How to Style Straight Leg Jeans

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 27, 2021 References

Straight leg jeans are a loose, high-rise option that give your legs more breathing room than skinny jeans. If you’re planning a casual outfit for a day out, you can create a fun, chic ensemble using just about anything in your closet, whether it’s a fun top or your favorite pair of shoes. If you’re getting dressed for a date, a day at the office, or another formal event, try combining your straight leg jeans with business casual items in your wardrobe, like blouses, button-downs, nice shoes or other elegant accessories. Explore different options with these jeans until you find something that works well for you!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating Casual Outfits

1
Tuck a neutral-toned top into your high-rise jeans to create a flattering look. Slip on a long-sleeved tee, like a crew neck, and tuck it into the waistband of your jeans. To make your jeans stand out, tuck this top into the waistband of your jeans. If you’d like to make your look even more fun and pronounced, choose a top that has a fun pattern, like stripes.^{[1]
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- For instance, try pairing a black and white striped crew neck top with a pair of straight leg jeans, along with a pair of comfortable sneakers.
- If you want to create a bolder look, try experimenting with brighter colors like orange, red, or yellow.
2
Opt for a turtleneck if you want to prioritize fashion and comfort. Choose a turtleneck in your desired color scheme, whether it has neutral tones, bright colors, patterns, or something in between. Tuck the shirt into the waistband of your jeans to contrast the color of your turtleneck with the shade of your jeans.^{[2]
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- For example, try tucking a striped turtleneck into a pair of dark blue straight leg jeans.
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3
Layer a sweater vest over a long-sleeved shirt for a cozy look. Select a tee or thin sweater that covers your arms and neck. Tuck this base layer into your jeans, then slip a sweater vest on overtop. Try to maintain a consistent color scheme with both garments so your outfit looks as polished as possible!^{[3]
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- For instance, wear a thin, black turtleneck as your base layer, then slip on a tan, brown, and black sweater vest on top.
4
Wear a loose tank top to give your outfit a breezy vibe. Slip on a sleeveless top and tuck it into the waistband of your jeans. If you’d like to create a subtle, on-the-go look, select a shirt with neutral tones, like white, gray, or black. If you’re trying to create a more fun, colorful look, opt for a tank top with a fun pattern, instead.^{[4]
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- This outfit goes well with dangling earrings.
5
Prepare for cold weather with a down coat and sweater. Slip on a thick sweater that keeps your arms, chest, and neck insulated from the cold weather. As an extra layer of warmth, check that your jeans are pulled up to your hips or waistline. To finish off the outfit, select a thick down coat as a final touch.^{[5]
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- For instance, you could pair a white sweater with a pair of blue straight leg jeans. Next, you could layer a black down jacket overtop, then complete the outfit with a pair of neutral-toned hiking boots.
6
Compliment your jeans with a pair of sneakers or trainers. Since straight leg jeans are known for their loose and comfortable fit, choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable to get around in! Try to finish off your look with neutral-toned sneakers or tennis shoes, or whichever color best matches your top and jeans.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} If you want to dress down your look even more, opt for a stylish pair of tennis shoes, like Vans or Converse. ^{[7]
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- While sneakers or trainers tend to make an outfit look more casual, you can also choose a fancier pair to make your outfit look posher.
7
Slip on a pair of low chunky boots for an on-the-go look. If you want to stay comfortable without compromising your sense of style, boots are a great option.^{[8]
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Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} Choose a pair that match the color scheme of your outfit or stick with subtle, neutral tones.^{[9]
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- Chunky boots are easy to tuck into your jeans and give your outfit a seamless look overall.
- Look for shoes that come in neutral tones like off-white, brown, gray, or tan, as these will go with a variety of outfits.
8
Get ready for a day out with an over-the-shoulder purse. Pack the essentials into your small bag, then add it to your ensemble for the day. If you aren’t wearing a colorful outfit, opt for a neutral-toned handbag. However, if you’re looking to add a splash of color to your look, then a bright, accented purse might provide a fun contrast to your straight leg jeans.^{[10]
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- Straight leg jeans are very versatile and look great with a variety of handbags.
- For instance, you could pair a brown, over-the-shoulder bag with a pair of blue straight leg jeans.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Dressing for Formal Occasions

