What To Wear With Black Jeans: Outfits For Every Occasion (2024)

Don’t have black jeans in your closet? You’re missing out!

There’s always a space for a pair of black jeans in every fashion style out there. Timely, classic, and versatile, black jeans often come as a stylish lifesaver because it goes with everything in your wardrobe. When your bottoms are neutral, you can also focus more on building up your outfit on your upper body.

Black jeans also make a great base layer that you can transform however you like. With just one pair, there are infinite outfit possibilities. From edgy, boho, to feminine, there’s something for every taste.

So if you’re still trying to put off buying that one pair of black jeans, go for it! Trust me – it’s the best fashion investment that you are about to take.

Today I’ll be going over tons of different outfit combinations to help you figure out what to wear with black jeans.

What Looks Good With Black Jeans?

There’s no shortage of what looks good with black jeans. From simple white shirts to all-black staples or flashy prints, this article has everything that you have to know about styling black jeans.

From ankle jeans, bootcut jeans, flare, low-rise, high-rise, to distressed jeans, there is a handful of types of jeans that can cater to every taste.

For ankle jeans, I would pick out a laid-back outfit like a cropped sweater or a tank top over a denim jacket.

For flare and bootcut jeans, I would balance out the volume by copping with a fitted bodysuit.

For distressed jeans, I would pair them with a nice simple white tee to add contrast or wear a graphic t-shirt to match the jeans’ boldness.

Those are my mostbasic recommendations, but there’s obviously a ton of variation which I’ll cover further in this article. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll have plenty of black jean outfit ideas in your own style.

Ready? Let’s hop in!

The Ultimate Guide For Styling Black Jeans

Here are tons of different black jeans outfits and combinations that will work for just about every event.

15. Go all black for an edgy look

Running late? The best no-brainer outfit option is to throw on an all-black get-up.

Compared to a set of swears, wearing this combo can easily look sophisticated, elegant, and sharp. Like black jeans, a black top or tee is also as versatile.

When you’re going for all black, all you have to focus on is combining the right textures. Going for punk rock? Wear a black tank top over a studded leather jacket and black distressed jeans. Going for minimalist style? Wear a washed black chino and high-waisted black jeans. Put on a pair of ankle boots or sneakers to complete the look.

Best black jeans for this style: 501 Original Cropped Women’s Jeans from Levis $89.50

Shoes to wear with this style: Black ankle boots, strappy heels

Celebrity Inspo: Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber

14. Mix it up with Bohemian prints

A pair of black jeans opens up an avenue of possibilities. Bohemian and floral prints can be so overwhelming that it’s highly likely to go overboard when styling with these kinds of tops. Sometimes, it’s even best to wear them without large bottoms, which is where black jeans come in.

Fortunately, the neutral element that a pair of black jeans give off makes it possible to still wear a “loud” bohemian piece without creating an outfit that looks cluttered.

Plus, when your bottoms are dark, the viewer’s attention is redirected to the upper part of your body which can make you appear taller. This can even be magnified when worn with vibrantly printed tops. Black jeans will appear slimming and will definitely balance out any loud, boho top.

Best black jeans for this style: Raw High-rise Jegging $78

Shoes to wear with this style: Black sneakers, black/brown ankle boots, espadrilles

Celebrity Inspo: Kate Moss, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

13. Break the rules with a brown top

Brown and black is the Romeo and Juliet of fashion. Both of these colors may not add up very well in terms of contrast, but with a few additional details, both can work very well. Besides, the rules of fashion are like science – they’re always meant to be questioned and broken occasionally.

Believe it or not, the black-and-brown combo makes a classy chic look, almost like you are wearing an all-black get-up. There are barely any bottoms that look good with a brown top.

To balance out your black-and-brown outfit, finish off with a belt with gold hardware or wear dainty gold jewelry.

This look can also be styled in a dark academia fashion which is super trendy right now. Brown and black are the classic colors of dark academia and go super well together in black jean outfits if you go for a darker Oxford style.

Best black jeans for this style: Coated High-waisted Skinny Jeans from Nordstrom $245

Shoes to wear with this style: Brown high-rise boots, ankle boots

Celebrity Inspo: Gigi Hadid

12. Keep it simple with a white tee

If you think making a fashion statement is always supposed to be loud, think again. A white tee with any type of black jeans can easily go together for a chic and comfy outfit. The absolute contrast makes each of them stand out as well.

For one, the color combination is versatile and timeless. With the right fabric and accessories, you can also turn it into a polished outfit in no time. Or, you can follow Victoria Bekham’s way: by wearing a flashy pair of neon heels for a subtle yet vibrant look.

Alternatively, you can stick with a white-collared blouse to pair with your black jeans outfits for more formal events.

