Comments on: Q&A: How to Dress Up Jeans for Work

By: Trisha

Trisha — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:40:52 +0000

@Learner - Yes, checked trousers would look perfectly fine in an office. Try pairing them with a plain white blouse so that they can take center stage.

By: learner

learner — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:04:46 +0000

Would check trousers (say black and white in thick fabric) look okay in office?

By: Trisha

Trisha — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:07:22 +0000

You’re welcome, Jennifer! Thanks for your feedback.

By: jennifer in sf

jennifer in sf — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:25:06 +0000

Thanks for the more affordable options. I can totally see how the other version is inspirational, but it’s nice to have it paired with more realistic options too.

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:47:24 +0000

“Business casual” in my industry DEFINITELY does not go as far down as jeans. Sorry, you need to be wearing actual pants. Jeans are just casual. There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what your job is like, but business casual to business to me suggests that you should be dressing up a lot more than wearing jeans except on the occasional Friday.

By: John

John — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:02:05 +0000

For the guys, a word of caution: “business casual” does NOT mean jeans. “Casual friday” doesn’t either. You might see some guys in jeans, but don’t follow their lead. Instead, try a pair of nice chinos or slimmer wool slacks, with a buttondown and maybe a sweater or blazer. You can wear loafers if you want.

The big difference is the tie, or in this case, the lack thereof. Even if you decided to wear a tie on “casual friday,” don’t worry.

Remember, the guy that is overdressed feels like a fool, but the guy that is underdressed IS a fool.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:34:50 +0000

Here’s a link to the more affordable version of this outfit:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?.mid=embed&id=978752

Enjoy!

By: Mimi

Mimi — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:55:12 +0000

I love that zebra print coat.
I’m also a big fan of scarves. They can change the look of any outfit. My two shopping mottos are “wear it with jeans” and “wear a scarf with it.”

As for pricing- I shop of the discount stores like TJ Maxx. (Oh yeah, my other motto is “never pay full price!”) These “style vignettes” are a great way for me to get ideas.

By: The Devil Wears Marc Jacobs

The Devil Wears Marc Jacobs — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:07:22 +0000

I wish I could wear jeans to work, but I have a very strict dress code, even on Fridays! But if I could wear jeans, I think I would wear a dark denim wide leg trouser, bordering on sailor pant–I love this trend. I would pair the wide leg jean with a sleek trench coat, a structued bag and a wonderful scarf.

On the other hand I still love my skinnies, so I would pair my black or dark blue skinnies with a high stacked black boot, a nice shirt and a cozy car coat over it.

The great thing about jeans, is if they are not tattered or torn, jeans can look unbelievable polished when worn with the right pieces and accesories.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:25:09 +0000

Great tip, Stephanie–we were thinking of doing a Scarf article, and you’ve inspired us to actually write it

Jennifer–you bring up a really good point. In our reader survey, we heard that readers wanted inspirational looks–not stuff to buy, but fashion formulas from which to glean inspiration. (Hence the designer clothes in this Ready Made Outfit–the detailing makes it easier to illustrate the beauty of this simple fashion formula.) Point well taken though–we’ll make a point to feature more affordable options. I’m also working on a more affordable version of this outfit, switching out the designer bag, shoes, and jacket–so stay tuned!