How to Dress Up Jeans for a Semi-Formal Event

You don't have to put your jeans away for a semi-formal event if you know how to dress them up. Although jeans may seem too casual, the right style of jeans with the right outfit can make them just as appropriate as dress pants. By following a few style rule, both men and women can reap the benefits of being dressed up while also feeling good in a pair of comfortable jeans.

Instructions

Women

1

Wear form-fitting jeans. Baggy jeans are too casual and look sloppy for a semi-formal event. Choose jeans that accentuate your curves but are not too tight that they are uncomfortable. Skinny jeans that taper at the ankle or boot-cut jeans that cover half of your shoe heel work best for a dressy look.

2

Choose dark wash or black jeans. Black jeans worn correctly can pass for dress pants. Dark denim washes also have a dressier look than lighter-colored jeans.

3

Wear dressy tops that cover the jean waistband. Choose tops made of material such as satin, chiffon and silk, which have a dressier look to them. Choose tops that go past your waistband, such as a tunic or baby doll top to give off a dressier look.

4

Pair jeans with dressy shoes. Slip on your dressiest, highest pair of heels. If you are not the heel type, opt for wedges, which give you the height and femininity of high heels, without the discomfort. If you choose flats, wear glittery or shiny patent leather ones to create an overall dressed-up look.

Men

5

Choose well-tailored dark jeans. Select dark denim jeans that are slightly fitted and not overly baggy. Fitted jeans make men look more formal and dressed-up.

6

Pair jeans with a blazer and dress shirt. A blazer over a collared dress shirt and dark jeans is the ultimate semi-casual look for men. The blazer should be tailored and fitted in the shoulders. For colder months, add a sweater in dark or muted colors with a corduroy or wool jacket.

7

Wear loafers or men's dress shoes. Wear dark dress socks with your usual dress shoes or loafers shined to perfection.

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