Any time my friends and I have evening plans, the group text will inevitably pop off ahead of time with the most pressing question: "What's everyone wearing?" While we all enjoy an excuse to dress up, most of the time, a mini dress and strappy heels just doesn't feel appropriate—or frankly, very reflective of our personal style. Instead, more often than not, the replies tend to be: "probably jeans and a nice top."
It's an outfit with endless possible varieties, that can navigate any season and most scenarios. It's also a look that can easily go from day to night, fancy and casual, and that lends itself to being easily adapted to your mood or personal aesthetic. But how does one keep it looking fresh in 2024?
For me, the answer is by focusing on switching out the tops. Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a mission, and when I've finally found denim that is a flattering fit, I'm not easily inclined to open up the Pandora's box of trying to find new options. But with tops, there's a whole sartorial world to explore, with high-street and designer brands alike constantly delivering new swathes of tempting options. If I want something a bit sleeker, maybe I'll try a corset-style top or a lace camisole number. If I want something more casual and effortless, maybe I'll go for a classic shirt or just a simple tee (if isn't broke!). The key is to build up your reserve, with a mix of versatile staples that can be refreshed with jewellery and accessories, as well as a few statement pieces that do all the work for you.
If you're looking to revamp your top options, I've done some digging to find the best styles currently available for every price point. I'm confident that any one of these classic picks would make your jeans feel instantly elevated. Scroll on to discover my 6 favourite tops to wear with jeans, all year round, no matter what the trends are saying.
Shop The Best Tops To Wear With Jeans:
1. Waistcoats
Style Notes: A waistcoat works for any occasion. Dress it up with dark-wash jeans and heels like Lucy or down with baggy jeans and trainers.
Shop the Trend:
The cut of this waistcoat is perfect for evening wear, and it's polished enough for more formal affairs.
Baby blue is a huge colour trend for 2024.
How gorgeous is this colour?
I love everything about this waistcoat; the colour, the cut, the trio of buttons. It's perfect!
The square neckline really does it for me.
2. Bandeaus
Style Notes: Sylvie's look proves that sometimes the simplest of combos are the best. Pair a bandeau top with blue jeans and ballet flats for a chic look that has that much desired Parisian touch.
Shop the Look:
I am truly obsessed with this stunning top.
Metallics are a big trend for 2024, and this top definitely ticks the box.
So many of team WhoWhatWear are fans of Aligne's tailoring. Grab yours before it sells out.
This is basically a work of art.
Linen is a brilliant option for warmer days, and this corset top has a really cool vintage feel.
3. Shirts & Blouses
Style Notes: When it comes to shirts and blouses to wear with jeans, there are ample to choose from. A classic striped iteration makes for the perfect weekend outfit when paired with loose denim, while a silk or pretty detailed blouse is a great choice for work or evenings out.
Shop the Look:
Effortless, but oh-so cool.
This has a delicate, romantic feel that I can't resist.
You can't go wrong with a classic stripe.
A CREAM silk shirt looks so sophisticated. Wear yours with straight leg blue or black jeans.
4. Off-the-Shoulder
Style Notes: For a date night or dinner out with friends, I always opt for a off-the-shoulder top. Normally I pair these with a looser style of jeans, such as barrel, baggy or puddle, to help balance out proportions.
Shop the Look:
A bodysuit always gives a great silhouette when styled with jeans.
The asymmetrical silhouette will instantly up your outfit's fashion points.
Trust me, you're going to being seeing a lot of leopard print in the coming months.
Alternatively, adopt the seductive minimalism off the full off-the-shoulder look with this elegant style.
Simple, but oh so effective—and it goes up to a size XXL.
5. Simple Camis
Style Notes: There's something so sexy about a lace or satin cami, right? Style yours with jeans of any cut and colour, and add a blazer over the top for an easy yet chic look that never fails.
Shop the Look:
You can't go wrong with a lace-trimmed top.
I love the playfulness of this top from Scandi brand Cecilie Bahnsen. This would look great with high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.
Subtle and so chic.
Style with white jeans and strappy heels for an effortlessly elevated look.
Picture this with black jeans and heeled sandals for your next date night.
6. T-Shirts & Vests
Style Notes: This one needs no explanation right? A white tee or vest paired with jeans will never not work together, and acts as the perfect base to just about any outfit. Layer on trend-led accessories to transform the look for different occasions.
Shop the Look:
Possibly the best tee on the high street.
This Toteme tank top might seem expensive for a capsule wardrobe basic, but the quality ensures it will last you for years.
I love a long-sleeved tee with classic blue jeans.
I live in H&M's vests all year round.
Available in in nine colours.
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