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How to dress up your jeans

After a summer of dressing up in flirty skirts and flowing maxi dresses, the arrival of fall brings with it the welcome comfort of jeans as the air turns crisp. But with that comfort comes the dilemma: How can you dress up your jeans and feel fashionable when you head out for work, a day with your girlfriends or a night on the town? The answer is in the accessories – they’re the key to elevating basic denim to make a fashion statement that’ll turn heads!

Get your jeans party-ready with smart evening accessories

When choosing jeans for evening, it’s important to start with the right silhouette. Luckily, two denim cuts leading the way for fall are flattering on all body types – especially in a dark, saturated wash.

Your tried-and-true skinny jeans are as hot as ever and look great balanced with flowy, feminine tops. Layer on a long necklace, drop earrings and stacked bracelets for some nighttime sparkle.

In addition to skinny jeans, you’ll also see more trouser-like silhouettes this season. This cut gives you some creative leeway with opportunities to rock key details like contrast stitching, polished hardware and chic pleats. As a general rule, trouser-style jeans look best paired with a more fitted top that’s tucked in.

Finish off your party look by dressing up your jeans with the perfect pair of shoes: pumps add evening elegance and take both skinny and trouser jeans up a notch.

Dress your jeans for a professional setting

Many workplaces allow jeans to be worn in the office (yay!), but you still want to look pulled together in a professional environment. To look work-appropriate, a darker wash is better – or try one of the dressy, deep-hued coloured washes that are big this fall. Just avoid any jeans with frayed bottoms and holes, as well as jeans with embellishments fashioned from thread or studs.

A closed-toe pump is a solid choice for work, as is a pointy-toe flat if you’re on your feet a lot. Then add a tucked-in button-up shirt in a crisp white or a soft pastel or stripe. Roll up the sleeves a bit to show off a bracelet, and when you have a presentation or meeting, a blazer is a quick and easy way to complete your look.

Pops of colour should be strategic and there should never be more than one eye-grabbing pattern within your outfit. For a foolproof way to add energy to your attire, consider a lightweight, rectangular Avenue Scarf in one of three great new patterns this season, or choose one of the many accessories offered in our Bright & Bold collection.

Since we often need to carry items like our laptop between the office and home, our new Colorblock Tote is a great option. Its structure and smaller scale make it office-worthy while still providing the roominess you need.

Ladies who lunch (or brunch!)

For a day of brunching and shopping with your gal pals, start with a pair of high-waisted skinnies and patterned flats. Add a dressy tunic or feminine peasant top in one of the deliciously rich hues that the Pantone Fashion Colour Trend Report for Fall/Winter 2018 says will be big this year, like Red Pear, Martini Olive, Ultra Violet or Quetzal Green.

For holding all your finds while browsing those markets and boutiques, we love a statement bag like our slouchy but structured Around Town Tote. These bags come in an equally scrumptious palette of solids and patterns to pull your whole look together, and you can add your personal stamp with a monogram or Icon-It. The aptly named Finishing Touch Bag Charms let you quickly clip on a coordinating accessory like a pom to further customize your look.

Dress up for date night

Date night with your special someone? Try a sophisticated pair of trouser jeans in a dark wash. Fall fashion shows in the spring were also showing tuxedo stripes on jeans, which is another fun way to dress up your denim look for evening.

Dressing up your jeans with a peep-toe bootie/sandal hybrid with a chunky heel is perfect for transitioning between seasons, and you can switch to a full bootie later. You’ll want a fitted top so you can layer on a leather-look moto jacket, and then bling out the whole ensemble with a statement necklace, earrings and a bracelet or two. Think small for your bag; choose something like a wristlet or clutch for your phone and lipstick and such. Remember: For evening, it’s all about the fun details.

Need some ideas? Try our best-selling All About the Benjamins wallet with a matching Wristlet Strap, then dress up your whole outfit with an on-trend Fringed and Fabulous Necklace and a pair of shiny Luxe Loop Dangles earrings.

Whether you’re heading to work, a day out with friends or a night on the town, have fun dressing up your jeans for a casual yet ultra-chic look. And be sure to check out all the amazing handbags and accessories Thirty-One Gifts has designed to help you bring out your own personal style!