The Editor-Approved Outfit Formula That Works Year-Round 

By Amanda Elser Murray

Published on 3/2/2020 at 12:27 PM

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As a fashion editor, there is a lot of pressure every morning when I get dressed. Not that I necessarily think my officemates are judging my outfit every day (ARE YOU?!), but I definitely feel the burden of looking elevated and put-together in a way that's slightly aspirational. That being said, who has the mental bandwidth to put that much thought into their OOTD, every day? That's why I've crafted an outfit formula that works for me and my closet year round. Some call it a signature style, I just call it practical, but my boyfriend jeans are nine-out-of-10-times the basis of my look. Depending on the season, wash, or mood, I'll dress them up or down for a capsule denim collection that hasn't failed me yet!

Winter

Winter

A pair of black, straight jeans is a Winter closet staple. From December to April, you'll be hard pressed to find me in anything other than my go-to jeans and a sweater combo. Why? Because nothing is more comfortable, stylish, and classic. A straight boyfriend fit will work with everything in your closet, from heels to booties to sweaters and sequins. This season, I'm all about mixing neutral shades, like brown and black, for an elevated, office-appropriate look.

Spring

Spring

Speaking of office appropriate . . . don't @ me, but I wear distressed jeans to work on the reg. (Insert shrug emoji here.) But hear me out! When styled right, ripped jeans can make any ensemble instantly cooler. If I'm wearing my ripped straight boyfriend jeans to the office, I'll try to pair them with a simple button-down, a blazer, and a red lip. But as the weather warms up, this lighter wash will also work magic on a nighttime outfit if you throw on a slinky tank, a leather jacket, and a pair of heels!

Summer

Summer

Nothing aligns better with the easy, breezy days of Summer than a pair of loose-fitting boyfriend jeans. They're perfect for travel or weekend jaunts, so I like to style my light-washed straight pair for almost any occasion. This June, I am planning a trip to Southern Italy, and plan on wearing my comfiest pair with a loose cotton top and walkable sandals.

Fall

Fall

Nothing screams "Let's go apple picking!" like a pair of classic blue washed jeans. The light distressing on this pair dresses them down a bit so they work for hayrides and team meetings alike. Speaking of versatility, one of my favorite ways to style boyfriend jeans is with another casual element. Somehow the two work together to look sophisticated instead of sloppy. Try a slim-fitted hoodie under a wool blazer for a cool-girl-means-business effect.