With the beloved finish of washed-a-million-times favorites, light denim is understandably always a go-to. Here’s how to style them so they look more office-appropriate, and a little less brunch-ready.

Styling Idea #1: Check Top

Printed top + natural leather shoes + crossbody bag

ALTUZARRA Piombo Top, Hirshleifers, $775; STELLA MCCARTNEY The Tomboy Jeans, goop, $385; VALENTINO Rockstud Band Small Crossbody Bag, Barneys New York, $1,975; ALTUZARRA Cocco Leather Sandals, Mytheresa, $995

• STELLA MCCARTNEY
  Ruffle Sleeve Shirt goop, $1,200Shop now
• DEREK LAM 10
  CROSBY Jemina
  Sandal Neiman Marcus, $275Shop now
• ZARA Gingham Shirt Zara, $39.90Shop now
• PIERRE HARDY Monolite
  Cubic Mid Heel Sandal goop, $895Shop now
• MASSIMO DUTTI
  Snakeskin
  Messenger BagMassimo Dutti, $250Shop now

styling idea #2: tailored jacket

Printed jacket + metallic flats + soft clutch

BAND OF OUTSIDERS Stripe Schoolboy Blazer, goop, $1,095; T BY ALEXANDER WANG Slub Classic Tank, Alexander Wang, $90; STELLA MCCARTNEY The Tomboy Jeans, goop, $385; CLARE V X GOOP “Oui” Flat Clutch, goop, $154; STELLA MCCARTNEY Lace-Up Sneaker, goop, $650

• IRO Handi Jacket IRO, €350Shop now
• MANGO Jacket Mango, $100Shop now
• CLARE V. Flat Clutch goop, $200Shop now
• ALDO Mearian Silver
  Flat Brogue Shoes Asos, $98Shop now
• WHISTLES Daphne
  Sneaker Loafer Whistles, $270Shop now

styling idea #3: white shirt

White shirt + sleek high-top sneakers + graphic bag

EQUIPMENT Brett Allover Eyelet Shirt, Nordstrom, $288; STELLA MCCARTNEY The Tomboy Jeans, goop, $385; ALEXANDER WANG Marion Skeletal Sling, Alexander Wang, $795; LAURENCE DACADE Hugh Sneaker, goop, $820

• KENZO top Net-A-Porter, $650Shop now
• ZARA Color Block
  Messenger Bag Zara, $79.90Shop now
• COS Top With
  Pleated Back cos, $89Shop now
• 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
  Soleil Large
  Bucket Bag goop, $1,050Shop now
• RAG & BONE Kent Suede
  High-Top Sneaker Neiman Marcus, $350Shop now

More Denim

• MiH Breathless
  Mid Rise Jean MiH, $220Shop now

  A slim cut that hugs all the right curves.

• Re/Done Relaxed
  Straight Jean Redone.com, $243Shop now

  The perfect boyfriend.

• ZARA zipped hem jeans Zara, $49.90Shop now

  These sit at the waist for a leg-lengthening effect.