5 Ways to Wear This Winter Staple

Black denim is to winter as white denim is to summer.  And while not a hard-fast rule— these days white denim can and is worn 365 days a year depending on the weather—it’s a good guideline.

We can agree though that black denim is a key wardrobe staple that’s perfect for fall and winter. And while I’m ready to say goodbye winter, hello spring, we’re still in the throes of winter

So, today’s post is all about black denim, one of the most versatile items in your closet as it can be dressed up or down and worn in a variety of ways.

Honestly, there’s no shortage of ways to style black jeans. They can be worn on date night with a sexy blouse or you can throw on your snow boots if you have to trek through the snow. You can have fun with them by adding a bright hue. Or add contrast with shades of brown.

A seasonal look is always appropriate by adding plaid, whether it’s a plaid shirt or a plaid blazer. And you can keep them in the neutral zone for that model-off-duty look with a gray sweater, ballet flats, and trench coat or a white tee, ballet flats, and trench coat depending on the temps. Owning a pair of black jeans can and will solve a variety of style dilemmas.

And I will mention there are a variety of silhouettes and rinses when it comes to black denim. One of my favorite pairs of jeans is from Madewell. They’re straight-leg jeans in a charcoal wash that leans heavily towards grey. And I also love this demi boot crop flare from J.Crew that looks adorable paired with boots.  

This time of year I wear black denim several times a week since I can create outfits that are classic and therefore trend-proof.

These are the outfits you can easily wear again and again from two-piece looks with classic outerwear, a blazer, or an iconic moto jacket. The best kind of outfits in my book. Didn’t I mention black jeans are oh-so versatile? Let’s take a look.

The Summary

  Today, I’m talking 5 ways to wear black denim

  I have 5 totally new outfits, plus some old inspiration ones scattered throughout

  All of the new outfits are shoppable via text- and image-widgets

5 Ways to Wear This Winter Wardrobe Staple

Outfit #1

This outfit has the classics written all over it. It’s French girl chic at its best. Not only are the black jeans a classic versatile wardrobe staple but a striped tee is as well.

As a matter of fact, every single item in outfit #1 is a classic wardrobe staple. This just goes to show that having your wardrobe built on the classics gives you endless opportunities to create an outfit in a pinch.

Black jeans and a striped sweater get this classic outfit started. Since it’s winter I chose Chelsea Boots for added warmth and an extra dose of biker chic.

But if you’re climate is moderate go ahead and exchange the boots for a pair of ballet flats. Both work! And I’m always a sucker when it comes to the iconic moto leather jacket so I’m always looking for ways to incorporate it into my outfits. Add a black handbag from Kurt Geiger and you’re ready to step out the door in style.

Mid-Rise Vintage Slim-Straight Jeans (J.Crew) | Signature Wool-Blend Sweater (L.L. Bean) | Burnished Leather Moto Jacket (Ralph Lauren) | Greenwich Waterproof Chelsea Booties (Cole Haan)

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Outfit #2

Again, we’re starting with the vintage straight-leg jeans from J.Crew as the base of this outfit. This time I added a versatile black turtleneck and pointy-toe boots that always look chic.

Since third layers always elevate an outfit I chose a leopard print jacket that also adds texture to this outfit. I love how versatile this jacket is as it has brown leopard print on one side and black leopard print on the other.

I’ve been known to pair this jacket with faux leather brown pants as well as faux leather black pants. But it looks trés chic with a pair of humble black jeans.

A black belt adds spit and polish to this outfit and I’m carrying my new favorite handbag: The Radizwell Double Bag with black leather contrasted with brown suede insets. I splurged on this handbag right before Christmas as I had saved all of my Nordy Club Notes for the entire year and purchased this for a song.

I always like to take advantage of all the goodies retailers offer through their credit cards. I’m not advocating you need a credit card from Nordstrom but if leveraged correctly you will get added value like earning points towards Nordy Notes to use on your next purchase.

Mid-Rise Vintage Slim-Straight Jeans (J.Crew) | Arlette Turtleneck (J.McLaughlin) | Wild Card Faux Leopard Jacket (Fabulous Furs) | Mikki Mid Leather Pointed-Toe Booties (Schutz) | Lina Reversible Leather Belt (J.McLaughlin) | Lee Radziwill Double Bag (Tory Burch)

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Outfit #3

This outfit is very similar to outfit #2 and of course, starts off with the vintage straight-leg jean from J.Crew. I kept the black turtleneck and the pointy-toed boots for a sophisticated look. But I exchanged the leopard print jacket for a quilted cocoon puffer coat from J.Crew who trots out this coat every year like clockwork.

If it’s not exactly the same quilted puffer coat it’s just a slight variation as they’ll add a twist now and then to keep the coat current. I’m a big fan of Barbour for outerwear including their accessories like a beanie and scarf. Add a camouflage tote for texture and contrast and this outfit has casual chic written all over it!

Mid-Rise Vintage Slim-Straight Jeans (J.Crew) | Arlette Turtleneck (J.McLaughlin) | Mikki Mid Leather Pointed-Toe Booties (Shutz) | Upcountry Waxed-Cotton Down Jacket (L.L. Bean) | Hailes Tartan Classic Wrap (Tuckernuck) | Saltburn Knit Beanie (Barbour)

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Outfit #4

This outfit is a laid back weekend look with the addition of black loafers and a striped sweater. Notice the button details on the sweater that sets it apart from the pack. Pay attention to small details like this as the devil is always in the details. For this outfit, you could easily throw on a blazer, cardigan, or jacket.

But adding a third layer will always take an outfit from good to great. It’s a simple style trick that finishes off the whole look. A third piece could also be a scarf, vest, hat, or even a statement piece of jewelry.

I chose a brown tweed blazer, again to add texture to a plain jane outfit. Add a structured black handbag or crossbody bag and you’re ready for Saturday in style.

Mid-Rise Vintage Slim-Straight Jeans (J.Crew) | Stripe Mock Neck Sweater (Whistles) | Devon Blazer (similar, J.Crew) | Laurs Platform Lug Sole Loafer (Sam Edelman) | Chaise Leather Crossbody Bag (COACH)

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Outfit #5

If you’re looking for an elevated look with black denim that’s perfect for date night or an evening out with the girls think monochromatic.

There’s nothing better than a column of black for a visually pleasing outfit that lengthens your body. I still love to wear heels as they add a chic factor to your outfit. Wearing heels at 64 and beyond is a goal of mine because you need strong sturdy legs to wear heels. Pilates and Orange Theory workouts help keep me fit and flexible and work on my balance which is key at a certain age.

Again, I start with the vintage straight-leg jean from J.Crew. Then I add a long sleeve black silk blouse to the mix. A belt with gold hardware adds texture and ties back to the black blazer with gold buttons. Pointy toed pumps and a clutch are the icing on the cake.

Mid-Rise Vintage Slim-Straight Jeans (J.Crew) | Basic Concealed Placket Silk Shirt (LilySilk) | Plaid Blazer (Karl Lagerfeld) | Vienna Kitten Pump (Sam Edelman) | Issey Clutch (Vince Camuto)

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In Case You Missed It

Do you love chicken recipes as much as we do?  If so, you’re in luck. Yesterday, Kelly shared 6 great chicken recipes you’re gonna want to make.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

5 Great Chicken Recipes

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