There’s one thing deeply stylish and complicated a couple of pair of non-distressed, dark-wash, wide-leg denims. Not solely do these infants give legs for days, but additionally the darkish, clear traces exude a refined vibe that lends itself nicely to knowledgeable setting. I principally consider darkish denim flares/wide-legs/no matter as trousers, not denims.

Darkish denim: They’re Friday’s black pants.

I do know Julieta has been a longtime fan of a clear, darkish wash, and so has Gwen, our different resident sophisticate (they usually each love this precise pair of wide-leg denims regardless of their 7-inch peak distinction). Personally, I’ve all the time gravitated to the broken-in denims — a lighter wash with further distressing, please. Which, clearly, is limiting (maybe profession limiting, haha) in an workplace setting.

My concern with a really darkish wash is that my traditional go-to transfer — *cough* black sweater *cough* — is underwhelming with darkish denim. Whereas black cashmere sweaters are a gorgeous offset to completely broken-in denim, when paired with a clear, darkish wash, the look is just too usually…boring.

Right here as an instance my level is Banana Republic’s newest mannequin, Bonnie Sue.

Which will or might not be her actual title, however Daisy Mae right here can’t even save her boring outfit with that epic hat/bolo-tie combo.

So, the way to provide you with impressed methods to put on dark-wash denim?

Since dark-wash denim is such a pure for the workplace, I made a decision to begin right here. So. Beneath are 5 strong workplace outfit concepts, all utilizing dark-wash denim trousers. Some outfit concepts embody items I’m actually excited to put on this spring, some embody items we could have already got in our closets, and different concepts tweak my traditional jeans-and-a-sweater to make it really feel contemporary.

And since denim wide-leg trousers are the kind of pants that one — sometimes — has to decide to a hem size, I’ve included choices for each heels or flats, relying on the way you wish to put on your denims.

Occur to be available in the market for darkish denim? I’ve some strong suggestions on the backside of this text (or click on right here to leap).

Informal Friday Outfit 1: Darkish Denim, A Cashmere T-Shirt & Luxe Equipment

The combo of wealthy, heat tans and dark-wash denim exudes a quiet luxurious I can’t get sufficient of. Reinforce this concept with a camel-tone belt, however hold the leg line lengthy with darkish sneakers (black is okay). Clogs really feel precisely proper.

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NOTES: If we’re leaning into this concept of quiet luxurious…a cashmere tee is certainly the way in which to go. It additionally elevates the denim, giving only a playful trace of “Hello, It’s Me, A T-shirt and Denims,” whereas remaining workplace applicable. Additionally, can we acknowledge that the wood-bottomed sole of this clogs ties the whole lot in soooo properly? (*S offers self a high-five.*)

Informal Friday Outfit 2: Darkish Denim, A Navy Sweater & Assertion Footwear

It took years of pairing black sweaters with dark-wash denims and being low-key irritated all day (anybody else get grumpy when trying within the workplace lavatory mirror and hating their outfit?)….earlier than I REALIZED THE FIX: a navy sweater! When doubtful, go monochrome.

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NOTES: A navy sweater (I like cashmere) all the time appears to be like contemporary and stylish with darkish denim trousers. When you have any outdated leopard-print pumps (or flats) in your closet, they’re excellent for this look. If you would like an excuse to purchase one thing new…I LOVE the concept of pairing this outfit with shiny, metallic sneakers. Gahhh, so enjoyable.

Informal Friday Outfit 3: Darkish Denim, A Victorian Shirt & 2-Tone Loafers

Whereas there’s one thing very, “Howdy, I’ll be your server at this time,” a couple of white shirt & black pants…swapping in dark-wash denim utterly eliminates that concern. In truth, dark-wash denim lets a fairly white high shine.

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NOTES: I do love a vintage-inspired white shirt — one thing nearly Victorian, with a little bit of lace. It’s a pleasant counterpoint to the sharper, masculine shapes that oft dominate workplace environs. And the loafers are a nod to that truth. These two-tone loafers are utterly calling my title (and right here’s one other). SWOON.

Informal Friday Outfit 4: Darkish Denim, Ditsy Floral Tops & Tan Footwear

Ditsy floral prints are highly effective en masse. Whereas the flower design itself is tiny, the impact, when printed throughout a shirt, is substantial sufficient to carry as much as the darkest, inkiest wash. That mentioned, there’s a steadiness to those ditsy florals, and black sneakers would upset that steadiness. Honor it as a substitute with lighter sneakers.

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NOTES: Since I’m principally crafting outfits for mahself…I’m pairing this one with two of my favourite pairs of sneakers: Reformation’s cowboy boots and Everlane’s leather-based flats. Each are extremely comfy, and I’ve walked everywhere in the metropolis in every of them. Additionally, remember to click on by and see that floral Doen shirt (#6 above) on the mannequin. It’s unbelievable.

Informal Friday Outfit 5: Darkish Denim, Stripes & Cap-Toe Footwear

Banker stripes, pinstripes — no matter you name them, that’s what we’re going for. Reinforce the “I Would possibly Work On Wall Avenue” vibe with Critical Eyeglasses and One thing That Might Be A Briefcase, after which, for the piece de resistance…Probably Chanel Footwear.

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NOTES: Enjoyable truth: These are my precise glasses. I now can see that I would like a pair of cap-toe sneakers, simply to put on with mentioned glasses into the workplace with actually the whole lot. P.S. These French Sole cap-toe ballet flats simply bought restocked.

Trying For Darkish-Wash Denim? These.

In case you don’t occur to have a pair already hanging in your closet, listed below are my high suggestions (at each value level).

Get pleasure from!

Xo,

S