5 Chic Items That Make Jeans Look More Elegant

As much as I enjoy a little fashion whimsy, I generally gravitate toward easy, chic outfits with jeans more than anything else. If you love wearing denim as much as I do, I’m guessing you also love peeping the ways stylish people wear their jeans to create looks that feel a little more polished—I’m forever thinking about styling ideas that might let me get away with wearing denim to certain occasions without feeling underdressed.

Any time you’re looking for outfit inspiration, Parisian style is a great place to start—but I’ll argue any day that Copenhagen’s fashion game is every bit as covetable. Across the two cities, I spotted some common themes in terms of how fashion people are styling jeans to create chill, elegant looks with day-to-night energy. Without further ado, here are five easy ways to elevate your denim this season.

Polo Sweaters

A little preppier than your average sweater, collared knits make a denim look feel particularly elevated with minimal effort.

Loafers

When you find a pair of loafers that are so comfortable you’re not tempted to reach for your sneakers, you’ve truly cracked the code to having your everyday jeans outfits always feeling put-together.

Top-Handle Totes

A suede or leather shopper tote makes for a chic commute, but it’s top-handle bag styles that are currently adding polish to off-duty, weekend looks.

Long Coats

Even your scruffiest jeans and most beat-up sneakers feel chic when worn with a long, wool coat.

Belts

From classic black leather to on-trend croc-embossed styles, fashion people in Paris and Copenhagen know a chic belt makes jeans feel a little more intentional. (Like Sabina Socol, I love a wider black belt with faded blue jeans for peak ’90s vibes.)