What to wear with black jeans - 13 of the best outfit ideas

If you’re stuck in a style rut and wondering what to wear with black jeans, we’ve got all the outfit inspiration you need.

One of the most versatile pieces in your capsule wardrobe, the best jeans for women (opens in new tab) can be worn a multitude of ways. Whether you’re looking to dress them up with a silky blouse, or keep it casual with a sporty sweater, there’s no shortage of ways to style them.

“Black jeans are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, whatever the season and whatever the occasion,” says Katie Eastwood, Stylist Ambassador at online personal styling service Stitch Fix. (opens in new tab) “They act as the perfect base layer from which you can build an array of outfits, whether it be for a casual weekend walk with friends, a date night or an all important interview.” If you do want to keep your look polished, go for slim-fit black jeans such as a skinny or a straight-leg pair and steer clear of rips and any distressed detailing. And of course once you've found your dream pair be careful with how often you wash your jeans (opens in new tab) to avoid shrinking them (opens in new tab) and a painful parting of ways.

What to wear with black jeans

1. Keep it simple in a white tee

For an effortless and reliable look, you can’t beat a white tee and black jean combo. Perfect for off-duty days, it’s a timeless look you’ll reach to time and time again. “Monochrome is a classic colour palette that never goes out of style so wearing a simple white top with your black jeans is a reliable off duty outfit that’s incredibly effortless,” explains Goodto's Fashion Director (opens in new tab) Paula Moore. Finish off with delicate gold jewellery for a feminine touch and stick to the mono palette and wear with white trainers or black boots.

Lindex Short Sleeve Lyocell Top | Price: £14.99 | Sizes: XS-XL

This relaxed tee is delightfully soft and has a relaxed fit, making it perfect for tucking-in. With added stretch, these Lindex slim-fit jeans (opens in new tab) hug your curves in all the right places. A must-have for skinny jean fans, offset the figure-hugging style and team with slouchy tees and oversized knits.

VIEW NOW  - £14.99 | LINDEX (opens in new tab)

2. Add animal print

Add character to your black jeans with a dose of animal print. Zebra print will work seamlessly with black thanks to its mono colour palette. Equally leopard print can be treated as a neutral so will work just as well. Guaranteed instant style kudos, layer a leather biker jacket on top if you want extra cool points.

Zara Silk Animal Print Shirt | Price: £25.99 | Sizes: XS-XXL

This flowy long-sleeve shirt is super easy to dress up or down. Let it hang loose for an effortless look, or tuck in the front to help streamline your silhouette. You can even try leaving it open and layer over a cami or tee - the outfit options are endless! Zara’s jean collection is one of the best, and these high-rise flare jeans (opens in new tab) are oh-so-flattering. The flared hem offers a flattering 70s inspired aesthetic. Add heels to help lengthen legs.

VIEW NOW - £25.99 | ZARA (opens in new tab)

3. Tap into the utility trend

Introducing khaki to your black jeans look is an easy way to tap into that utility trend and creates a well put-together weekend look. “Try a khaki sweater or tee and look for added details such as distressed fabrics or studded embellishment for extra interest. A khaki jacket is also a worthy investment. This can be layered over a tee and jeans combo or a printed midi dress,” says Paula.

Hush Rachael Classic Sweatshirt | Price: £59.00 | Sizes: XXS-XL

You can’t beat a simple sweatshirt for a stylish and practical look. The studded detail takes this one up a stylish notch. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it’s super soft too. If you find black jeans a bit too stark, look for a faded wash instead for a lived-in look like Hush's Agnes Jeans (opens in new tab). These have a relaxed boyfriend fit with gentle fading on the legs.

VIEW NOW - £59 | HUSH (opens in new tab)

4. Go bold and bright

Black jeans will really make colour pop so if you want to make a statement, consider a vibrant top half. Look to block primary colours such as red, blue and green and keep accessories minimal, letting the bold colour take centre stage.

Wallis Button Seam Crew Neck Jumper | Price: £20.00 | Sizes: 8-20

A classic crewneck knit is a wardrobe staple and you’ll get plenty of wear out of this one. There’s button detailing on the shoulders for added interest and ribbed detailing at the hem and cuffs for a slim fit. Perfect for wearing on its own or as a layering tool for extra warmth. These Wallis Curve Ellie skinny jeans (opens in new tab) have a figure-hugging fit that hugs your curves in all the right places. The added stretch keeps them comfy too.

