Thinking about wearing jeans with a suit jacket? The combination of otherwise casual denim jeans with a formal or semi-formal suit jacket may sound a little backwards. After all, isn’t it bad to mix formal and casual garments together? In most cases, the answer is yes, but jeans CAN be worn with a suit jacket. All it takes is the right approach and a keen eye for fashion.
Don’t Match Your Colors
When wearing jeans with a suit jacket, do not choose matching colors! If your jeans are the exact same color as your suit jacket, the two garments will blend together, and not in a good way. With that said, you can still choose a color that’s similar to the other garment, so long as it stands out. If your jeans are a dark indigo blue, for instance, try wearing a light blue jacket. The light and dark blue colors will stand out from one another, distinguishing your outfit by defining the various garments.
Of course, another idea is to wear jeans or a suit jacket that contrasts with the other garment’s color. Going back to the example mentioned above, a pair of indigo-colored jeans would contrast well with a black suit jacket. The two contrasting colors will create a bold, appealing look that enhances your outfit.
Watch The Wrinkles!
Don’t make the mistake of wearing a wrinkled suit jacket with jeans. Because jeans are viewed as a casual garment, many people assume it’s OK to wear them with a wrinkled jacket. This couldn’t be further from the truth, however. A wrinkled jacket will take away from the aesthetics of your outfit, creating a messy, unflattering appearance. So if you’re planning on wearing jeans with a suit jacket, take a few minutes to go over the jacket with an iron.
Which Jeans Should I Wear?
Now for the million-dollar question: which type of jeans should I wear with a suit jacket? It really depends on the occasion, your personal style, and the jacket. However, you want to stick with “premium” jeans that have a natural formal look to them. This means avoiding distressed denim, opting for solid-color jeans instead.
Jeans can be worn with a suit jacket, but only if it’s done right. Be conscious of the color of your denim, the cut, the fit, and how it relates to your suit jacket.
