Hit the Town in the Best ‘Jeans and a Nice Top’ Combos
When fashion paralysis strikes, know that the ‘jeans and a nice top’ look will always have your back. Here’s why…
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Hit the Town in the Best ‘Jeans and a Nice Top’ Combos
When fashion paralysis strikes, know that the ‘jeans and a nice top’ look will always have your back. Here’s why…
By: George ElliotThere are some pretty iconic pairings out there. Wine and cheese, tea and biscuits… but as far as fashion’s concerned there’s a firm favourite: jeans and a nice top. It’s a failsafe combination we all turn to the moment the ‘what are you wearing’ question gets dropped into the group chat. And there's a good reason it’s such a go-to: coupling designer denim with either a statement shirt, blouse or sweater, this classic combination offers versatile, stress-free style to all. But as with all outfits, there are considerations to make, like which tops go with which jeans, which duos nail this season's trends and which combinations are practical for colder climes. Here to provide answers and a healthy dose of inspiration, here's how to master this smart-casual uniform, the Liberty way.
Get Shirty
The perfect 'jeans and a nice top' pairing strikes just the right balance between dressy and informal dressing. In other words, your combo - finished off with jewellery and heels - should be the kind you can wear effortlessly to just about anywhere, so if either a trip to a concert, drinks with your dearest or a weekend getaway to the countryside is on the cards, consider it your go-to look. To hit this sartorial sweet spot, first button-up in one of the season's best, most elegant shirts and then slip into some jeans that have some elevated touches, like sharp creases, a figure-flattering high waist or maybe a tailored flared leg. Consider the gap between formal and casual bridged.
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Read more: Find One that Speaks Volumes About You within this Edit of the Season's Best Shirts
Double Denim
Take a look back at London Fashion Week's most influential trend-setters and you'll see that more really is more when it comes to denim this season (think: head-to-toe looks consisting of jeans, trucker jackets, corsets and blazers all made from the fabric). With this in mind, there’s every reason for your next ‘jeans and a nice top’ look to double down on denim. But don't be daunted; layering denim over denim is easier than it looks, as long as you stick to some simple do's and don'ts. Do think tonally by mixing a light denim with something in a slightly darker shade. Do consider contrasting colours. Blue and white or black and grey work particularly well. Finally, because you're wearing only two pieces of denim, avoid going matchy matchy; this only tends to work if you're able to break up the denim with a third, contrasting piece.
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Read more: Upgrade Your Style with this Guide on How to Wear a Denim Jacket
Statement Jeans
As the 'jeans and a nice top' motto suggests, what's worn above usually takes centre stage while below the jeans compliment as a support act. But because jeans can make just as big a statement - whether that's in terms of colour, cut or print - there's every reason to switch things up a little and make them the sartorial focal point for a change. The easiest way to master this mix is to first choose your conversation starting jeans - with vibrant crochet side pannels, FARM Rio's Denim Jeans, £220 are a carnival of colour so more than meet the mark. Then - and only then - should you choose a top. To keep your jeans the centre of attention, embrace minimalism here by playing with texture and cut but sticking to block colours and fuss-free detailing. Take Toteme's One Shoulder Ribbed Top, £220 as a prime example.
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Read more: Learn How Jeans Should Fit
Cold-Cancelling Combo
Because temperatures outside are still pretty low, you'll also need a 'jeans and a nice top' duo that feels weather appropriate, so swap out your denim shirt, blouse or t-shirt for the season's best and warmest jumpers. But take note: the one you choose shouldn't look large and chunky; it still needs to fall within top territory, after all. The trick? Opt for one that's slim-fit or that can be easily worn without anything underneath. As for the jeans, it's business as usual, so look for a pair that's tonal, fits perfectly and most importantly, makes you feel great.
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Read more: Keep Up to Date with the Season's Biggest Fashion Trends
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