VIEW NOW - £20 | WALLIS (opens in new tab)

5. Team with statement shoes

Ankle-grazing jeans will really benefit from a statement shoe and the dark hue will help the shoes stand-out too. If your jeans are too long, or you want more of a cropped finish, just roll up the hem for an undone look. “Metallics look great against black jeans so you could try a gold heeled-ankle boot in the winter. For summer, I would opt for a bright sandal. Stick to block heels if you want to keep it comfy too,” says Paula.

Mango Strappy Heeled Sandals - Pink | Price: £35.99 | Sizes: 2-9

It’s all in the details with these hot pink sandals from the fashion-forward square toe to the sturdy block heel. The pink hue will give your black jeans a feminine spin. Try clashing colours and finish it off with some red nail polish on your feet. A perfect addition to your wardobe for the spring season.

VIEW NOW - £35.99 | MANGO (opens in new tab)

6. Make it double denim

Mastering the art of double denim can be tricky but when you opt for black jeans, it’s a lot easier to achieve. Black jeans work with most shades of denim, especially lighter washes so you can see the contrasting shades.

Dorothy Perkins Double Pocket Frill Collar Denim Shirt | Price: £17.50 | Sizes: 6-20

The frilly collar adds a feminine flourish to this denim shirt and the puffed shoulders offer a flattering finish on the arms too. Tuck into your jeans to keep the shape streamlined and add a western-inspired belt for definition on the waist. These high-waist jegging flared jeans (opens in new tab) help to balance proportions so are super flattering on most figures, especially pear shapes.

VIEW NOW - £17.50 | DOROTHY PERKINS (opens in new tab)

7. Just add sparkle

When it comes to dressing up your denim for cocktail hour, you can’t beat a sequinned blouse. "Black jeans are a lot smarter than regular blue denim so they’re the best style to dress up for the evening, especially if you stick to skinny and straight leg styles," explains Paula. Try a sequinned blouse, a metallic cami or a sparkly blazer and keep the rest of your outfit pared-back.

Yumi Silver Sequin Top | Price: £48 | Sizes: 8-16

Not only is this glittery blouse an absolute showstopper but it’s oh-so-flattering too thanks to its classic wrap design and built in belt to cinch you at the waist. The velvet bow adds an extra luxe touch too. Keep it smart and team with a pair of skinny jeans like these ones by Red Herring at Debenhams (opens in new tab). Finish with simple courts or barely-there sandals. 

VIEW NOW - £48 | DEBENHAMS (opens in new tab)

8. Go minimalist in all-black

When all else fails, go simple and opt for black on black for a look that will never date. A black top will keep your black jeans looking simple and sleek for a minimalist look. To add interest look for tops that have detailing such as frills and ruffles or add texture with leather and knits. You can keep this look relatively smart too, by opting for silky shirts, sleek loafers or a pair of glam heels. Finish off with some delicate jewellery - some simple gold hoops or a layered necklace.

Next Long Sleeve Square Neck Body | Price: £26.00 | Sizes: 6-26

This bodysuit makes tucking-in to your jeans an absolute dream thanks to its close-knit fit. The ribbed fabric adds texture and the square neckline gives it a modern update. There’s popper fastening for easy dressing too. Another flattering pair of jeans, these Lift, Slim and Shape Flare Jeans (opens in new tab) have a little stretch to hug your figure before flaring out at the hem.

VIEW NOW - £26 | NEXT (opens in new tab)

9. Give it a feminine twist with a blouse

Wondering what to wear with black jeans for a more elegant look? Try teaming your black jeans with a pretty blouse to offset the more casual aesthetic. “Look for fail-safe pretty prints such as florals, polka dots and checks to keep them timeless and chic,” says Paula. Ruffles and frilly details add a playful spin and are on-trend too.

Boden Floral Statement Collar Shirt | Price: £52.50 | Sizes: 6-22

How dreamy is this blouse? With a cute ditsy floral print and a statement oversized collar, it ticks all the boxes. Crafted from 100% cotton it has a semi-fitted shape making it easy to tuck in or leave loose, whatever your preference. Straight-leg jeans like these cord Boden jeans (opens in new tab) are slightly more forgiving than skinny styles but just as versatile. The cord fabric on these give them a cool, retro feel.

VIEW NOW - £52.50 | BODEN (opens in new tab)

10. Stay sweet in pastels

If you’re finding bright colours too bold, soften the silhouette and introduce sweet pastel shades instead. This is a great look for spring and summer too. Try a cute fluffy cardigan or a simple tee and look for sorbet shades such as lilac, mint green, baby pink and buttercup yellow. Finish with stompy boots or chunky sandals to give this look a tougher edge.

