What to Wear with Black Jeans, Whether You Prefer T-Shirts and Sneakers or Cowboy Boots and Statement Jackets

If you’re not into slim-fit jeans—which offer slightly more breathing room than skinnies— we suggest trying them with a loose top. The proportions will be a welcome juxtaposition and it’s an outfit that looks polished but feels comfortable as hell.

Get the look: Re/Done jeans ($250); Topshop button-down ($58)

How do you take a plain white tee and easy denim and turn that basic combo 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. In terms of duster length, aim for a jacket that hits between mid-calf and ankle for the most flattering fit.

Get the look: Etica jeans ($125); Free People duster ($168); Everlane T-shirt ($18); Birkenstock sandals ($150)

If we suggested you should wear mom jeans with brightly colored strappy sandals before you saw this photo, would you have listened? Maybe not. Now that you see how cool it is, we urge you to think again. This is also an easy trick if you need to transform your look from day to night in mere minutes.

Get the look: AFRM jeans ($78; $31); Marc Fisher Ltd. sandals ($150; $90); Lovers + Friends bodysuit ($88); Cole Haan jacket ($500; $250)

Put those Western boots you bought last winter to good use and tuck a pair of black jeans into them. (Psst…the jeans don’t have to be skin-tight to be tucked into boots—just peep how incredible this slightly baggy pair looks.) And go on, tie a scarf around your neck—it adds a polished finish to almost any outfit.

Get the look: Free People jeans ($98); Lane Boots boots ($250); Lulus jacket ($139); Tory Burch bag ($498); Allsaints denim top ($155)

When recreating this look, make sure your jeans are a bit cropped to show off your Chucks in all their glory.

Get the look: DL1961 jeans ($199); Converse sneakers ($55); Reformation jacket ($228); Caslon turtleneck ($29); Beis bag ($98)

Presenting your new weekend go-to (FYI, the mask is not optional). Because the jacket is on the louder side, stick to a simple top like a plain white tee or simple black turtleneck.

Get the look: AGOLDE jeans ($188); BlankNYC jacket ($98); Karen Scott turtleneck ($47; $19); Tretorn sneakers ($100; $60); Herschel Supply Co. face mask ($15)

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 shocking white trench over it and finish off the look with a pair très chic flats in a bright, rich hue. Oh, and don’t forget to apply a swipe of red lipstick.

Get the look: Wrangler jeans ($98); Tory Burch flats ($328); Levi's leather jacket ($120; $75); Michelle Waugh trench coat ($1,495; $598)

An all-black base of jeans, boots and a simple turtleneck works great on its own but is also the ideal opportunity to show off your spotlight stealing jackets and accessories. If you stick to an all-black color palette, feel free to pile on your statement pieces with abandon. You won’t look overdone, we promise.

Get the look: Everlane jeans ($78); Tularosa jacket ($298); Lele Sadoughi earrings ($198); BP. boots ($90; $45)

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 faded black wash instead. This update on the Canadian tuxedo 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.

Get the look: INC International Concepts jeans ($70; $36); Daze jacket ($99); Topshop T-shirt ($10); Sam Edelman boots ($170; $84); Casa Clara hoops ($52)

You know those mornings when the last thing you want to do is reach into your closet and figure out what to wear? Look at this all-black ensemble, store it in the back of your mind and recreate it every time you feel a wardrobe meltdown brewing.

Get the look: BDG Urban Outfitters jeans ($69); Vero Moda jacket ($75); Allsaints T-shirt ($40)

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

Get the look: Tommy Hilfiger jeans ($70; $36); Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole boots ($170; $100); Topshop jacket ($95)

Cuffed pants are an excellent way to show off a favorite pair of shoes. And don’t worry, if it’s too cold for bare ankles, you can add on a pair of socks (either stark white or colorful and bright) and avoid frozen toes.

Get the look: Lee jeans ($98); Sam Edelman loafers ($130); Sanctuary blazer ($149); Nordstrom bag ($99); Tasha headband ($20); Grayson button-down ($158)

Business on top, party on the bottom. This is the 2020 working girl’s suit and…we absolutely don’t hate it.

Get the look: Everlane jeans ($78); Madewell blazer ($168; $118); Calvin Klein heels ($129); See by Chloe bag ($450)

Lug-sole boots are trending this year. Wear yours with a turtleneck-leather blazer combo, slip on some teeny sunglasses and live your Matrix fantasy.

Get the look: Mother jeans ($98); Alohas boots ($140); Amanda Uprichard blazer ($264); BP. turtleneck ($39); Topshop bag ($50); Rad + Refined sunglasses ($42)