How To Truly Master 'Jeans And A Nice Top' On A Night Out
‘Jeans and a nice top’ – the trusty fallback for any night out. It’s versatile, comfy, and a near guarantee you’ll fit the vibe, whether out on the town or at an intimate dinner. But let’s face it, reliability isn’t always that riveting. Our favourite jeans, while endlessly wearable, can often skew too casual, and the wrong top can leave you drifting into dull territory. The fix? Perfectly fitted denim, statement tops that do the talking and accessories that feel intentional.
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‘There's never a moment where jeans can't shine and so long as I have every pair of mine tailored to fit and flare in all of the right places,’ says ELLE’s Deputy Site Editor Naomi May. ‘For quiz night at the pub this week, I'll be slipping into a pair of Citizens of Humanity's Horseshoe jeans and my webbed Attico pumps. For Burns Night, which I'm hosting at my house this weekend, I'll be in my low-waisted Agolde Clara jeans, a larger-than-life tulle top and a pair of kitten heels.’
From red carpet moments to evenings out, denim proves its adaptability time and again. So how to elevate this classic pairing? Style this age-old combo with fresh ideas for every mood.
Jeans and a sheer shirt
A sheer shirt is a great way to elevate an oversized pair of jeans a la Cameron Diaz. Stick to one colour pallet and accessories with statement jewellery for extra polish. Style your shirt with a simple cami top or just a bra if you fancy dipping your toes into this season’s naked dressing trend. High-waisted, wide-leg denim works best here so you can tuck the shirt in to create hourglass dimensions.
Tie-neck silk georgette blouse
Luna High-Rise Tapered Organic Jeans
£320.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
18ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Kettle Stud Earrings
Classic Tailored Fit Wool Coat
Jeans and a sequin top
Nothing says out out’ quite like a sequin top, and it pairs perfectly with jeans for a mix of glam and laid-back cool. To keep it balanced, opt for straight-leg or relaxed-fit denim – this contrast helps the sparkle stand out without looking overdone. Don’t be afraid to layer over and under your sequin top depending on the weather. Top tip: colour match your sequins with your shoes.
Suero Top
Annina wide-leg jeans
Cropped Faux Fur Jacket
Sadie Kitten Heeled Slingback
Jeans and a corset top
The corset top is having a serious moment, and it’s the ideal way to add structure and a little edge to your daily denim. Opt for high-waisted denim to balance the proportions and dress the look up with pointed-toe heels and a micro party bag.
Red Sunday Blouse
Wide Leg Blue Denim Jeans
Animal Print Furskin Ballet Flats With Buckle
Trivia Shoulder Bag
Jeans and an unbuttoned shirt
For a relaxed evening look an open shirt worn with jeans will set you in good stead for the night ahead. Whether it’s a classic crisp button-down, or something silky, this look is all about layering. Style the shirt over a bralette or crop top for a peek of skin, or let it hang slightly off the shoulder for that undone feel. Pair of kitten heels or pointed boots to add just the right amount of polish.
Relaxed-Fit Poplin Shirt
Relaxed-Fit Poplin Shirt
Funnel-Neck Shearling Coat
GUCCI Women's Horsebit Slingback Pump, Black, Leather
Double Denim
The Canadian tuxedo has shaken its Noughties associations. A structured denim two-piece – think a fitted jacket and matching wide-leg jeans – can feel incredibly chic when styled right. Keep the wash uniform and wear a minimal top underneath, finish with metallic accessories or strappy heels.
The Cabrio De-Nîmes Denim Jacket
The Curzio De-Nîmes Denim Pants
Gaia Metallic Shoulder Bag
Slinky Heels
£225.00 at russellandbromley.co.uk
Embellished jeans
Jeans with embellishments – whether eyelets, embroidery, or sparkle – are a playful way to make denim the focal point of your outfit. Pair them with a simple T-shirt or vest to let the details on the jeans shine. Finish with sleek heels and subtle jewellery to keep the look cohesive. Simple yet effective.
Alba Heavyweight T-Shirt
Knee-High Boots
Sequin-Embellished Jeans
Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag
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