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An curious occurrence unfolded at the recent Venice cinema festival: a renowned star arrived sporting blue jeans. Usually, a film festival red carpet signifies elegant materials and sequins, bare shoulders and long gowns. However the actress chose dark designer jeans matched with a soft striped blouse and a structured jacket. Moreover, while it's true that when you have a world-famous expression, your clothing doesn't have to work as hard – still. It represented a significant event. A modern age of looking smart in denim pants is here.

Most of us feel a bit torn about denim wear. They are our go-to option on a leisure day, yet when the occasion calls to dress up, we choose something else. But jeans, paired appropriately, can take you to the office or a fine dining spot with flair to spare. And, the majority don't need to worry too much about a celebrity event, ultimately.

A structured coat is to blue jeans as makeup applied to a natural skin. The juxtaposition results in a style seem deliberate and planned, which projects self-assurance.

We'll begin by covering fundamentals. If your jeans droop at the knees or sweep on the pavement, no level of luxurious shirt skill will rescue the ensemble. Polished jeans are about sharp silhouettes, precise cut and a style that flatters you. The overly broad denim that is everywhere right now may appear excellent dressed up for casual events. Yet for a style that comes across as smart-casual, a streamlined fit hits the appropriate polished vibe, and the bottom edge needs to fall exactly at the upper part of your footwear. Straight jeans are helpful because they are able to act appropriately in public. Should tailored denim were personified, they would be timely and well-mannered, highly organized. This is why they are your ally here.

The most common blunder we commit when aiming to look smart in jeans is to attempt to play down the denim. Should you pick plain jeans and conceal them with an eye-catching piece on the upper half in the belief that not a soul will notice you are sporting jeans, you don't disguise the fabric – you look thrown on, which is not the idea in the least. A simple strap that makes a feature of the denim is the way to go.

Stiff fabric offers the finest shape, so seek out low give. The waistband ought to be at your natural waistline – anything below the waist sends a less formal message – and fitted but not constricting. You will add a belt regardless (as noted, stay with me) and it's not advisable trousers should ever be restrictive. You should feel secure, but not cramped.

A coat is to denim what lipstick is to a natural complexion. The juxtaposition creates an outfit feel deliberate and thoughtful, which radiates self-assurance. The contrast of jeans with smooth material or textured cloth brings texture and interest. This works paired with a blouse or tee for daytime, or a dressier item for dinner. Choose a linked necklace or a simple hoop rather than a swinging elaborate jewelry. It feels very Parisian, know what I mean?

Denim-with-a-chic-top is a timeless for a reason, particularly if you are stepping out for an evening out. Opting for jeans simplifies creating an outfit more straightforward, which is useful if it's a fast post-work change. A delicate undershirt below your blazer is a simple go-to that gives you options: you can keep both on if you are close to the entrance with a cold wind, or take off the jacket aside if you feel yourself feeling hot in toasty heating.

The right shoe creates the distinction between casual elegance and popped-out-for-bin-bags. It isn't necessary to wear a heel, even if it can help. A timeless shiny pump with a jean is eternally chic, but slip-ons, clean sneakers or ankle boots are all excellent. A glimpse of skin someplace is invariably a welcome element, if the climate lets you: two buttons undone on a shirt, or a open-toe shoe if you are wearing a turtleneck jumper.

Sometimes the simple option turns out to be the sophisticated choice. And should it's appropriate for the Venice red carpet, it's appropriate for your usual seat in a local restaurant.