Best black jeans for this style: Rip Skinny Jeans from ShopBop $199

Shoes to wear with this style: Strappy heels, black ankle boots, dad sneakers

Celebrity Inspo: Victoria Beckham

11. Layer it up with a sweatshirt and a blazer

One of my favorite ways to utilize a pair of black jeans is by playing with layers. When you’re wearing a muted color like black as bottoms, you have all the freedom to focus your creativity on the upper half of your body. Plus, this look will keep you cozy and warm!

Thanks to beloved celebrities and models, the business-and-athleisure style was born. It is a style that features both qualities of business and athleisure wear: laid-back yet edgy.

One way to apply this style is by wearing a plaid blazer over a classic grey hoodie/sweatshirt. To complete a casual look, finish off with a pair of white or black sneakers. For a formal stylish look, go for ankle boots or strappy heels.

Best black jeans for this style: Farrah High Rise Crop Kick Flare from Verishop $168

Shoes to wear with this style: Ankle boots, high-rise sneakers

Celebrity Inspo: Gigi Hadid

10. Create an edgy look with animal prints

A top with animal prints is a surefire way to make a classy appearance that stands out from the crowd. As opposed to the previous style (layering), prints are loud and flashy, so they don’t need extra layers to look stylish.

That being said, I suggest maintaining all other pieces neutral to avoid going overboard. Excessive texture, print, and color paired with animal prints can easily turn into an outfit disaster.

If you want to keep it subtle, you can stick with a white or black top and add statement shoes. A pair of cheetah or snakeskin boots can make a great accent piece for minimalist outfits.

Best black jeans for this style: Thigh Shaper Court Straight Leg Ankle Jeans from Nordstrom $71.40

Shoes to wear with this style: Loafers, close-toed heels, ankle boots

Celebrity Inspo: Miranda Kerr

9. Keep it laid back with flannel

Flannel is something that everyone probably has buried in their wardrobe.

If you were born in the ‘90s, you would know that a flannel piece is an era-defining piece: an essential. It can be worn with a skirt, denim, and black pants. Plus, it makes a great alternative cover-up for cold months.

Paired with black jeans, you can come up with a cozy outfit in seconds. And, like animal prints, flannel pieces don’t need much else. Just add in a neutral tank top (black or white) and a pair of black ankle boots to complete the ultimate girl-next-door look.

Best black jeans for this style: Liza Ultra High Rise Straight Jeans from Reformation $118

Shoes to wear with this style: Ankle boots, white high-cut sneakers

Celebrity Inspo: Kendall Jenner

8. Rock a Canadian tuxedo or a black denim jacket

Historically, the term “Canadian Tuxedo” originated after Bing Crosby was denied entry to a hotel for being underdressed with a jean jacket and jeans terno. Levi’s Strauss designed the first jean jackets after the incident, calling it the popularly known “Canadian Tuxedo.”

This piece is a great alternative to the more conventional leather biker jacket and is more laid back and “huggable.” It is great to wear on vacations, vineyard trips, or brunch with the girls.

Put it over a crop top for a chic look! Carry your favorite rock-studded handbag to add the biker style element if you wish.

Extra tip: If you’re wearing washed denim, make sure the hue pairs with your jeans. It doesn’t have to be the exact same but should be complimentary.

Best black jeans for this style: Ribcage High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans from Nordstrom $98

Shoes to wear with this style: Black or animal-printed ankle boots, strappy heels

Celebrity Inspo: Kate Mckinnon

7. Graphic tee + statement belt for a trendy look

Another “white tee” variation is the graphic tee and statement belt combo. It’s quite simple but adds a fun and straightforward twist to the traditional yin and yang fusion. If the fashion trends this season don’t call for a statement jacket or layers to play with, the best you can do is to focus your attention on the basics.

My favorite combo is composed of a vintage rock band graphic tee, rock-studded belt, and washed black jeans paired with the classic Converse sneakers in black. I sometimes change it up with a white men’s graphic shirt knotted into a crop top and a pair of ankle boots for a feminine look.

If you’re wondering what to wear with black jeans and have more of a punk 90s style then you should definitely opt for a band tee, grunge look.

Best black jeans for this style: Levi’s Ribcage Women’s Wash Black Straight Ankle Jeans $60

Shoes to wear with this style: Ankle boots, white sneakers, close-toed heels

Celebrity Inspo: Kendall Jenner

6. Stand out with a neon top

What else can you wear with black jeans? Every color in the palette, pretty much.

One of the best no-brainer ways to stand out in the crowd is by copping a neon green top over a denim jacket or a Canadian Tuxedo. The pop of color never fails to add vibrance to your overall aura. This also creates a surprising element to your look.

