business-casual jeans we could find.