If you are looking for dressy tops to wear with your favorite pair of jeans, look no further! I’ve got you covered with the best dressy shirts that pair perfectly with denim to create the ultimate stylish looks that work for so many different occasions.
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The Best Dressy Tops to Wear with Jeans
We have all had occasions where we need to look put together but not quite black-tie fancy, and that is where the dressy top and jeans outfits come in perfectly. While we have worn the classic jeans and basic tee outfit plenty of times before, here are some ideas for when you’re feeling stuck and the occasion is requiring more of a dressed up feel.
Whether it be date night, a work event, a night out with friends or a family dinner, I’ve got you covered with tons of outfit ideas. These are my go-to dressy tops to pair with jeans that always make me feel stylish and put together but also comfortable and easy to wear. Check out the best dressy tops to wear with jeans below and my styling tips below.
Tips to Pairing Dressy Tops with Jeans
#1 Fabric – I tend to opt for fabric that feels a bit more luxe when looking for a dressier feel. Think satin, lace, sequins, chiffon or something that feels a bit more unique. If you have a cotton fabric top you are looking to make dressier, amp it up with statement jewelry and a sleek pair of jeans.
#2 Colors – I like to have fun with different colors and when looking for a dressier look, it is always great to wear a colored top that you feel confident and stylish in. When it comes to the color of the jeans, I like to stick to dark wash jeans, black wash or white jeans as it gives a cleaner more put together feel as opposed to distressed or light washed denim.
#3 Proportions – Be mindful of proportions when styling your dressy tops with jeans. The goal is always to flatter your shape, not take away from it and in order to do this remember to keep the balance. If you have a more dramatic sleeve top, pair with skinny jeans to offset the proportion. If you are wearing a sleek, fitted bodysuit,a wider leg denim is a great choice, the contrast really cinches the waist in.
Button-down Tops
Button-down tops are a wardrobe essential that most of us already have in our closet. When it comes to styling with denim for a dressy feel, I would opt for a button-down top in a sheer fabric or a silk fabric to add more of an evening vibe. If you are pairing your favorite crisp white button-down shirt with jeans, I would add some statement jewelry and a great pair of heels for the perfect dressy look with dark blue or black jeans. This is a classic look that always looks good.
Silky Tops
A great tip for styling your jeans for a dressier occasion is to opt for a luxe fabric. A silk blouse instantly gives a more dressed up feel, no matter the occasion or what you pair it with. Whether it be a short-sleeve blouse or a spaghetti strap tank top, when it is made in a silky or satin fabric it creates an evening appropriate look. I would pair a silky top with a blazer or sleek jacket on top and my go-to pair of skinny jeans. Silky tops are ultra versatile and work for the office or work events just as well as they work for a fun dinner out or date night.
Bodysuits
Bodysuits are another wardrobe staple that most of us already own, and such a simple top to pair with jeans. They are a great way to create a really dressy look instantly.
The “tucked in” element feels dressy and I love that bodysuits are more fitted and seamless on the body. I opt for bodysuits often as during the summer months they look great with jeans on their own, and in the cooler months I would just add a chic layer like a boyfriend blazer or suede moto jacket and high boots. Bodysuits come in a variety of colors and silhouettes, the options are truly endless.
Lace Tops
An option that tends to be my go-to for a dressy feel with denim is lace tops. I absolutely love a lace pattern and the feminine feel it lends to an outfit. Lace is typically associated with evening wear, which makes it a no brainer when searching for a dressed up look. I love the contract of a fully lace sheer top with a cami underneath, or a top that just features lace detailing such as lace sleeves. Pair your lace top with a pair of dark denim and heels for a gorgeous date night outfit.
If you are a bride, I think a white lace top paired with dark denim and a sparkly pair of heels would be a fun option for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower outfit.
Wrap Tops
Wrap tops are an amazing option for pretty much all occasions. They are ultra flattering on all silhouettes, while cinching in the waist and enhancing/creating curves. I love the look of wrap tops paired with jeans as the a-line style of the top compliments a flattering pair of denim. I would pair a pretty wrap top with a pretty necklace or statement pair of earrings and heels or booties. If you have a great pair of high waisted denim, I would look for a crop top style wrap top to really accentuate your waist.
Puff Sleeved Tops
Puff sleeved tops give the feel of a basic short sleeved blouse, but lend the added drama with the large shoulder detail. Puff sleeves are very flattering, as they enhance the shoulder and give a flattering shape with the illusion of a smaller waist. I would pair a puff sleeved top with my hair up and a pretty pair of earrings to really complete the look.
I love the flattering square neckline like the top I’m wearing above, but you can also find scoop, v-neck or or sweetheart neckline puff sleeve tops to fit your preference.
Bell Sleeved Tops
Another way to add some drama and a dressier element it to opt for bell sleeves. The larger sleeve detail is dramatic and makes a statement. A top with bell sleeves looks great with skinny denim or bell sleeve denim and would be a perfect option for an effortlessly stylish feel. Typically bell sleeved tops have more of a relaxed fit, so I would opt for your favorite pair of skinny jeans to contrast against the looser fit of the top. Whether it be white skinny jeans in the summer months, or your favorite pair of blue jeans, you can’t go wrong with this dressy top and jeans combo.
Peplum Tops
Peplum tops are another great option that offer a flattering silhouette for all body types. The a-line style cinches at the waist and flares out, creating a gorgeous hourglass shape. Peplum tops come in all kinds of different materials, colors and prints and are a great option that give you a dressed up feel with minimum effort. I would pair a peplum top with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and pointed toe heels or cute wedges. I love the idea of doing an all black outfit with a black top, black jeans and a great pair of heels for a super flattering look.
Embellished Tops
If you love a little bling/sparkle to your look and aren’t afraid to make a statement, an embellished top is a great dressy top choice for you! Whether it be sequins, jewels or studs, the embellishments offer a dressed up/evening feel and do the accessorizing for you! I absolutely love sequins and would pair a cute sequin top with denim for an event or date night any day. The contrast of the sparkle with the denim is the perfect combination and definitely worthy for a special occasion outfit. Embellished tops are an easy way to get “dressed up” in a flash, just pair with your favorite jeans and a clutch bag and you’re ready to go.
Off Shoulder Tops
Off shoulder tops are incredibly flattering and give such a fun feel to a dressy outfit with denim! I love to wear them on date nights at they show off my shoulders. Off shoulder tops paired with jeans are a perfect contrast with the feminine/flirty feel of the off shoulder silhouette paired with a more preppy/crisp pair of denim. Pair your favorite off-shoulder top with a pair of skinny jeans, nude heels and a fun bag for the perfect “jeans and a nice top” look.
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