Everyone loves jeans. Its popularity can be seen in most casual settings but shunned in more formal settings. However, times are changing, and more formal settings embrace jeans in workplaces.
Some workplaces have rules regarding choosing jeans for work, while others don’t. So before choosing to wear your favorite pair of jeans, it’s always better to check the dress code. If your office allows jeans even for casual Fridays, getting them right should be your top priority.
There are simple dos and don’ts to consider to maintain professionalism. Here are some guidelines to remember to ensure you look well put together. Read on to find out more!
Dos
If your workplace has a casual dress code, there are ways to make your jeans more professional. Here are all the dos to keep in mind.
- Choose Jeans That Fit Well
Choosing jeans that fit well is the first step to looking professional. But finding the right fit can be tricky if you are unaware of things to consider. To start, pay attention to the fabric used to make the jeans.
High-quality work jean options should be made using fabric with a bit of stretch. A great example is spandex or elastane, which adds comfort and flexibility. Another way to ensure your jeans fit is by looking at the waistband.
A waistband that doesn’t gape or pinch when sitting on your waist is ideal. In addition, your jeans need to be snug and long enough. Classic, straight-leg cut is timeless and the safest style for work jeans.
- Dress Them Up
Jeans are versatile enough to be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. As work is a formal occasion, dressing up is the best way to wear jeans. By pairing your jeans effectively, you’ll be able to get a professional look.
A great pairing option for your work jeans is a button-down shirt. This simple clothing is normally considered an appropriate option in most workplaces. Together with jeans, a button-down shirt makes a cohesive look.
Another alternative is a blouse contrasting your jeans to make them appropriate for work. For the colder months, consider pairing your jeans with a sweater. Just remember to choose a sweater that fits the working code.
- Choose Dark Washes
If you love jeans, chances are you have them in various washes. So when it comes to wearing your casual jeans, the dark wash is ideal. This type of jeans offers versatility and timelessness, allowing it to be worn all year round and for various occasions.
They are also easy to maintain as they don’t show stains easily, thus needing less washing. So you can have a more professional look with the right fit of dark-washed jeans and a blazer or a dress shirt. And as they are made of high-quality denim, they hold up well over time.
- Keep Them Clean
Clean clothes are vital in looking professional as they show your ability to care for your appearance. And giving a good first appearance impacts how people perceive your work ethic. It’ll also show how organized and put together you are, which leaves a positive first impression on colleagues, superiors, and clients.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear
The right footwear is vital in making jeans have a professional look. Some generally safe-to-wear shoes include flats, heels, or dress shoes. These options add formality to the more laid-back jeans.
One shoe to avoid is the athletic sneakers that might be comfortable also casual. So, to enjoy comfort, consider investing in quality pairs of shoes with gel insoles.
Don’ts
With the above being things to do, there are others to avoid. Below are the don’ts when it comes to wearing work jeans.
- Avoid Wearing Distressed Or Ripped Jeans
Distressed jeans aren’t an appropriate clothing option. They might fit a casual outing effectively, but they’ll make you appear unprofessional. Another type of jeans is those with holes. These jeans can look unkempt, especially in the workplace with work clients.
- Avoid Wearing Jeans With Graphic And Bold Prints
Graphic and bold prints might be fun, but they won’t work in a professional setting. These prints can be distracting and unprofessional, making them inappropriate for work. Therefore, when choosing your jeans, choose simple, neutral options to be safe.
- Avoid Wearing Excessively Baggy And Tight Jeans
Baggy jeans can be comfortable and fashionable with other clothing items. However, they don’t look great in a professional setting as they can look sloppy. This sloppiness might lead to not being taken seriously at work.
Similarly, tight jeans aren’t meant for workspaces. To begin, this type of jeans tends to be unflattering to most wearers. Its tight fit makes them uncomfortable and inappropriate before clients, colleagues, and superiors.
Bottom Line
You can rock your favorite jeans at work with the right tips. To be considered professional, work jeans must be dark, straight-cut, neutral, and well fitting. So consider going for the highest quality jeans to ensure they last long and look professional.