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

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(Image credit: @juliesfi)

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.

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2. White Shirt + Straight-Leg Jeans + Court Shoes

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

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.

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3. Silk Top + High+Waisted Jeans

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(Image credit: @javiera)

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.

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4. Strappy Top + Embellished Jeans

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(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

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).

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5. Biker Jacket + Flared Jeans + Animal-Print Boots

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

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.

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6. Moto Jacket + Distressed Jeans + Pointed Boots

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(Image credit: @georgia_3.0)

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.

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7. Long-Sleeve Top + Cargo Jeans + Colour-Pop Heels

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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...

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8. Turtleneck Blouse + Loose Jeans + Pointed Flats

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Swap your chunky turtleneck knitwear for a lightweight version in an elevated fabric—think lace, organza and metallic materials.

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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.

Freelance Fashion Editor

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.