All Our Editors Agree: This Staple Is the Key to an Effortless Going-Out Look
We all know the feeling: It's Friday evening, you've just tied up a taxing week of work, and your group chat is hopping with excitement for what the night has in store. Finally, you and your friends can unwind and debrief over tipples without worrying about an early start. Sounds great, right? There's just one problem; the effort required to put together an outfit feels impossible to muster up.
I don't know about you, but my outfit-building ability definitely has a limit. If I'm exhausted or uninspired, I simply don't have it in me to create an interesting look—let alone an on-point going-out look. This is especially true late on a Friday, so more often than not, I err on the side of casual. Simple, comfortable, with a few dressy details thrown into the mix so I don't feel out of place in whichever bar or beer garden I'm due at.
Unsurprisingly, given how vital they are in my regular wardrobe, I've found that jeans form the foundation of most of my last-minute evening ensembles. Worn-in denim brings a low-key feel to every outfit, so it's perfect for times when you don't want to try too hard (or look like you've tried too hard). Don't just take my word for it—scroll on to see seven going-out outfits with jeans, then shop the pieces you'll need to recreate them.
1. Strapless Top + Wide-Leg Jeans + Slingbacks
Style Notes: Jeans and a tee might feel too casual for a night out, but choose a style sans straps and you're instantly evening-ready. Especially if you add some elegant slingbacks.
SHOP THE LOOK:
2. White Shirt + Straight-Leg Jeans + Court Shoes
Style Notes: In need of a quick transition from desk-to-drinks? A white shirt and court shoes will work for both environments; just shrug off your blazer and add some sleek accessories.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Mango is always my first port-of-call when I'm seeking affordable denim.
3. Silk Top + High+Waisted Jeans
Style Notes: Silk and satin in any form instantly make an outfit feel dressier. Opt for a beautifully draped top to team with a figure-hugging pair of high-waist jeans.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I'd be lost without my gold hoops—I love the subtle engraving on this pair.
4. Strappy Top + Embellished Jeans
Style Notes: Instead of reaching for your go-to blue jeans, zhuzh up your look with rhinestone embellished denim and get ready to shine when the light hits you (literally).
SHOP THE LOOK:
5. Biker Jacket + Flared Jeans + Animal-Print Boots
Style Notes: Leather print and leather are two key ingredients for a swish after-dark look, and denim just so happens to work faultlessly with both.
SHOP THE LOOK:
In block heels this comfortable, you can dance all night long.
6. Moto Jacket + Distressed Jeans + Pointed Boots
Style Notes: Let's face it, once the sun sets in the UK, it's rarely warm enough to go outside jacket-free. A moto style is a trendy and practical option that won't take away from the outfit underneath.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This monochrome iteration will go with everything.
If you haven't yet tried Agolde denim, you've been missing out big time.
Find me a cooler pair of boots on the high street. I'll wait.
7. Long-Sleeve Top + Cargo Jeans + Colour-Pop Heels
Style Notes: Sometimes I need a push to step outside my monochrome comfort zone, and this outfit is just that. Brightly-coloured heels are officially the next shoe on my wish list...
SHOP THE LOOK:
Now that it's spring, this is exactly the kind of colour I'll be gravitating towards.
A wearable way to tap into the cargo trend.
These would also look great with 'clashing' orange shades.
8. Turtleneck Blouse + Loose Jeans + Pointed Flats
Style Notes: Swap your chunky turtleneck knitwear for a lightweight version in an elevated fabric—think lace, organza and metallic materials.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Who said you have to wear heels on a night out?
Up Next: You Should Never Get Rid of These Classic Jeans—We've Got Proof
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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