Pair it with back ankle boots for a sleeker silhouette, focusing only on the upper part of the body.

Extra tip: Make sure to choose a color that compliments your seasonal skin color palette.

Best black jeans for this style: Liza Ultra High Rise Straight Jeans from Reformation $118

Shoes to wear with this style: Black ankle boots

Celebrity Inspo: Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa

5. Wear a bodysuit over black jeans

A polished and sexy silhouette is what comes off a bodysuit and black jeans combo. Plus, this makes an easy and no-fuss outfit for a girl’s night out. Now, you can focus on fixing your hair and perfecting that cat-eye make-up.

Pair a lacey or an off-shoulder style bodysuit top with high-rise jeans to emphasize the small part of your waist and elongate your legs. This can make you appear taller and slimmer, which is a great base for building confidence when socializing.

A bodysuit makes a perfect piece to wear when partying, especially because you will be moving around a lot.

Best black jeans for this style: Flared Jeans from Mango $45.99

Shoes to wear with this style: Strappy heels, close-toed heels, flat open-toed sandals

Celebrity Inspo: Kourtney Kardashian

4. Date night? Wear a feminine/flirty top

Going to the movies? Or to a favorite diner? Dates don’t always require a dress.

A feminine top paired with black jeans enables you to move freely and look effortlessly pretty. Think florals, off-shoulder tops, ruffles, and flowy blouses. Plus, the contrast of these blouses over something simple like a pair of black jeans makes you more approachable, open, and sincere – especially if you’re going out with someone special on a first date.

This combo also works for going on travel vacations when you want to look dressy but also game for any activity that pops up. With a pair of black jeans, spontaneity is never a problem because they can be casual and dressy all at once!

I personally love pairing black jeans with a flirty top. If you’re wondering what to wear with black jeans so that you can be ready for any occasion then I definitely recommend choosing a statement top. I often find really cute tops on Anthropologie or Beginning Boutique.

Best black jeans for this style: Side Slit Jeans from Shop Bop $129

Shoes to wear with this style: Strappy heels, close-toed heels

Celebrity Inspo: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

3. Crop top + black cargo pants

A newly developed trend, “Hikercore” (or most commonly known as stylish tactical wear), is a streetwear style favorite of models and celebrities across the globe. You can see folks on the streets of New York killing this style as much as the people in Tokyo.

Compared to the usual type of black jeans, cargo pants allow more room space for moving freely. The pockets (which are functional) also serve as extra storage space for keeping essential daily items, enabling you to go almost hands-free. If you want to add an extra layer to your outfit, you can put on a fanny pack or a small belt bag like this one from YSL.

My favorite outfit combo for this one is a fitted cropped sleeveless top, black cargo pants, and a pair of Doc Martens boots.

Best black jeans for this style: Z1975 Cargo Jeans from Zara $30

Shoes to wear with this style: Sports sneakers, Doc Martens boots (or any tactical boots)

Celebrity Inspo: Kaia Gerber

2. Slay it Garconne style: Oversized blazer over black jeans

Nothing can define Garconne better than an oversized blazer over a pair of black jeans. This black jeans outfit combo is not for everyone, but it makes a really nice polished look that can easily be a people-pleaser.

You can wear this to toast events, client meetings, and special occasions. Depending on your career or the lifestyle that you lead, this combo can also look good as a work outfit in general.

Black jeans that work best with oversized tops and pieces are usually fitted jeans, so if you’re still scavenging for the perfect pair, go for skinny or slim-fitted ones.

Best black jeans for this style: River Island Mid-Rise Reform Skinny Jeans £42.00

Shoes to wear with this style: Ankle boots, white high-cut sneakers

Celebrity Inspo: Bella Hadid, Cara Delavingne

1. Never go wrong with denim

Want to switch up your usual all-black ensemble? A denim top paired with black jeans is your best bet. It provides a similar aesthetic, giving off a chic and relaxed aura that is perfect for a weekend gala. There are also more shades of denim to play with, allowing a bit of room for creativity without having to involve flashy prints or vibrant colors.

With these black jeans outfits, I would probably go for a bleached denim top for a perfect contrast. But for a vintage 80’s look, going for unbleached denim is the best option.

If you’re wondering how to wear black jeans and are looking for casual outfits then you should definitely consider throwing on a denim jacket with a crop top and sneakers! This is a great fall/spring outfit that works well for any daytime events.

Best black jeans for this style: Slit Ankle Skinny Jeans from The Custom Movement $49

Shoes to wear with this style: White sneakers

Celebrity Inspo: Gigi Hadid

Hopefully this article gave you ideas for what to wear with black jeans!