12 Chic Ways To Wear Dark Wash Jeans
Dark jeans are a classic wardrobe staple in the closets of most women. When it comes to how to wear dark jeans, they’re so versatile there are almost endless options.
Dark jeans can be dressed up or down, worn day or night, they’re perfect for any season, and they always give you a fresh and put-together feel.
Whether you’re going for a casual look or a more professional look for casual Fridays at work, dark blue denim can be the choice you pull out of your closet without a second thought.
Different occasions may require different shades of blue jeans, but dark wash denim can make an appearance in places light wash denim really can’t. That’s why it’s usually a good choice to go with!
What are dark jeans?
Dark jeans are jeans that are usually left unwashed or only lightly washed. They are sometimes called raw or dry denim.
They are a dark shade, some darker than others, and work great with a casual outfit or dress up well for business casual. No matter its technical definition, the term dark jeans is used to describe a variety of darker-colored washes.
Wash types go from light to medium to dark, but there are some medium jeans that some clothing companies will call dark while the same shade may be called medium by a different company. So, like many things in the fashion world, there is some wiggle room for interpretation.
Difference Between Dark Wash and Dark Rinse Jeans
Dark rinse denim is denim that has been sown together and then dipped into an even darker color. This colors the fabric, seams, and stitching of the jeans, leaving a solid dark color over the entire pair of pants.
Dark rinse is usually so dark that it can almost be considered black.
These tend to have a more dressy appearance because they sort of resemble a pair of dress slacks in their totally solid color. These are great for business casual or other instances where you might want to dress up but not go so far as to wear actual dress pants.
Dark wash jeans are a dark fabric that is washed during production to give them a softer texture. The dark wash is an indigo or dark blue color.
These are slightly lighter than dark rinse jeans since they have had a wash.
Dark wash jeans are more suitable for casual outfits, but dark rinse and dark wash can be used interchangeably, depending on the circumstances.
When to Wear Dark Jeans
There is never a wrong time to wear dark jeans. If you’re trying to decide which wash to buy, having dark jeans on hand is a good idea. When it comes to jeans outfits, they are the best jeans to suit any occasion.
Light jeans are limited to casual settings and dark jeans can easily transition between casual and more business casual. Having at least one good pair of dark jeans is essential to your wardrobe for sure.
Dark jeans are a great example of a capsule wardrobe item because they can easily be worn in a large variety of ways.
How to Wear Dark Jeans
Dark jeans transition well through any season and almost any occasion. There are so many different ways you can style dark-colored jeans, from a plain white shirt and sneakers to a fancy blouse and heels.
So, how do you style dark denim? We put together some inspiration for you to get started, from casual outfit ideas to dressier looks.
What to Wear with Dark Jeans For Casual Outfits
#1 With A Bodysuit and Sneakers
This laid-back look is still neat and put together. A ribbed turtleneck bodysuit and white sneakers finish up this casual look around these high-rise tapered dark jeans.
This is trendy look is a nod to the 80s, which has been trending in 2022 and will continue into 2023.
Recreate this look: Bodysuit | Jeans | Sneakers
#2 With A Turtleneck, Camel Coat, and Animal Print Flats
These cropped dark skinny jeans paired with leopard print flats and a camel coat are a fun versatile look that can go pretty much anywhere. Take this pair of jeans from day to night just by adding heels or booties.
Animal print has always been a loved pattern in wearable fashion. Although it ebbs and flows between the popularity of full-on animal print and just the use of the print in accessories, it’s probably not going anywhere.
Recreate this look: Turtleneck | Camel Coat | Animal Print Flats | Jeans
#3 With A Leather Jacket And Boots
These bootcut dark denim jeans and boots paired with a light brown leather jacket are so cute for a fall day. This look can easily transition into winter with a solid color scarf and maybe a warmer coat if you live somewhere that requires it.
This is a capsule wardrobe kind of outfit because these pieces are easily interchangeable with other outfits.
Recreate this look: Faux Leather Jacket | Booties | Jeans | Top | Scarf
#4 Denim On Denim
How do you style dark denim? Denim on denim is always a fun and unexpected combo. You can do dark denim on dark denim or change it up with light denim on dark denim.
Currently, light denim on dark denim is trending again in wearable fashion.
A combination of denim jeans and a denim shirt or denim jacket is called a Canadian tuxedo from the 1950s when Bing Crosby wasn’t allowed into a Vancouver hotel because of his head-to-toe denim outfit.
