Workwear Has Changed, But Are Jeans Business Casual?

Fashion experts and stylists weigh in on whether or not to rock this pants style at the office.

The ironic thing about dress codes is that they’re put in place to make dressing for specific events easier on attendees, but they can be very vague and, as a result, not at all helpful. Take business casual, for example. “Business” and “casual” are two very different ways of dressing and finding a happy medium between the two can feel damn near impossible. No matter what you wear, you’re likely going to be leaning more business or casual, so what qualifies? For instance, can you wear jeans for business casual? Or is denim too informal for the workplace?

Related:We Still Have No Clue What to Wear to the Office, So We Asked Stylists for Outfit Ideas

When you search “business casual outfits” on Pinterest, there are some jean outfits sprinkled throughout the feed. The same goes for Instagram; the hashtag “business casual outfits” yields over 29,000 results, with jean outfits at the forefront. But don’t just take the internet’s word for it. When asked if jeans are business casual, stylists Christina Stein, Soneca Guadara, and Jordan Stolch answered with a resounding yes.

“Absolutely, unequivocally, yes,” says Guadara, a style consultant and personal stylist. “Fashion is leaning more and more toward the casual end of the spectrum as each year goes by, especially in a post-2020 world where the old business-formal office requirements are out of date for many workers.”

But while this may be true, generally speaking, Stolch notes that not every office is going lax. “Gauge the climate of your unique office and take note of what the standard protocol is amongst your co-workers,” the MIKADO personal stylist warns. “While most industries are open to denim in the workplace, there still remain several that are not, and you do not want to look as if you’re not taking yourself seriously at work.”

Related:13 Black Work Pants That Will Elevate Your Office Wardrobe

Once you have the green light, the question is how to style jeans in a way that meets business casual criteria. As a general rule of thumb, Stolch recommends sticking to darker wash, non-distressed styles to maintain a level of professionalism while striking the balance with casualness. Though it depends on the industry and office, unless told otherwise, Stolch says “medium, light and ripped styles are a no-go.”

Take “business casual” literally.

“A great way to think of styling jeans for business casual attire is to pull in some of what you would relate to as conventionally 'business formal,' and offset it with the casual nature of the denim," says Stolch. "This could be a well-tailored blazer with dark wash denim and loafers or a crisp white button-down with black jeans and a statement pump. Accessorize both with a belt or simple jewelry and you’ll be sure to strike the balance between casual and professional.”

Add a blazer.

According to Stein, something structured can transform your look.

“My favorite is the classic blazer blouse and denim combo. It’s easy, and everyone has all three items in their closet! You can opt for heels or even sneakers but you’re guaranteed to look polished."

Make it preppy.

“Another way is a pair of denim, a plain white tee, and a cute sweater draped over your shoulders," Stein tells us. "It gives a little polish without the pressure of a blouse.”

Related:12 Collared Shirt Accessories to Give Your Favorite Button-Down New Life

Straighten up.

The real key is to consider the type of jeans you're wearing with your business casual outfit.

“You want to make sure you're wearing the right size, not too tight, or too baggy," advises Guadara. "A straight-leg type is ideal. Then, tuck in your top. By doing this you will define your waist and also look put together.”

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