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Jeans are one of the most versatile wardrobe staples of them all. While they’ll never be quite as comfortable as sweatpants, they’re laid-back, versatile, and easy to style for any occasion, from brunch to running errands to going on dates. If you’re getting bored with classic blue denim, however consider leaning into the fabric’s darker side. Black denim is a wardrobe classic with a little edge, and it’s easy to dress up or down. Whether you opt for a simple pair of black jeans, a distressed piece, or a statement skirt or jacket, black denim can easily pull together an outfit. Intrigued but not sure how to get started? Read on for 14 easy ways to wear black denim, proving there are plenty of options for every style and occasion.
Quiet Luxury Denim
An easy style formula for black denim is a pair of black straight leg jeans with a blazer and white heels. The blazer gives the understated base some structure, and the shoes add a pop of color to an otherwise all-black look.
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Rouje
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& Other Stories
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Veerah
Canadian Tuxedo After Dark
The Canadian tuxedo has had a major comeback in recent years, and we love the sophisticated twist it gets in black. Here, Rihanna wears a black denim jacket and jeans, adding a leather belt bag to create textural interest and add to the outfit’s cool factor.
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Honor the Gift
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Tove
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Silver & Riley
Business Casual
If you're looking for a way to wear jeans to the office, black denim creates an elevated, understated look that's easy to adapt to important meetings and casual Fridays alike. Pick a dark, streamlined pair, then add a leather blazer and a black bodysuit for a crisp look.
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Autumn Adeigbo
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Reformation
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Citizens of Humanity
Maximum Style
If you're looking for ways to embrace black denim without resorting to jeans, switch up your style with a black denim maxi skirt. Paired with a simple white tank top and some silver metallic heels, it's a straightforward yet statement-making spring look.
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Local European
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Good American
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Vince Camuto
Y2K Denim
Denim plays a major role in Y2K fashion, so embrace nostalgia with a black denim mini skirt, a jean jacket with fur trim, and a sweet graphic tee to bring it all together.
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Poetic Justice
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Hot Topic
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Torrid
In the Trenches
Whether you love a classic tan style or are looking to make a statement, a good trench coat goes with everything and cuts a streamlined silhouette. Pair it with black jeans and a crop top, and you have a transitional look that works across most seasons and occasions.
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Everlane
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Generation Love
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Showpo
Concert Vibes
Summer is always full of exciting activities that double as opportunities to play with your style. Bring some edge to a casual concert outfit by pairing distressed black denim shorts with a sheer or lace top, a graphic tank, and statement jewelry.
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Cider
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Cider
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Awe Inspired
Cozy Chic
If you're looking to embrace black denim on a chilly day, pair some jeans with a furry jacket for a practical choice that adds a textural element. Complete the look with your go-to boots and a black leather handbag for an effortlessly cool ensemble.
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Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs
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Theophilio
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Brandon Blackwood
Add Some Flare
Flares are feeling fresh again as of late, and embracing the silhouette in a classic shade of black couldn’t be easier. Pair some standout black flare jeans with a corset top, then experiment with accessories to take the look in a romantic direction or go western for cowgirl spring.
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Loud Bodies
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Torrid
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Oma the Label
All Dressed Up
While denim likely first makes you think of jeans, skirts, or jackets, denim dresses are becoming more popular, both on their own and as a layering piece. Pair a sleeveless black denim dress with a white puff-sleeved tee and some Converse sneakers for a casual-cool vibe.
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Pomander Place
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Abercrombie & Fitch
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Converse
Structure Play
Don’t be afraid to experiment with some of your tried-and-true pieces. Try belting a gray blazer to create an interesting shape, then pair it with some black jeans and classic accessories.
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The Frankie Shop
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Universal Standard
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Gap
Crop to It
Denim jackets are a must-have in the spring season, and a cropped black style is a great way to switch up the classic silhouette. Pair it with a black maxi dress and some sunglasses for a transitional seasonal look.
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Wild Fable
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Re Ona
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Coco and Breezy
Festival Fit
Shorts are an easy winner when it comes to music festival style, as they’re easy to adapt to any aesthetic while staying comfortable. Layer a pair of black denim shorts over a sheer black bodysuit for a festival-ready monochromatic ensemble. Break up the look while adding structure with a gray denim sleeveless shirt.
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Izzue
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Alice + Olivia
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We the Free
Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to putting together a black denim outfit. An oversized jacket can easily become a dress with a pair of thigh-high boots and a bandeau peeking out.
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H&M
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Skims
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Aminah Abdul Jillil