It's Friday, you're planning your outfit for dinner with the girls, where does your mind immediately go to? Some jeans and a nice top, right? When you're stood in front of your wardrobe, hands on hips, staring into the abyss and swearing you have nothing to wear, its this age-old fashion formula that never seems to fail us.
Though it was a signature night-out look for women in the nineties (think Kate Moss, Jennifer Aniston etc.), and one that resurfaced on the 2017 catwalks thanks to Isabel Marant and Off-White, the ‘jeans and a nice top’ look is actually far beyond a trend. It's a constant.
In fact, it's so widely known that online retailers like New Look, River Island and Marks & Spencer have created their own categories for it so you can shop without having to go from pillar to post. Genius.
Got a party? A date? Going for lunch? Shopping? You see where I'm going…
In those moments where you find yourself lacking sartorial inspiration - and, trust me, we all experience them - faithful ensembles like jeans and a nice top are there to fall back on. It never feels too dressy nor too casual, making it a winning combination for those occasions where the dress code isn't clear. It's important, therefore, that you have several of each item (denim and upper-wear, that is) so you can replicate said recipe instead of repeating it.
What is a good top to wear with jeans? Below, find 9 jeans and a nice top outfit ideas
1. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: CORSET AND JEANSA corset and jeans is a duo that works because it's so simple and easy to put together. It requires little thought - more often than not - but can have you feeling as confident as you would in a little black dress.
Bandage Corset Knit Top Newsprint High Rise Straight Long Jeans2. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: BODYSUIT AND JEANSThe ideal solution to those days that require a little bit of thought outfit wise, but nothing too fancy. A sculpting bodysuit and distressed straight jeans makes for slightly dressier take on your basic denim and a t-shirt combo.
Fits Everybody Lace Cami Bodysuit Good Curve Straight Jeans3. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: LINGERIE AND JEANSLingerie as outerwear is everywhere right now, just look to the spring/summer catwalk trends for confirmation. When paired with some leather-look trousers, the vibe is spot on for date night. You can always add a blazer, too.
Rosamosario Madame Shehu Embellished Embroidered Lace Bustier Top Paige Cindy Cropped High-Rise Coated Straight-Leg Jeans4. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: SHIRT & JEANSWhile you may choose an oversized shirt to go with your denim during the day, a cropped white shirt offers an elevated alternative for those jeans-and-a-nice-top moments.
Jacquemus Plidao Cropped Embellished Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt Freda High Waist Straight Leg Jeans5. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: OFF-THE-SHOULDER TOP AND JEANSAn off-the-shoulder silhouette is one of the most popular varieties of ‘nice top’ to pair with jeans, and one of the most flattering. Ideal for dinners and lunches at nice-but-not-posh establishments.
Lara Off-The-Shoulder Peplum Top 501 Original Jeans6. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: CAMI AND JEANSWant to feel comfy in your jeans and a nice top outfit? Opt for a camisole of the satin or floaty variety and you'll achieve exactly that. We love this backless design from Reformation paired with some mom jeans.
Fox Satin Cami Top ASOS DESIGN 90s Vintage Lightwash Straight Jeans7. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: CROP TOP AND JEANSJeans and a nice top can work just as well on holiday as it can on home soil. Look to lightweight crop tops and white jeans to really make that tan pop.
Hollie Halter Neck Linen Blend Crop Top Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean8. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: BLOUSE AND JEANSIn the same way that cami tops work, blouses make a flattering choice when you don't want to wear anything too clingy. We'd pair this ruffle/frill trim piece from H&M with a pair of slim high-waisted jeans.
Off-The-Shoulder Blouse Ultra High Rise 90s Slim Straight Jean9. JEANS AND A NICE TOP: EMBELLISHED TOP AND JEANSGoing out out but adamant not to wear a dress or skirt? We don't blame you. Luckily, an embellished top and jeans will suffice just fine, and probably sparkle a lot more on the dancefloor too.
Frankie Diamante Top Straight JeansFor more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8q7HAp6pmmZ6ZeqJ5zaKanmWkpL1uu9StnaKsow%3D%3D