Executive Styling 101: How To Rock Denim To Work 

One fashion piece people generally don’t invest in as a work wear is denim. There’s the belief that it’s casual and can’t be worn in a serious work environment. I think that mindset is unfounded and based on lack of creativity. In fashion, I believe it’s not so much about the pieces than it is about the styling. I’m not saying fashion pieces are not important but I believe in prioritising the styling. For Instance the ripped jean might sound like a total no no for  a conservative workplace, but what If you introduce a leggings in the same colour and keep the tones dark? What if you pair that with a dark structured blazer? The fashion piece narrative changes  right?

No doubt denim is considered one of the most casual fashion pieces ever so the idea of taking it to a formal setting like work sounds ridiculous. But I beg to differ. I’ve always believed that fashion rules are meant to be broken especially if you want to be creatively stylish and operate outside the box. On this note I’ll be sharing a few tips that can help you nail the denim look in and out of the boardroom with more emphasis on the former.

Choose Pieces with Conservative Style

Similar to how you select your formal work attires, you need to select your denims with care especially if you intend wearing them to work. Whether you are at the point of shopping or selecting it from your closet, the cut and style of the denim should be able to blend into the workplace and not stand out like a sore thumb. So on a work day instead of going for distressed jeans you should be going for a plain boot cut jean with solid dark colour to look professional.

Style it for the boardroom

It’s not the time to go for ripped jeans or bold  colour block accessories. You can play around with denim when you’re on a social call or posing for the gram, but wearing denim tp work needs a different style mentality. The focus should be on making the look official. Pairing with neutrals is one way to go about things , dark accessories also work better. The styling goal here should be blending in the boardroom and not a bold colour creativity contest

Balance with work wear staples

 
Here’s where you need to put your creativity cap on. Showing up in all denim will definitely make you at best casual and at worst  messy/tacky. As much as the former looks appealing you don’t want HR on your case for improper dressing. The best solution is to bring in denim into the look without actually building the look on denim. Denim can come in as the pant/skirt under your normal work blazer or as an accessory like bag, shoe. But it definitely shouldn’t be an all denim affair.

Tone it down

The rule is simple, ‘the darker the better’. And if you have to go for bright denim, pair with dark accessories. As much as possible save your washed jeans for casual outings. When the denim is dark, the attention is not so much on it and more attention is on the other fashion pieces you’re wearing  (Remember the second tip). You don’t want to come off as playful or casual except your office is liberal, creative and permits dress down every work day.

One question you should ask yourself when rocking Denim to work is ‘ If I’m making a presentation in the boardroom in this outfit, will I be taken seriously?” If the answer is ‘Yes’ then go ahead but if it’s a ‘No’ then you probably don’t look the part, you might want to give your look a proper assessment and make edits where possible.