Black jeans are a menswear staple due to their versatility. Learn how to style them with casual and dressy outfits.
Blue denim is a classic, but black jeans are more versatile. There are many casual and dressy outfit combinations.
You can wear them with a white t-shirt and dress sneakers, or dress them up with a button-up shirt and an overcoat.
Also, almost every color looks stylish with black jeans.
A dark top gives you a sleek look, while a bright color creates contrast and interest.
Black also gives you an elegant or confident look. As a bonus, it can make you look slimmer.
If you’re ready to wear black jeans, the following are outfit examples to inspire your next look.
What to wear with black jeans
Blue denim is casual. But, you can stretch black jeans to semi-formal outfits.
The following are ideas of what to wear with black jeans.
You’ll find casual, smart-casual, and business casual outfits for various weather conditions.
Black jeans with a white t-shirt and sneakers
A classic and casual way to wear black jeans is to pair them with a white t-shirt and sneakers.
While the outfit’s straightforward, the contrast between black and white creates interest.
On a sunny day, you can cuff your jeans and wear sunglasses.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew
- Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker
Black jeans with a grey long-sleeve shirt and sneakers
For less contrast than a white shirt, wear a grey long sleeve.
The long-sleeve can be a t-shirt, henley, or sweater. It creates a sleek look, especially when you also wear a clean pair of sneakers.
Grey and black are excellent if you want a low-key look. There’s no pop of color, so you’ll have a streamlined and aesthetic outfit.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Rag & Bone Principle Base Crewneck Pullover
- Greats The Royale Sneaker
Black jeans with a white t-shirt, black denim jacket, and Chelsea boots
Denim on denim is no longer a fashion faux pas. If you’re not a fan of the Canadian tuxedo, the all-black version may suit your style.
Wear black jeans with a black denim jacket and leather Chelsea boots.
A white t-shirt underneath looks stylish. But, you can also wear black, beige, or grey.
It’s the perfect outfit for days that aren’t too cold, and you need a light jacket.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew
- Levi’s Trucker Jacket
- Johnston & Murphy McClain Chelsea Boot
Black jeans with a beige sweater and tan suede Chelsea boots
Black and beige or tan work well together. It’s a classic look that makes you look sophisticated and stylish.
You can wear black jeans with a beige sweater and suede Chelsea boots in tan.
The suede Chelsea boots add texture to your outfit. Also, you can swap the crew neck for a roll-neck sweater.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
Black jeans with a grey roll-neck sweater and black loafers
Jeans are casual, but a black pair makes it easy to dress up.
While you wouldn’t wear them with a suit, they’re excellent for smart-casual.
Wear black jeans with a grey roll-neck sweater and black leather loafers. You can also add a jacket on top if it’s cold.
It’s a dapper outfit for a night out or dinner.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Nordstrom Turtleneck (no longer available).
- Magnanni Rafa II Apron Toe Bit Loafer
Black jeans with a turtleneck sweater, tan overcoat, and black Chelsea boots
Black jeans can look like dark chinos. It makes it easier to pull off smart-casual and business casual outfits.
You can wear black jeans with a turtleneck sweater, camel overcoat, and black leather Chelsea boots. It’s an outfit that’ll elevate your style.
You can make the classy overcoat stand out by wearing a black turtleneck.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Express Solid Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater
- John W. Nordstrom Mason Wool & Cashmere Overcoat
- Johnston & Murphy McClain Chelsea Boot
Dress up with a crisp button-up shirt, sport coat, and polished monk strap shoes.
Keep in mind that your jeans also need to be dark and crisp. If they’ve faded, don’t wear them.
Also, leave one or two buttons from your shirt unbuttoned. You’ll look professional, approachable, and stylish.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Nordstrom Trim Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt
- Ermenegildo Zegna Plaid Sport Coat
- Magnanni Marco Plain Toe Monk Shoe
If you don’t want to wear a sport coat, wear a sweater over your button-up shirt. It’s a stylish and sophisticated way to layer.
Also, you can wear light or mid-weight sweaters.
It’s a versatile outfit that you can wear for any smart or business casual occasion.
When you layer a sweater over a button-up shirt, be sure to adjust the shirt to avoid bunching.
It works best when you wear a slim button-up and a regular-fit sweater.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Nordstrom Trim Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt
- Nordstrom Cotton & Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
- Magnanni Rafa II Apron Toe Bit Loafer
Black jeans with a grey turtleneck, beige sportcoat, and tan suede Chelsea boots
In fall and winter, wear black jeans with a turtleneck, sport coat, and suede Chelsea boots.
It’s best to wear a thin turtleneck for comfortable layering. Also, black, navy, grey, beige, and burgundy are the best colors.
The combination creates a timeless look that makes you look confident and sophisticated.
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Everlane The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
- Nordstrom Turtleneck (no longer available).
- Eleventy Sport Coat
- Steve Madden Chelsea Boots
How to maintain black jeans
When black jeans fade, it’s noticeable.
The best way to maintain the black color is to wash them when they’re dirty, not after every wear.
When washing them, turn the jeans inside-out and use a gentle cycle. Then, skip the dryer and let them air dry.
Once in a while, you can soak your jeans in cold water and a half cup of white vinegar to preserve the black dye.
Frequently asked questions about black jeans
The following are answers to common questions about black jeans and how to style them.
What colors go well with black jeans?
Neutral and earthy colors are the best to wear with black jeans. White is a classic to pair, but you can also wear grey, beige, burgundy, navy blue, and olive green.
What are the best shoes to wear with black jeans?
The shoes depend on the formality of your outfit. For casual outfits, wear sneakers. For dressy outfits, wear loafers, boots, or derby shoes. Avoid Oxford or whole-cut dress shoes because they don’t look good with jeans.
Do brown shoes go with black jeans?
Yes, you can wear brown shoes with black jeans. But, there are a few conditions. Avoid brown shoes that are almost as dark as black. So, stick to lighter shades of brown for contrast. Also, wear suede because it adds texture to your outfit.
Conclusion
Black jeans go with most of the items in your wardrobe.
There are variations, such as washes, rips, and flair. So, the ideal pair depends on your style.
Regardless, you can dress a pair of black jeans up or down.
They’re a must-have, and you’ll find yourself wearing them often.
Featured photo by Nico Villanueva/Next Level Gents.
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David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.