What To Wear If You Only Have a Pair of Jeans

It's nearly the weekend, which means one of two things: either you've run through your formal workwear, leaving you with a pile of dry-cleaning and nothing to wear, or you're eagerly anticipating the weekend so you can throw on your favorite jeans without having to worry about the office dress code. Jeans are a fashion staple for a reason, and despite your best efforts, it can be easy to rest on your laurels and throw on a basic skinny jeans and grey tee-shirt uniform for your weekend activities. But if you're looking to try a bolder jeans ensemble this weekend, try thinking outside the box.

Luckily, some of our favorite celebrity trend-setters know a few things about how to rock their denim, and it would be a crime not to learn from their aptitude. The first lesson in wearing jeans in a modern fashion? Denim isn't just for relaxed evenings in anymore. Your dark-wash skinny jeans can take you to a more formal setting when paired with opulent accessories, a delicate blouse, and streamlined stilettos. But when you're just enjoying a relaxed drink with good friends, wearing your jeans with a well-cut tee is just right for the occasion — as long as there's a ladylike clutch and a few well-placed bangles involved. Here are nine ways to wear your jeans when you want to dress to impress.

1. WHEN IN DOUBT, PAIR WITH BLACK AND WHITE

If you're pressed for time and your favorite chinos/pencil skirt/etc are in your laundry pile, grab your clean pair of jeans and throw on a white button-down blouse and oversized black blazer. The combination of black and white will add classic appeal to an otherwise casual pair of jeans, especially when paired with flat black boots and windswept hair like Clemence Poesy's.

2. ADD ON LEOPARD PRINT ACCENTS

Leopard printed wares may take on kitschy connotations in large quantities (read: a curve-hugging wrap dress or full-length fur). But when animal prints are added in small doses to a casual ensemble, they can add interest and polish, as they do here in the form of pointy toe pumps paired with ripped skinny jeans. Add a camel coat for extra refinement.

3. GO NAUTICAL CHIC

Kate Middleton may not have the most adventurous sense of style, but she certainly has timeless urbanity down to a T. Instead of pairing her blue skinny jeans with a sloppy tee-shirt (as if she ever would), the Duchess adds in nautical elements to create an effortless and trendy look. Recreate her ensemble by throwing on a striped sweater, navy blazer, and cork wedges with your basic jeans.

4. INCREASE ELEGANCE WITH A LADYLIKE BLOUSE

Who says jeans have to be part of a casual ensemble? Dress up your jeans for a slightly more formal occasion with a ruffled chiffon blouse like Kate Bosworth, and complete the look with polished pumps. A romantic, loose updo and rosy cheeks will increase the ladylike charm of the look.

5. DON A BOLDLY PRINTED TOP WITH FADED JEANS

Ripped, faded jeans can be just as smart as those uber-tight black skinnies you love…as long as they're paired with the right top. A printed blouse will give life to your faded jeans, whether they're boyfriend style or cropped. Just make sure to balance the proportions of your ensemble; if you're wearing a loose-fitting pair of jeans, add a fitted blouse, and for skinny jeans, a bohemian blouson will do the trick.

6. INCLUDE LUXE EXTRAS WITH YOUR JEANS AND TEE

If you're literally down to your last pair of jeans and clean white tee, fear not: the correct styling and accessories will kick your outfit up a few notches from style tedium. First, tuck your tee-shirt into your jeans, leaving the fit slightly billowy. Next, add on your favorite metal menswear-inspired watch and a couple of stackable rings. Finally, grab a neutral clutch instead of your usual rucksack to make the outfit stand out amongst a sea of other jeans and tee-attired fashionistas.

7. PUT ON A CHIC WHITE BLAZER FOR SUMMER FESTIVITIES

White blazers are the modern summer style staple, and when paired with cropped skinny jeans, you may just end up on someone's best-dressed list. Try a single-buttoned blazer in cream or white that hits just above or at your hip, depending on your height. Pair with a white top, and add on your favorite statement accessories; after all, a white ensemble is a blank canvas for artistic jewelry.

8. WEAR WITH TUXEDO SEPARATES

No tuxedo pants? No problem! Kate Moss demonstrates the beauty of adding a tuxedo blazer to her casual pair of jeans. The model adds glamour to her look with a clean updo, statement earrings, and matching pumps.

9. GO FULL-ON '70S WITH YOUR ENSEMBLE

If your prized pair of jeans is a flared-leg trouser, why not take on a '70s-inspired look and add a patterned tunic, bold jewelry, and wedges? Molly Sims channels the era with gold hoop earrings, a long pendant necklace, and beachy curls. If you decide to rock the look, simply make sure that the proportions of the ensemble work for your body by choosing a print that isn't overwhelming on your frame, and jeans that barely touch the floor when you're wearing your heels.