The Canadian tuxedo has made its appearance in fashion trends several times over the decades since that incident which made the look famous. This look does tend to come and go in wearable fashion, but right now it’s definitely here.
Recreate the look: Denim Shirt | Jeans | Booties | Earrings
#5 With A White Tee and Mules
These dark balloon-leg boyfriend jeans and plain white t-shirt with mules create a comfy but stylish outfit for errands or lunch. This is a chic look that gives a put-together vibe to an otherwise casual outfit.
Balloon-leg jeans are a definite casual look whether they are light or dark. Their baggy appearance can be cleaned up with a form-fitting shirt so you don’t end up looking larger than you are.
Recreate this look: T-shirt | Jeans | Bag | Belt | Mules
#6 With A Grey Tee and White Canvas Shoes
This classic look is comfortable and stylish. It’s a great option for a busy summer day and can easily be transitioned to fall by throwing on a flannel shirt over the grey t-shirt or even swapping it all out for a grey sweatshirt.
A skinny dark pair of dark blue jeans like these are great for t-shirts and casual shoes because they are form-fitting and don’t look sloppy. They are the perfect fit for being comfortable and not looking frumpy.
Recreate this look: T-Shirt | Jeans | Sneakers | Flannel Shacket
How To Dress Up Dark Jeans for Business Casual
#7 With A Loose, Lightweight, Front-Tucked Sweater, And Booties
These high-rise, button-up, dark, skinny-fit jeans are just the right fit for this loose-fitting sweater that flatters any body type. The ankle boots with the buckle add the perfect amount of detail.
Since these jeans hug you in all the right places, a loose-fitting top still looks nice and neat. Business casual is all about getting more comfortable without looking too comfortable.
Wear this same look with these jeans in the summer just by swapping out the sweater for a short sleeve loose-fitting blouse and a pair of heels or wedges.
This is a great outfit for a night out on the town with friends or a date night.
Recreate this look: Jeans | Tunic Sweater | Booties | Earrings | Laptop Purse
#8 With A Sweater And Heels
Pairing these retro-inspired dark jeans with a quarter zip or v-neck sweater and open-toe heels is a good look for dinner or drinks. This is a great look for early fall and can transition nicely into late fall and early winter with a pair of high heel boots.
With this look, you can either keep it nice and neutral or bring in a warm pop of color with your top. You can also easily transform this into a summer look with a lightweight blouse instead of a sweater.
Recreate this look: Flare Jeans | Sweater | Open Toe Sandals | Purse | Earrings
#9 All Black With Dark Jeans
This same dark pair of denim from above can be business casual with the sleek look of a black turtleneck and high heel boots. These jeans are so flattering on anyone and also really trendy right now. The dark look of the whole outfit gives it a more serious and business-casual professional touch.
Recreate this look: Jeans | Turtleneck | Stiletto Booties | Earrings | Purse
#10 With A Blazer And Heels
This business casual look can be worn for work or play. It’s perfect for a casual day at the office or you can toss the jacket on for a night out on the town. The statement necklace makes all the difference in this look.
This is a fun way to express your style a little more without making the outfit too much for the office or business casual event.
Recreate this look: Blazer | Jeans | Heels | Necklace | Satin Cami | Purse
#11 With A Striped Shirt, Tan Blazer, And Brown Loafers
Business casual can be all over the map, depending on what business you’re in. This look is fun and comfortable, with just the right amount of business appropriate.
Adding a blazer is a good way to make your outfit work appropriate.
This outfit works for business-casual Fridays at work, a fall day out running errands, or a lunch meeting.
Recreate this look: Shirt | Blazer | Loafers | Earrings
#12 With A Neutral Blouse And Flat Black Ankle Boots
A flowy blouse and flat black ankle boots make business casual even more comfortable, but still professional. Dress this up with a nice statement necklace or something more understated to keep it more casual.
Adding high heel boots to this outfit would dress it up more if flat-ankle boots aren’t quite business enough for your job. This is a great look for when you need to make a quick stop into the office for unfinished business or a business casual lunch.
Recreate this look: Jeans | Blouse | Boots | Purse | Ring
Styling Dark Wash Jeans FAQs
What color top to wear with dark blue jeans?
As you can see from the examples above, dark denim can be styled with just about any color top. Finishing off your look with accessories that compliment the overall look is key.
How do you make dark jeans look good?
Whether it’s dark jeans or light wash jeans the most important thing to focus on is the fit. You want to make sure to get the proper size in the right length.
Once you find a pair of jeans that fit you properly, you can style them with just about any top and style of shoes.
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