5 Basics Worth Owning If You Live In Simple Jeans and Sneakers

There’s a strong chance that you, like me, wear jeans and sneakers on the regular. While you may have a go-to outfit you wear with the two staples, I think there are a few basic items worth owning to keep those denim 'fits as fresh and elevated as possible. Some of the pieces in question may seem like no-brainers (ahem, tank tops), but there are also a few next-level basics (looking at you, reworked trench coats) that I think could be essential to crafting the ideal jeans-and-sneakers looks.

To highlight all of this further, I rounded up some of my favorite fashion-girl outfits that zero in on the basics worth owning if you live in jeans and sneakers—and yes, I’m talking about all types here, from straight-leg to flares and canvas kicks to old-school trainers. Keep scrolling for all the visual and shopping inspo you need.

1. Slouchy Blazer

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(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

A modern blazer in a loose cut brings that easy polish to a denim outfit. We're particularly into this look featuring the trendy flares and Converse.

2. Tank

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(Image credit: @aude_julie)

Sometimes going for the simple basics is just where it's at. Case in point? A classic ensemble with a sleek tank tucked into straight-leg jeans with sneakers.

3. Leather Jacket

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(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

Wider-leg jeans with canvas sneakers are already cool on their own, but the addition of a leather topper—either a blazer or a moto style—takes that laid-back vibe to the next level.

4. Cardigan

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

You can't deny the power of a cardigan right now, either worn as a top or a layering piece like with this denim ensemble here.

5. Trench Coat

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Elevate jeans, a white T-shirt, and sneakers even more with a very-right-now trench coat. Chic and sophisticated.

Next, check out more next-level basics worth adding to your wardrobe.

Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.