I'm a Fashion Editor—Here's How I Dress Up My Favourite Jeans for a Night Out

I really don’t want to think about the effort I’d have to put into getting dressed if it weren’t for jeans. They’re the piece I grab when I’m in a hurry, when my friends and I decide to meet up last minute or I when just don’t have the mental capacity to pull together a look. However, when dresses become an integral part of my aesthetic, I found myself leaning less on my jeans for the daytime. Instead, they became my preferred nighttime attire.
Unlike party season—when I’m always keen to embrace embellishment and feathers—there’s something so effortlessly cool about more laid-back going-out looks during the autumn, and jeans will help you nail that assignment. Keen to see how influencer types style their evening outfits with jeans, I went on a social media deep-dive with the aim of unearthing ensembles I could copy and paste for my next night on the tiles.
Below are six of the best looks that I found, from the shoe choice that fashion people always pair with their denim to the various tops that’ll help elevate your strides and give them after-dark appeal. Scroll on to see the evening outfits with jeans that have impressed me.
1. VEST TOP + CHAIN NECKLACE
Style Notes: Never before has the vest top been so pivotal in our outfits as it is now, but until the temperatures rise again, wear the look with a leather biker jacket.
Style Notes: With strap sandals and a chunky chain necklace, the vest-top-and-jean outfit combo is elevated from day to night.
Shop the Look:
2. CUT-OUT TOP + SPARKLY BAG
Style Notes: Cut-outs are a still key trend in 2023, especially if you're not into the rivalling sheer look. In top form, cut-outs will instantly give your outfits "going-out" credibility.
Style Notes: A little sparkle never hurts either.
Shop the Look:
A striking neckline always brings the drama.
3. SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK + WIDE LEG JEANS
Style Notes: There’s something refined about the turtleneck, and a sleeveless iterations loans itself perfectly to nighttime pursuits.
Style Notes: Swap out blue jeans for unexpected grey, and you’ve got the perfect attire to dance all night in.
Shop the Look:
A high neck top makes for a sleek alternative to a simple t-shirt.
If you're dipping into grey denim, opt for looser styles for a fresh 2023 look.
4. STRAPLESS TOP + SHOULDER BAG
Style Notes: Strapless tops signify one thing: You’re going out. And they also happen to be the base for some exceptionally good jewellery styling.
Style Notes: A simple shoulder bag is all you need to complete this minimalistic evening look. Oh, and add a blazer if you’re prone to feeling the chill.
Shop the Look:
Such a great shade (but it also comes in no less than 17 other colours).
5. STATEMENT TOP + HOOPS + MINI BAG
Style Notes: There's a lot to be said for the old phrase 'jeans and a nice top'. If you're still unsure about the relaxed nature of jeans, go full force with your top. My suggestion? Sequins.
Style Notes: To add to the impact of the look, layer up your jewellery and opt for a striking bag too.
Shop the Look:
I'm a big fan of 16Arlington's embellished styles.
I downright refuse to leave the house without my Missoma hoops.
6. WHITE BLAZER + MULES
Style Notes: A white blazer will instantly lift blue and black denim, giving it a more premium feel that works well for the evening.
Style Notes: Nearly every influencer on this list has styled their jean evening outfits with mules. If in doubt, invest in a black strappy pair for maximum versatility.
Shop the Look
The shoulder pads add a structured touch to the silhouette.
Next Up, 7 Stylish Shoes French Women Deem Essential for Winter
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
Kendall Just Wore the Chicest Trench, Jeans and Shoe Formula I Think I've Ever Seen
The perfect Parisian look.
By Natalie Munro
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Spring Has Arrived in London—5 Chic Jumper Outfits I’ll Be Wearing in Place of Coats
Chic and practical in equal measure.
By Brittany Davy
-
The Very Specific Flat Shoe Stylish Dressers Wear to Make Their Jeans Look More Elegant
A fail-safe combo.
By Brittany Davy
-
I Tried On Hundreds of Flared Jeans Looking for "The One"—These 6 Pairs Are Hot Contenders
Consider me a convert.
By Ava Gilchrist
-
Sienna Miller Boarded the Eurostar in the Chic Outfit I Always Wear to Travel
Where comfort meets style.
By Natalie Munro
-
Stop Debating—Kate Moss Just Confirmed This "Dated" Jeans Trend Is Absolutely Back
I'm finally convinced.
By Natalie Munro
-
Simone Ashley's Spring Jeans, Jacket and Flat-Shoe Outfit Is So Perfect, All Stylish Londoners Will Copy It
Myself included.
By Natalie Munro