New Look Lilac Button Up V Neck Cardigan | Price: £22.99 | Sizes: XXS-XL

With a button-up fastening and a flattering v-neckline, this cardigan is universally flattering. Perfect for those in between seasons where you might just need a light layer, it can be worn over a simple cami or a thicker roll-neck on chillier days. It has a cropped hem so works best with high-waist styles such as these New Look Tori mom jeans (opens in new tab). The ultra-high waist, sculpting seams and tapered leg shows off your shape.

VIEW NOW - £22.99 | NEW LOOK (opens in new tab)

11. Smarten with a blazer

Nothing adds more polish to your denim than a tailored blazer and the same goes for a black pair of jeans. Even if your jeans have more of a slouchy fit, a well-fitted blazer will pull the look together to make it evening appropriate. Keep it lowkey and opt for neutral hues such as black and cream or add extra punch and go for a colour popping pink or green. 

H&M Single-Breasted Jacket - Black | Price: £59.99 | Sizes: XS-XL

You won't regret purshasing this to wear with black jeans. Every capsule wardrobe needs a smart jacket and this guarantees plenty of wear. It has a single-breasted design and looks just as chic left open as it does buttoned-up. It’s fully lined too. H&M mom ankle jeans (opens in new tab) are a great fit, and these are slightly slimmer than your regular mom style. They have an extra high waist and gently tapered legs. The cotton content is partly recycled too.

VIEW NOW - £59.99 | H&M (opens in new tab)

12. Get in line with stripes

Stripes are a great way of elevating your black jeans and the classic print will forever be in style so it’s one you can reach for time and time again. “Stripes are nothing new in the fashion world although they’ve had a bit of a resurgence of late thanks to the sudden influx of the striped polo knit,” says Paula. Whether that’s a chic Breton tee or a stripy knit, stick to monochrome stripes or add some subtle colour with navy or grey.

Mango Striped Knit Jumper | Price: £35.99 | Sizes: XS-XL

If you’ve yet to add a collared knit to your capsule wardrobe, now’s your chance. This striped knit sweater has a zip neckline that you can leave undone for a v-neck shape or zip-up for a high-collar. The oversized fit looks great with skinny jeans or a looser mom fit - just tuck in the front for added structure. These Mango cropped slim-fit jeans (opens in new tab) have a medium rise and cropped finish so you can show off your shoes too.

VIEW NOW - £35.99 | MANGO (opens in new tab)

13. Try some punchy florals for spring

Florals for spring, groundbreaking we know, but they are great for livening up your black jeans and rendering them sunshine-ready. Plus florals make an appearance every year so this look will never fall out of favour. Keep it smart in floral shirts or go for a floral knit if you want a more casual look at the weekend. "Look for smaller prints if you’re petite and worried about the print overwhelming your figure," adds Paula.

F&F Green Stencil Floral Shirt | Price: £18.00 | Sizes: 6-22

This pretty blouse is exactly what you should wear with black jeans. We love that it has an oversized fit for a more relaxed silhouette. Plus the bold green hue for a pop of colour too. Offset the floaty fit with more streamlined jeans such as these F&F Black Contour Jeans (opens in new tab). The stretchy material contours your shape for a flattering finish. Dress down the look with some box-fresh trainers for a sporty spin.

VIEW NOW - £18 | NEXT (opens in new tab)

Are black jeans more flattering?

Yes, black jeans tend to be more flattering than light wash jeans. This is because darker hues are more slimming, helping to smooth the silhouette. They can also help distract from other areas - so if you want the focus to be on your top half, wear a colourful or patterned top with your black jeans to trick the eye upwards.

When it comes to fit - a high waisted mom jean is super flattering showing off your waist and gently tapering at the leg. It also has a cooler edge than your average skinny style. If you're pear shaped, you might want to try flared jeans or wide-leg fit that skims over thighs and helps lengthen legs too.

Can you wear black jeans in the summer?

Yes you can definitely wear black jeans in the summer. It all comes down to how you style them. Wear with lighter tops such as soft pastel hues, creams and whites or add a spring-ready print such as florals and gingham.

You can also opt for a lighter shade of black and look to distressed or faded washes to lift the look. Finish off with a pair of sporty sandals or a sleek cream mule.

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