If you’re searching for a great business casual outfit or an elevated look for a night out, reach for your favorite pair of Jeans. Jeans are no longer just a comfortable wardrobe staple. From sleek skinny to refined, rigid wide-leg jeans, these popular pants offer more possibilities than ever before. With the right accessories and everyday shapewear, you can take any pair of jeans and dress them up for a fashionable look.

1. Start With the Right Foundation Garment

Before you slide into those jeans, you’ll want to create a smooth foundation. This will give your body a sleek appearance that can build your confidence. Instead of worrying about tummy bulges or bra overhangs, you can focus on presenting a put-together look.

Choosing the right shapewear begins with selecting the right size. To get an accurate fit, use the manufacturer’s size chart, and take your measurements if necessary. For more compression, select your size according to the chart. If you’d like a looser fit, go up a size. When choosing shapewear bras and tops, you can get the best fit in a top that uses bra sizes. Shapewear camisoles and bras with underwires offer more support.

If you want to smooth out any bumps or rolls under your jeans, then you may want to select a tummy shaper, waist cincher or shaping underwear. Shapewear designers offer tummy shapers with pull-on styles integrated into underwear. Some tummy shapers start below the bra, while others provide a full-body solution that integrates underwear, waist cinching and a bra into one garment. Some shaping bodysuits also feature boy shorts or biker shorts to slim your thighs.

2. Pick the Right Silhouette

The days of pulling on stretchy jeggings and knee-high riding boots are over. Fashion-conscious buyers are open to expanding their jeans horizons with new cuts, colors and embellishments. Many of these new cuts reimagine popular styles from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Styles that customers are choosing right now include:

• Loose-fit jeans
• High-rise jeans
• Wide-leg jeans
• Barrel jeans
• Flare jeans
• Cargo jeans
• Bootcut jeans
• Boyfriend jeans
• Mom jeans

To choose the right jeans for your dressy outfit, consider your destination. For a fun night out at the club, look for a pair of cargo jeans. The wide legs and many pockets will make you feel like it’s 2000 all over again. Another bold option is the barrel jeans. These jeans are wide and curved at the inseam, but they taper toward the ankle. This exaggerated silhouette is a bold choice that is great for dinner out.

If you’re looking for a business casual look, choose classic straight-leg jeans or a bootcut style in a dark wash. A dark wash gives an outfit a sleek, balanced look. You can add more interest to your workday look with an embellished top or jewelry.

3. Choose High-quality Dressy Shoes

Dressing up your jeans requires the right footwear. While Crocs and Birkenstocks are comfortable and durable, they instantly give your outfit a casual vibe. Pairing jeans with dad sneakers, clogs and flat sandals may be comfortable, but it is also expected. One way to elevate your jeans style is to pair it with formal or dressy shoes.

High-rise jeans with a wide leg are a statement piece that elongates your body. For the look of even longer legs, pair these jeans with skinny high-heeled shoes or boots. The skinny heel provides great contrast as it peeks out from under the wide-leg jeans. Choose a pointed-toe style to continue with the long lines. This pair of shoes goes well with either lighter or darker-wash jeans. Light-wash jeans go from casual to dressy with the addition of a heel. Sleek, dark jeans look even more refined with high-heeled shoes or boots.

Take your skinny jeans for a sweet, classic look, and add ballet flats. Ankle-length skinny or slim-leg jeans pair with ballet flats to create a classic look that is great for a day at the office. Avoid pairing ballet flats with loose, wide-leg or flare jeans. The dainty shoes will get lost in the volume of the jeans.

Jeans and ballet flats are a chic choice for commuting or business travel. Ballet flats offer more support for long walks through the airport without sacrificing style. If a round-toe ballet flat is too subtle, you can add visual interest by selecting a square-toe ballet flat. Flats with animal prints, embellishments or contrasting colors also can elevate your look.

4. Don’t Forget the Right Jacket

For an instant style upgrade, pair your jeans with a chic jacket. The right jacket can take your outfit from a casual daytime look to a refined look for the evening. From blazers to leather bombers to faux fur jackets, you have many options for topping off your look.

To pick the right style of jacket, use the proportions of your clothes to guide your decision. Avoid long, oversized jackets that add volume and bulk if you choose a wide-leg or loose jeans. Instead, pair wider cuts with a fitted or cropped jacket to keep the eyes focused on the jeans. If you choose slim or skinny jeans, these styles look great with long or oversized jackets. Choose a boyfriend blazer to add a bit of menswear style to your look.

The Wrap-up

Your jeans don’t have to sit in the closet and wait for casual days. When paired with the right garments and accessories, your jeans can be worn for work meetings or fancy dinners. Add an extra bit of shine with statement jewelry like drop earrings or chunky necklaces.

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