Jeans and a T-shirt are the go-to outfit for everyone from college students to fashion editors for a reason — and not just because it's a comfy look. The simplicity of a great pair of jeans and a clean white T makes it one of the most versatile outfits around and allows you to go from a day at the park to dinner with friends to a night of bar hopping and dancing with just a few quick (and easy!) accessories changes. Here are 10 ideas to help you get the most out of these not-so-basic wardrobe essentials.
1. Printed scarf and boots
This look works best with a large square scarf folded in half diagonally and then draped loosely around your neck so the points are all in front. A scarf with tassels or fringe will give the look a little more flare and a pair of flat, knee-high boots will give it balance. Keep from going too "western" by adding preppy accessories like a vintage-inspired watch, signet ring, and tinted sunglasses.
Clockwise from top left: Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Pink Aviators, RAY BAN, $195; Printed Tassel Scarf, MODCLOTH, $22; Monogrammed Gold Ring, SARAH CHLOE, $169; Brown Leather Watch, INFINITE, $33; Brown Leather Boots, ARIAT, $230
2. Street-chic sneakers and a fashion cap
Sporty doesn't necessarily have to mean athletic, especially if you utilize pastels, animal prints, and crystal embellishments when making your look.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Pink Wool Embellished Cap, H&M, $40; Grey and Teal Sunglasses, SHERIFF & CHERRY, $165; Silver Ring Set, BETTY JACKSON. BLACK, $13; Green Watch, MARC BY MARC JACOBS, $175; Pink and Snake Print High Top Sneakers, TED BAKER, $175; Yellow Backpack, FRENCH CONNECTION, $120
3. Fringed bag and wide-brimmed hat
A black-based boho look with a white cotton T feels more city-friendly than one built around brown boots and a lace top.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Gray Floppy Wool Hat, H&M, $20; Printed Crossbody Bag With Fringe, FREE PEOPLE, $148; Skinny Western Belt, RIVER ISLAND, $6; Black Heeled Boots, SOLE SOCIETY, $120
4. Statement belt buckle and ankle boots
A buckle like this demands a half tuck to frame it and make it the focus of the outfit. For a casual but pulled-together look, boots and bag should compliment the belt, but not match it perfectly.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Brown Belt With Gold Rhinestones, PINKO, $109; Gold Bucket Bag, NASTY GAL, $25; Black Plastic Aviators, CROOKS AND CASTLES, $90; Crystal Ear Cuff, BCBGMAXAZRIA, $38; Olive Cutout Bootie, SHOE CULT BY NASTY GAL, $88
5. Dressed-up Canadian tuxedo
Elevate your denim-on-denim look for a night out with glitter heels, a statement necklace, and a sleek, satin clutch, all in shades of nude and metallic.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Triple Strand Tweed and Pearl Necklace, KATE SPADE, $328; Blush Satin Envelope Clutch, BCBGMAXAZRIA, $60; Denim Jacket, ZARA, $70; Silver Glitter Heel, TOPSHOP, $80; Silver Chain Belt, MANGO, $25
6. Work-casual denim and tweed
The key to making denim and a T work at the office is having a killer jacket to anchor the outfit and stream-lined, polished accessories to complete the look. Start with a pointy-toed shoe, chunky metal watch, and a classic leather bag in a neutral, complimentary color, then push up your sleeves and layer on bangles, necklaces, and rings when you're ready to go out.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; White Quilted Chain Bag, REBECCA MINKOFF, $195; Red and Blue Woven Jacket, H&M, $49; Silver Watch, MICHAEL KORS, $294; Black and Gold Triangle Earrings, ASOS, $11; Red Pumps, SHOE CULT BY NASTY GAL, $69
7. Preppy blazer and boat shoes
A printed boat shoe is a fun alternative to basic brown and a long scarf can be a feminine stand-in for a standard leather belt. Fold the scarf up neatly so it isn't too bulky, then thread it through the belt loops and tie it in front so the ends hang down like strings on a bow. Next, half tuck your shirt to frame the scarf/belt and top it off with a preppy blazer and a chunky watch to bring a slightly masculine edge to the super-feminine, DIY belt.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Light Blue Scarf, H&M, $15; Navy Fitted Blazer, RIVER ISLAND, $110; Navy Printed Boat Shoes, SPERRY, $52; Gold Boyfriend Watch, ASOS, $47; Tortoise Leather Bag, POUR LA VICTOIRE, $270
8. Tough-girl leather
A leather jacket is always a great, outfit-transforming piece, but it's a good idea to add other fun elements as well, like a printed shoe and some bold jewelry, so the outfit doesn't just become all about the jacket.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Black Leather Jacket, MANGO, $190; Gold Spiked Necklace, FOREVER 21, $13; Leopard Print Pumps, ALDO, $60; Gold Ring Set, ALDO, $12
9. Piles of jewelry
Stick to neutral-colored shoes and bags to keep the focus on all your great jewelry, then pile on all the gold and silver you want.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Gold Layering Necklaces, BEE CHARMING, $138; Gold Aviators, COACH, $168; Gold Bangles, DOROTHY PERKINS, $17; Gold Stackable Rings, WALLIS US, $7; White Slingback Heels, SHOEMINT, $86; White Fur Chain Bag, FAITH, $65; Gold Ring With White Stones, COACH, $48; Gold Pearl Drop Earrings, J.CREW, $45
10. Cute, quirky mix-up
When you're starting with an easy, neutral look like jeans and a white tee, there's really no wrong way to accessorize it. Get playful and mix as many prints, colors, and textures as you can — the bolder, the better.
Three-Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt, GAP, $27; Skinny Jeans, GAP, $70; Chartreuse Fringe Bag, ASOS, $84; Blue Gingham Cat Eye Sunglasses, OPENING CEREMONY, $50; Orange Bracelet, KATE SPADE SATURDAY, $25; Rainbow Bangle, KATE SPADE, $39; Black-and-White Watch, NIXON & KATE SPADE SATURDAY, $85; Multicolored Pendant Necklace, TATTY DEVINE, $69; Fox Brooch, TATTY DEVINE, $65; Blue and White Floral Print Flats, J.CREW, $228
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