How Can I Look More Put Together In My Denim?

Hey, there,

When I asked the question, “What are you waiting for?” I certainly didn’t expect the answer to be so astounding.

What more can I say except, I’m simply delighted so many of you realize the power of knowing what works for the body type that you have, and jumped on taking my Body-Type quiz. Many of you went even further and decided to purchase my new Body-Type guide! Thank you! Empowering women by helping them feel good about their bodies and their clothing choices is a huge thrill for me. 

I love empowering women.  Helping them feel good about their bodies and their clothing choices is a huge thrill for me because it is one of the ways I can empower women. 

Today I want to share with you a question that I received from one of my readers, Tracy, thank you, Tracy.

This is Tracy’s question: 

michelle,

I’m hoping that you haven’t writen (sic) your blog yet because I have a burning question that I hope you can answer. I work in the tech industry and I wear jeans almost every day of the week. I am so tired of looking like everyone else. How can I look more put together in my jeans?

Thanks,

Tracy

I love this question!! I hear a similar one all of the time from my clients. And when I share with them what I’m about to share with you, the reaction and results are always the same: Mouth dropping and mind-blowing. Why? Because the answer is really quite simple and getting to those results doesn’t take a lot of extra effort. 

I don’t know about you, but when dressing is simple and effortless, I like it. I think you will too. 

So…first things first. Let’s address the basics.

My Top 3 Things that you should know first:

1. Jeans must be Clean. Need I say more? I wish I didn’t have to. As obvious as this may be, it needs to be said because I’ve come across dirty jeans pretty frequently (Ahem…especially with the men.) As with all of your clothes, make sure that your jeans also fit well, not too tight, or too baggy, and in good condition. No rips or holes, even if they’re intentional. (remember I’m addressing jeans for work, not for play) Middle to high-rise is best. Hem jeans according to the shoe heel height you’ll wear most.
2. Round down in Denim. Jeans are toughest when it comes to fit. If you’re in between sizes always round down to the smaller size, as jeans generally stretch. The thing most people are frustrated by is when their jeans “bag out,” causing that “too baggy” look that I mentioned in No. 1, above.
3. The details.  A darker wash has a more professional look and is acceptable all year-round. However, lighter washes during the summer months, is perfectly acceptable. In both cases, the wash should be even throughout – No whiskers, fading, distressed, or novelty dye looks. No sparkle, jewels, beading, or studs either. (Ladies, listen up – Instead wear the “jewels” around your neck in an eye-enhancing statement necklace for the feminine touch.)

If you haven’t gotten those basics down first (See “My Top 3 Things,” above), the rest of my suggestions will be for diddly-squat.

My 5 tips to elevating your jean outfit so that you stand out from the status quo:

• Colored jeans. Stick with colors that are neutral or power colors: Black, Indigo, Brown, Beige, Charcoal, Khaki, white, etc. Or wear color with classic, core neutrals. Refrain from wearing jeans that are too bright – save those for the weekends. 

 

• Add a third piece. Add another layer to your blouse or top with your Jeans. By adding a fitted jacket or blazer, a cardigan or a pullover sweater you will create a more put-together and professional look. 

• Dress up Chambray shirts. It is perfectly appropriate to wear a chambray shirt with your jeans. However, the look is best when your denims do not match, unless they are part of a set such as a “denim suit.” A denim shirt looks great tucked into a pencil skirt with a pullover sweater, cardigan or a fitted jacket. 

• Dressing down with denim. Denim jackets over Khaki pants, casual dresses and skirts, works well for a casual work atmosphere. However, a denim jacket or blazer over a silk or dressier blouse and pair of wool trousers or a skirt, is less expected and creates a more casual and relaxed, yet put-together and professional outfit. 

• Try a denim dress or skirt. Nowadays, denim comes in many weights, washes, and styles. Invest in styles that are flattering to your Body-Type. If you don’t know your body type by now, shame on you, I’ve made it easy for you. Take the FREE quiz, for God’s sake. Wear shirt or wrap dresses, or skirts, in light to medium weight denim, at a length that flatters your leg, but not too short. 

The finishing touches:

1. Accessorize. When tucking in your shirt or blouse, dress up your jeans by adding a sleek leather belt. Even if you’re just doing a half-tuck, wear a belt for a more professional, put-together look. If you don’t want to draw attention to your waist, but want that polished look, buy a belt that matches closely to the color of your jeans. It doesn’t need to match your handbag or shoes. 
2. Shoe care. Every year, get your shoes re-heeled and resoled. Keep them scuff free and polished*. Store them carefully and immediately treat them for stains or any other damage*. Quality over quantity*. *Apply the same rules to handbags. Neutral or shoes in your power colors are going to be the most professional: Black, Charcoal, Navy, Brown, Beige, and Nude. 

Print these tips out and add them to your style folder, or just copy and paste them into a document and store them on your desktop. If you haven’t created a style folder yet, I suggest you do, so that you will have my tips & tools at your fingertips!

Christine, thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I enjoyed my style session with you and I’m excited to meet you and your friend this week for your complimentary shopping style consultation! 

I Love those blog questions, too.

Hi, Suzanne, thanks for your detailed question. Since your skin is medium brown, and you have dark brown eyes and hair, you would be medium contrast. Meaning you would look best in either dark colors mixed with medium colors or medium colors mixed with light colors. However…if you have very bright white teeth and the whites of your eyes are bright white too, as in my previous example, then you too would look lovely in high contrast colors – with white and black being the highest contrast. 

Bright colors would look amazing on you too, and do on most people who have darker PC. So the fact that you like to wear bright colors is right on. Keep doing what you’re doing! Our intuition plays a big part in our personal style – Keep listening to it! 

That’s it for this week.

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle

PS: For those of you who are new blog readers or who are receiving this for the first time, many of the terms that I am using: Contrast, PC, etc., may be new to you. To get a better understanding and join the rest of us in enjoying the contents, check my blog. 

PSS: For those of you who need or would want to refresh your memory about the terms you can go there too.