Black Jeans Outfit Ideas: 13 Looks for Every Event on Your Calendar

Casual Friday, here we come. The blazer and heels give this look a professional vibe, while denim with a little bit of give (not quite skinny jeans, not quite a straight leg) and a flowy top lends weekend-level comfort.

Wear it with: Patterned Blouse + Pumps

Get the look: Madewell blazer ($168); Current/Elliott top ($228); GAP jeans ($70); Manolo Blahnik heels ($995)

How do you take a plain white tee and easy denim and turn it into a fashion-forward ensemble? With one simple addition: A duster. The dramatic, flowing fabric adds some much-needed interest to an otherwise super-simple outfit. Sport a dreamy floral version for spring and summer, then swap to a long knit for fall and end the year in a warm leather version.

Wear it with: White T-Shirt + Black Sandals

Get the look: Muche et Muchette duster ($198); Miss Selfridge T-shirt ($23); Mother jeans ($196); Coach 1941 x Tabitha Simmons bag ($395); Birkenstock sandals ($100)

This is very Katharine Hepburn meets Brooklyn babe. Worried you’ll look just a bit too much like you raided your brother’s closet? Add one or two feminine accessories, like a pearl-adorned headband, rhinestone barrette or bold statement earrings.

Wear it with: Button-Up Shirt + Layering Turtleneck

Get the look: Thakoon turtleneck ($95); Lafayette 148 New York button-up shirt ($258); Topshop jeans ($80); Frye belt ($68); Dr. Martens boots ($140)

Black on black (on black on black) might be the stereotypical NYC uniform, but we think adding in a rich, dark hue like burgundy, navy or deep emerald is much more appealing. Plus, this jewel-tone will provide depth and intrigue without sacrificing any of the figure-flattering qualities of head-to-toe black.

Wear it with: Sweater + Booties

Get the look: Levi's jacket ($98); Uniqlo sweater ($40); Ei8ht Dreams jeans ($220); Steve Madden boots ($132)

Another way to introduce hints of color is with a set of easy sneakers, some solid-hued outerwear or a pair of sunglasses in an unexpected shade (leave the tortoiseshells for another day). Use your black jeans and matching top as a blank canvas to showcase your favorite non-black pieces.

Wear it with: Funky Sunnies + Black Tee + Sneakers

Get the look: Chloé sunglasses ($400); BB Dakota jacket ($78); Madewell top ($16); Good American jeans ($149); Nordstrom bag ($115); Adidas sneakers ($80)

Black and white are a classic duo, but did you know that black and navy can look just as fabulous? They each help to showcase the details of the other (i.e., highlighting the intricate stitching in your favorite knit or emphasizing a pair of sleek leather pants), whereas sticking to just one hue can muddle your figure and leave you looking like a monochromatic blob.

Wear it with: Navy Sweater

Get the look: Lovers + Friends sweater ($178); GRLFRND jeans ($228); Marc Fisher LTD. boots ($189)

Now this is how French girls do black denim. Keep your base simple with jeans and a coordinating sweater, then add on a tough leather jacket, layer a timeless trench over it and finish off the look with a pair of party-ready flats in a bright, rich hue. Oh, and don’t forget to apply a swipe of red lipstick (mais, bien sûr).

Wear it with: Trench Coat + Moto Jacket + Black Top

Get the look: Leith trench coat ($89); Superdown jacket ($110); GAP sweater ($60); Madewell jeans ($125); Valentino flats ($775)

This outfit formula works no matter what denim wash you’re working with and for almost any occasion; just tweak the details as necessary. Running errands? Opt for a classic button-up and cap-toe slingbacks. Date night coming up? Try an off-the-shoulder top and a strappy heel. Brunch with friends? Time to break out your favorite funky prints for both shirt and shoes. This matchup is incredibly easy, yet always looks put together.

Wear it with: Block Heels

Get the look: Velvet by Graham & Spencer blouse ($229); Botkier bag ($198); Mother jeans ($198); J.Crew Factory heels ($118)

Wearing a bulky sweater with skinnies can wind up making you look like an apple on two popsicle sticks, but true boyfriend jeans can overwhelm your frame and bury your gorgeous figure under a ton of fabric. Go for something right in the middle instead; slightly loose denim that gives shape to your legs without clinging to them. Finish your balancing act by adding elegant kitten heels with a pointed toe.

Wear it with: Pointy-Toe Kitten Heels

Get the look: Saylor sweater ($319); Lucky Brand jeans ($119); Sam Edelman heels ($120)

We like to think of this ensemble as a sort of nod to a suit—without actually being a suit. Clean-cut denim (no raw hems, distressed knees or unnecessary feathering here) can look just as professional as a pair of trousers. All you need is a structured jacket, even one in a bold print, plus a pair of timeless high-heels to do the trick. As for your top? Just reach for your favorite T-shirt or turtleneck and you’ll be set.

Wear it with: Classic Pumps

Get the look: MICHAEL Michael Kors jacket ($177); J.Crew top ($37); Rag & Bone jeans ($225); Linea Paolo shoes ($130)

Black denim is a great backdrop for showing off your brightest and boldest jackets and shoes, but sometimes the pants deserve to steal the spotlight for itself. Give your jeans a chance to shine and sport matching light-colored pieces for the rest of your outfit. Think of it as a sartorial version of a standing ovation for your favorite pair of jeans.

Wear it with: Matching Sweater and Boots

Get the look: Express coat ($228); Free People turtleneck ($30); ASSK jeans ($165); Tory Burch bag ($498); Matisse boots ($200)

If the thought of wearing blue jeans with a blue jacket leaves you with visions of Britney and Justin à la the 2001 American Music Awards, we suggest trying a black wash instead. It leaves you looking much less like a lost ranch hand and more like a rocker babe. Still not quite your vibe? Stick to simple, timeless accessories like gold hoops or pearls and chic pointy- or almond-toe shoes in place of combat boots.

Wear it with: Black Tee

Get the look: AGOLDE jacket ($198) and jeans ($168); L.L.Bean T-shirt ($23); Lovers + Friends belt ($88); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($125)

As much as we love cozying up in a faux-fur coat, they can sometimes feel a bit extra (cue comparisons to Cookie Lyon and also Cookie Monster). One easy way to tone down the ’70s, glam vibes is by choosing easy basics for everything else. Swap sexy pointy-toe booties for a flat Chelsea style, and opt for a streamlined knit over one with embellishments or a ton of color.

Wear it with: Turtleneck + Chelsea boots

Get the look: ASOS coat ($83); Everlane sweater ($130); Universal Standard jeans ($90); Vaneli boots ($199)