Denim tends to be a casual go-to. But it can be great for more dressy outfits too. We show you how to dress up jeans and denim for any occasion.

It’s easy to throw on a pair of jeans, t-shirt and sneakers. But denim can actually be incredibly versatile. You just need to be a bit more creative when it comes to knowing how to dress up jeans and wearing your denim for evening, work or a special event.

We have partnered with Nordstrom and created lots of fabulous dressy jeans outfits for you. Combine high-end with low end and create your complete wardrobe.

Some thoughts on how to dress up jeans

Before moving onto some dressy jeans outfits, let’s first think about how you could dress up your jeans.

1. Opt for darker denim

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but darker denim tends to be a dressier option. The high-waisted, dark blue PAIGE jeans (below) will go with your evening blouses or work options. Paige is a 40+style favorite. They keep their color and shape for a long time!

PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans

2. Choose luxurious fabrics

Luxurious fabrics will instantly elevate your jeans outfits. Look out for cashmere, satin, silk and lace.

Vince Cowl Neck Silk Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Cowl Neck Silk Blouse (plus size here)

3. how to dress up jeans – Add some bling

Mixing sequins and embellishments with the casual nature of jeans can be the perfect way to add balance to your outfit.

Badgley Mischka Collection Saga Embellished Slingback Flat | 40plusstyle.com

Badgley Mischka Collection Saga Embellished Slingback Flat

4. Wear with tailored clothes

Continuing the theme of mixing high and low, or elegant and casual, add a blazer or structured top, such as a peplum, to your jeans.

Anne Klein Double Breasted Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Double Breasted Jacket

5. Wear your jeans with heels

Adding a pair of jeels is an ideal way to instantly get your jeans ready for an evening out.

SARTO by Franco Sarto Diva Pointed Toe Pump | 40plusstyle.com

SARTO by Franco Sarto Diva Pointed Toe Pump

9 outfit ideas on how to dress up jeans

Now let’s look at some specific outfits you could put together, featuring the ideas above.

Jeans and a blazer

Jeans and a blazer is often the perfect outfit combination for work, so long as your workplace isn’t incredibly formal.

For an evening out, you can also consider adding some bling to your blazer.

Blazer and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Crystal Ivy Kylie JacketVince Satin CamisolePAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut JeansPelle Moda Kenny d’Orsay PumpAimee Kestenberg So Extra Convertible ClutchKarine Sultan Hammered Oval Drop Clip-On Earrings

Layered with a crisp white shirt

A white shirt is always stylish. Make your shirt more on-trend by wearing a denim vest over the top or underneath (and leave you shirt open).

Denim vest and white shirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

7 For All Mankind Denim Crop TopMANGO Oversize Cotton ShirtL’AGENCE Jyothi High Waist Split Ankle Skinny JeansCalvin Klein Cartina Ankle Strap Sandalrag & bone Leather Shoulder BagKarine Sultan Hammered Oval Drop Clip-On Earrings

how to dress up jeans – with sequins

Sequin pants are definitely a standout item for your wardrobe. You can make sure you don’t look overly dressed up by tucking a denim shirt into your sequin pants. A sequin skirt would work too.

Denim and sequins outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Frank & Eileen Barry Denim Button-Up ShirtRamy Brook Gavin Sequin Wide Leg PantsPelle Moda Kenny d’Orsay PumpAimee Kestenberg So Extra Convertible ClutchKarine Sultan Hammered Oval Drop Clip-On Earrings

With a silk shirt

A silk shirt is always a good choice with your jeans. You can tuck in your shirt or wear over your jeans, depending on the most flattering look for your figure.

Silk shirt and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

BOSS Izane Shirred Stretch Silk BlousePAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut JeansPelle Moda Kenny d’Orsay PumpCult Gaia Nika Top Handle BagKendra Scott Elle Filigree Drop Earrings

Choose coated denim for a dressy denim outfit

An easy way to dress up your denim without having to put too much thought into it, is to wear a slightly different type of denim. Opting for coated jeans immediately gives you an evening look.

Coated jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London Rubio Belted Wool Blend PeacoatCinq à Sept Alora Asymmetric Neck Silk BlouseVERO MODA Coated Flare JeansSam Edelman Livia Patent BootieCult Gaia Nika Top Handle BagChristina Greene Strike Bold Drop Earrings

how to dress up jeans – With white

A white blazer is always a high-end, sophisticated look and will make your jeans instantly more dressy. Wear your white blazer over other neutrals.

You can alter the way you tie the laces on the white blazer (below) depending on whether you want a looser or more fitted style.

White blazer and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

River Island Side Lace-Up BlazerCinq à Sept Rhinestone Marta CamiPAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut JeansSam Edelman Livia Patent BootieKate Spade New York Medium Anna Leather Envelope ClutchEttika Set of 2 Freshwater Pearl and Chain Necklaces

how to dress up jeans With faux fur

Adding texture adds interest to your outfits, and faux fur adds more than a touch of glamour.

Faux fur and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Apparis Fiona Faux Fur Jacket& Other Stories Cashmere Crewneck SweaterPAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut JeansKate Spade New York Manhattan Houndstooth Chenille ToteChristina Greene Strike Bold Drop EarringsBlondo Salome Waterproof Bootie

Designer dressy denim

Another way to dress up your denim is to opt for high-end denim. This will immediately give you a head start with elevating your denim outfit. The contrasting panels on the Akris Punto skirt (below) look very chic and modern.

Designer denim outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Theory Etiennette B Good Wool Suit JacketVince Slim Silk BlouseAkris Punto Bicolor Stretch Denim A-Line SkirtKate Spade New York Manhattan Houndstooth Chenille ToteSam Edelman Uma Knee High BootChristina Greene Strike Bold Drop Earrings

Denim jacket with your evening dress

If you don’t want your evening dress to look too dressy (perhaps you’re heading out for a semi-casual dinner with friends), then an easy way to get a stylish mix of formal and casual is to wear a denim jacket as your cover-up.

The Wit & Wisdom denim jacket (below) has puff sleeves, which gives it just the right amount of elegance to go with your eveningwear.

Wearing an evening dress with denim | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket& Other Stories Pleated Long Sleeve Mesh Midi DressSam Edelman Uma Knee High BootKate Spade New York Medium Anna Leather Envelope ClutchSOKO Bone Quill Drop Earrings

Your dressy jeans outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see all our ideas on how to dress up jeans, with 9 dressy denim outfits together in one capsule. You can mix and match the different dresses, tops, bottoms and coats to create lots of different looks for winter and fall.

You can dress up your denim, or if you really want to get dressed up, you can use the dressier pieces together in one outfit.

Denim capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop the dressy jeans outfits above here:

Dressy jeans: How to dress up jeans and denim for any occasion | 40plusstyle.com

This article is sponsored by Nordstrom

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