9 Places You Should Never Wear Jeans
By Meghan Blalock
In contemporary society, it feels like there’s no place where jeans are inappropriate—many offices allow them as long as they’re not overly casual, and even upscale restaurants don’t mind them by and large. It would seem that denim has been separated from its long-held reputation as the ultimate casual wear.
That being said, even in modern society, there are still some places you shouldn’t wear jeans. We did a bit of digging into the official rules of etiquette, and came up with nine places and events where you definitely should not be wearing jeans.
Keep reading to find out what they are, and bookmark this page so you don’t forget!
1.
No matter how casual an office environment might be, if you don’t work there yet—i.e., if you are interviewing to get a job there—you should not be wearing jeans to an interview. If the job you’re interviewing for is managerial or at an executive level, you are advised to wear a chic suit. For all other types of jobs, you should wear a crisp, business casual look. Verdict: Never wear jeans to a job interview, period.
Related: The Best (And Worst) Colors To Wear For A Job Interview
2.
Even if you work in an office where jeans are embraced on a day-to-day basis, if you have an important meeting or presentation coming up, it’s best to avoid jeans. You want to present the most put-together and professional version of yourself, and we doubt that version would wear jeans.
Instead, wear a pencil skirt, blouse, and slick heels.
3.
If you have to go to court for any reason—everything from jury duty to (hopefully not) being summoned to testify for a case or to combat a traffic violation, for example—it is considered improper etiquette to wear jeans.
Instead, wear a professional dress and avoid anything too form-fitting.
4.
Little-known fact: If you are hosting a dinner party in your own home, it’s bad etiquette to wear jeans. Upon first glance, this might seem a bit counterintuitive—after all, shouldn’t you be able to wear jeans in your own house if you want to?—but according to The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness, wearing overly casual clothing is insulting to your guests.
Related: What Should I Wear To Host A Dinner Party At Home?
5.
If you are meeting your beau’s family for the first time, chances are you really want to make a stellar impression. While we in the fashion community know jeans can be just as chic as a slim suit or feminine dress, his parents might not necessarily agree.
Instead, wear a pretty dress or a more conservative skirt and top.
Related: The Modest Alternative To A Crop Top
6.
Even the most casual of weddings is not the place to wear jeans. If you are invited to a wedding with a dress code described as casual attire, it’s best to err on the side of business casual. This means no jeans.
Instead, wear a pair of trousers and a flouncy blouse, or a breezy dress.
Related: Your Complete Cheat Sheet to Wedding Dress Codes
7.
This one should go without saying, but you should not be wearing jeans to a wake or funeral. You should not be approaching paying respects from a casual point of view, and this goes for your clothing as well.
Instead, wear a black suit, ladylike LBD, or other muted tones.
8.
While many modern-day rehearsal dinners before weddings are more casual affairs, jeans are still probably not the best idea. You might be able to get away with it if you are wearing sleek, black skinny jeans with a slight shimmer to them—but otherwise, it’s best to avoid.
Instead, wear a dress or matching set.
9.
If you’re headed to a museum or an event at an art gallery, it’s best to put your jeans away. Honor the art you’re consuming by dressing for the occasion!
Instead, wear a dress or a chic pair of trousers with a tasteful blouse.
Related: 9 of the Most Stylish Black Trousers for Fall
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