By Isn’t it true that when you don’t know what to wear, you reach for jeans and a tee? We’ve all been there: aimlessly staring into our closets, waiting for something to jump out at us—only, it never does. Pressed for time, you rush to the nearest pair of blue jeans and a crisp white tee, having full faith that everything will work out by the time you hit the front door.
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No matter your style inclination, we’ve all pledged our allegiance to the loyal combo at one point or another. Whether you’re joining a friend for coffee or meeting your significant other for dinner, a good jeans-and-a-tee outfit is as versatile as they come. But that doesn’t mean the dependable duo needs to feel boring; with just a few chic add-ons, it’s anything but.
Although I like to rep my favorite denim year-round, come fall, I’m ready to style my blue jeans on a regular basis. As someone whose style leans a bit more trend-forward, I find the fool-proof formula to be the perfect base for those more fashionable pieces. Determined to make my jeans-and-a-tee outfits more interesting this fall, I’ve set out to find new ways to revamp the tried-and-true duo.
7 Ways to Style Your Jeans and Tee This Fall
Styling your jeans and tee comes down to two things: layering and accessorizing. Stylistically speaking, accessories are what help to propel your outfit in its intended direction–whether that’s a simple outfit for a casual Saturday or a more fashion-forward one for a night out. Although my personal styling choices lean more colorful and trendy, you can adjust every outfit through the lens of your own personal style. No one’s closet, schedule, or budget looks the same. Whether you own similar pieces or don’t have anything close, know that there are always ways to add interest without purchasing anything new, like trying a fresh hairstyle, adding your everyday hoops, or simply cuffing your jeans.
With a Blazer
Name an outfit that doesn’t work with a blazer… I’ll wait. For me, I like an outer layer with a bit more structure, especially when it’s combined with more relaxed pieces like jeans and a tee. The denim combo usually leans a bit more casual, but when paired with a blazer, feels a lot more put-together. And although adding a blazer is a more polished choice, it doesn’t mean the look needs to lose its casual feeling. Depending on your footwear, the look remains totally customizable to your occasion, whether that be a quick evening stroll or a dinner date with a friend.
DISSH
‘Celine’ Blazer
4 colors available
COS
Wool-Blend Blazer
SHASHI
Oval Buckle Belt
Everlane
Baggy Jeans
4 colors available
With a Draped Sweater
The answer is no, I never plan on taking the sweater off of my shoulders and wearing it for its intended use. It is simply for show, and that’s the way I like it. Look, I know the idea seems totally ridiculous, but in my mind, there is no greater accessory (and yes, I mean accessory) than a colorful knit draped over your shoulders. It delivers texture, creates depth, and gives that cool-girl je ne sais quoi when you need it most.
Everlane
Box-Cut Tee
20+ colors available
J.Crew
Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
3 colors available
Sézane
Wool Jumper
2 colors available
Jenny Bird
Medium Hoop Earrings
2 colors available
With a Textured Coat
You like the coat? Yeah, she’s new, but you don’t have to purchase anything new in order to achieve this look at home. What’s important here is the added texture that the coat is helping to provide. Don’t own any suede? Pick an accessory or a layer in an opposing material, like a brushed cashmere sweater or a worn-in leather jacket, and it’ll work just the same.
J.Crew
Cashmere Sweater
4 colors available
Anthropologie
Faux-Suede Trench Coat
Madewell
Wide-Leg Jeans
Madewell
Crossbody Bag
6 colors available
With a Statement Belt
Although it may look like I just went to the nearest home improvement store and asked for a foot of rope to tie around my waist, I can assure that this particular piece of rope came from a swanky boutique in the Greek island of Paros. I know, I know—I could have DIY-ed this, but I’m just not that kind of girl. Statement belts, whether Home Depot-coded or not, have the ability to completely transform any look, especially something as simple as jeans and a tee.
Anthropologie
Pearl Layered Necklace
Citizens of Humanity
Baggy Jeans
9 colors available
Madewell
Studded Belt
3 colors available
Zara
Circular Leather Belt
3 colors available
With a Silk Scarf
Should I go ahead and hire a talent manager? Because I think I’m about to go viral for reinstating the silk scarf belt. But in all seriousness, I love incorporating the vintage accessory into my day-to-day looks. Just recently, I discovered a small stack of silk scarves in the back of my closet and experienced a sudden pang of sadness for not finding a way to style them sooner. When I first acquired them in a local thrift shop, I reveled in their untold stories and promised to give them a second life. After rediscovering them a few weeks ago, I’ve vowed to give them a permanent front-row spot in my wardrobe.
Heaven Mayhem
‘Julia’ Necklace
3 colors available
Good American
Cotton Tee
3 colors available
Lost Pattern NYC
Checkerboard Scarf
Madewell
Silk Bandana
3 colors available
With a Bold Bag
I’m usually a sucker for a fun accessory. Although I keep a minimalist wardrobe, I’ve never really been much of an outfit repeater (sorry, Lizzie). Sure, I may rewear the same pieces over and over again, but thanks to my well-stocked accessory arsenal, you’d think I was wearing a completely new look every time (take that, Kate Sanders).
STAUD
Leather Shoulder Bag
4 colors available
Marc Jacobs
Zebra Mini Bag
Good American
Wide Jeans
Sam Edelman
Slingback Pumps
15+ colors available
With a Cardigan
Though it may seem obvious, we often forget about the simple power of pairing a cardigan with jeans. It’s a great reminder that sometimes it’s OK to stick to the basics. Plus, wearing a white tee under a sweater or a cardigan will give it welcomed additional texture.
Quince
Crewneck Tee
3 colors available
Sézane
Wool Cardigan
14 colors available
GAP
Leopard Cardigan
5 colors available
Sam Edelman
Ballet Flats
10 colors available