1
Experiment with dark blue jeans to give off a sleek, professional vibe. Slip on a blouse, button-down, or other shirt that you’d typically wear to work. Instead of wearing a pair of regular blue straight leg jeans, opt for a dark blue variety instead. While jeans won’t be appropriate for all dress codes, evaluate your darker jeans to see if they add a sleek, formal edge to your outfit.^{[11]
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- For example, tuck a low-cut, white blouse into the waistband of your dark blue straight leg jeans. Complete the look with a pair of high-heeled sandals, as well as a black handbag.
2
Slip on a blazer to make your outfit look professional. Put on a blouse, dress shirt, button-down, or other shirt that adds a formal, professional vibe to your outfit. If you want to give your outfit an extra edge, add a blazer into the mix.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} To keep your outfit looking especially sharp, opt for neutral tones in your blazer and top.^{[13]
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- For instance, pair a brown top with a sleek, gray blazer. To finish off the look, slip on a pair of brown or tan ankle boots.
3
Create a comfortable, elegant look with a knit sweater. Get ready for colder weather by picking out a crew neck sweater. As you prepare your outfit, choose a subtle color scheme that fits your aesthetic without overpowering the rest of your outfit. You can also layer your sweater over a long-sleeved tee, if you’d like to add more warmth to your ensemble.^{[14]
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- For example, combine a blue and purple-patterned sweater with a long-sleeved white tee, along with a pair of blue straight leg jeans.
- For a day at the office, pair a neutral-toned sweater with dark jeans.^{[15]
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4
Pair a baby-doll top with low-rise jeans to create a sexy ensemble. To create an especially sensual look, pair a loose, flattering baby-doll top with a pair of blue straight leg jeans. Opt for a neutral-toned shirt, so your jeans can be the focal point of the ensemble.^{[16]
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- Baby-doll tops have a laced front portion along with elastic bands around the sleeves.
- For instance, slip on a cream-colored top over your straight leg jeans. Finish off the outfit with a pair of wedge sandals, along with a small, red handbag.
Did you know? The majority of straight leg jeans are mid-to-high rise, but you can occasionally find low-rise jeans at some stores. Instead of tucking your top into a pair of low-rise, straight leg jeans, choose a flattering top that compliments your body type!
5
Opt for neutral-toned loafers to give off a classy vibe. If you aren’t a fan of high-heeled shoes, try finishing off your formal outfit with a pair of flat shoes, instead. To make your outfit look extra classy, slip on a fair of faux leather loafers as a finishing touch.^{[17]
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- For example, pair a white blouse with dark blue straight leg jeans, along with a burnt orange blazer. To complete the look, slip on a pair of dark brown loafers.
6
Wear a pair of ankle boots for a classy look. Since straight leg jeans leave an ample amount of ankle visible, play around with this extra space by slipping on a pair of boots. While combat boots might be too informal for a day on the job, you might have more success with a simple pair of lace-up shoes. Play around with different pairs until you find a style that suits your style!^{[18]
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- Neutral-toned boots go well with a variety of outfits. Experiment with different colors, like tan, brown, or gray!
7
Experiment with stylish patterns in your formal footwear. Contrast the simple blue or black of your jeans with fun, animal-printed sandals or boots. Look for shoes that have subtle patterns and textures, like tan or black snake-print sandals. Play around with different patterns until you find something that you like!^{[19]
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- Tan and black snake print shoes are a great option for neutral-toned outfits. If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your ensemble, opt for blue snake-print sandals instead.
- Floral patterns, leopard print, and other designs could be fun to play with.
8
Finish off your outfit with a clutch or small handbag. Choose a purse, handbag, or clutch that best fits the needs and formality of your outfit. If your ensemble consists of mostly neutral tones, opt for a brighter, contrasting handbag instead.^{[20]
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- For instance, if you’re going out on a date, a clutch or over-the-shoulder bag might be more practical. However, if you’re going to the office, you might want a larger purse or handbag.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I style jeans for an evening look?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Pairing jeans with a camisole top and some nice open toe heels would be a really chic look for a night out. Jeans will also look really good paired with a blazer and a low cut V-neck camisole.