Are Jeans Business Casual? 12 Denim Styles That Work

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

They're considered the number one wardrobe essential for so many people around the world, but are jeans business casual? Denim hasn't always been considered the foundation to a solid business casual work outfit. However, following the pandemic, many office dress codes have gotten more lax, and we've seen a rise in denim trends that do feel appropriate for teaming with boxy blazers, sophisticated work bags, loafers, and modest shirts — even if it's just for a midday business meeting out to lunch. Even polished co-ord sets come by way of denim and are easily complemented by a power pump or leather boot.

As for other silhouettes to try, there are high-rise trousers with ornate-looking buttons that have either a wide-leg or tapered hem with a front slit or zipper. For the former option, allow your "sailor pants" to have full attention by tucking in a turtleneck or pussy-bow blouse and finishing with a chunky shoe. For the latter, a cropped jacket and some eye-catching jewelry feel a touch edgy and are an easy way to play up your hardware without going overboard.

Of course, '80s-inspired paper-bag pants also often come in super-dark washes or a more movable, stretch linen blend that fits the bill when you're on the job. Stirrups are yet another detail you can look for to keep your pant hem clean, rather than rugged and distressed. Finally, you can nod to the fall 2023 runways, where we saw many a skirt or dress layered over pants and allow just a peek of your denim to slip out from under a free-flowing silk or chiffon midi.

Are Jeans Business Casual?

With so many fresh iterations on the market for 2023, we can safely and stylishly incorporate denim into a business-casual office outfit. Taking all sorts of dress codes into consideration, from strict to more laid back, we've arrived at a handful of pieces that are actually sophisticated enough for your 9-to-5, and we've offered tips on how you should wear them. Ahead, source some street style for inspiration, then shop the most well-tailored, appropriate business-casual jeans we could find.

Business-Casual Jeans: Straight-Leg Ankle Crop
Darrel Hunter

Business-Casual Jeans: Straight-Leg Ankle Crop

Fitted, straight-leg bootcut jeans that give way to smart, patent-leather boots feel polished when teamed with a turtleneck and tailored blazer. Just avoid rips, busy bleach marks, and other signs of distress.

Business-Casual Jeans: Dark Wash
Darrel Hunter

Business-Casual Jeans: Dark Wash

One of the easiest ways to glamorize your dark-wash denim is with a pair of embellished loafers. A matching, structural mini bag and touch of jewelry add a finishing touch that's undeniably classy.

Business-Casual Jeans: 2-in-1 Trouser
Getty | Christian Vierig

Business-Casual Jeans: 2-in-1 Trouser

Invest in a deconstructed multilayer style, which is a two-in-one silhouette that reveals just a sliver of denim at the waist. You can style these with a silk blouse and fancy heels to keep things streamlined.

Business-Casual Jeans: Dark Cargo Suit
Getty | Timur Emek

Business-Casual Jeans: Dark Cargo Suit

You can easily find a fitted suit that comes in dark-wash denim. You might not wear yours with a graphic tee but rather a pussy-bow blouse and pumps for a meeting.

Business-Casual Jeans: Under a Dress
Getty | Christian Vierig

Business-Casual Jeans: Under a Dress

Try styling a wispy chiffon dress over dark-wash skinny jeans, and keep things structured with a boxy blazer or peacoat on top. Finish the look with power pumps or luxe booties.

Business-Casual Jeans: Metal Decals
Getty | Edward Berthelot

Business-Casual Jeans: Metal Decals

You can find plenty of denim with flashy details such as shiny buttons or front-slit ankle zippers that pack a punch. Tuck in a turtleneck, and these feel more like a fancy slack than your classic Levi's 501s.

Business-Casual Jeans: Denim With Stirrups
Getty | Christian Vierig

Business-Casual Jeans: Denim With Stirrups

In a more casual office environment, you can get away with a darker pair of jeans, especially peeking out from a beautifully printed trench. Look for stirrups to keep your hemlines tucked in and polished. They work with booties and slingbacks alike.

Business-Casual Jeans: Black Skinny Jeans
Getty | Edward Berthelot

Business-Casual Jeans: Black Skinny Jeans

Don't knock the skinny jean when it comes to maintaining a business-casual dress code. Tuck a sleek dark-wash jegging with barely visible seams into boots, and top them off with a turtleneck and closed, fitted blazer.

Business-Casual Jeans: Wide-Leg Trousers
Getty | Timur Emek

Business-Casual Jeans: Wide-Leg Trousers

Wide-leg denim trousers with buttons feel way more business professional than anything else, especially when worn with pointed-toe shoes and a modest top.