What to Wear With Black Jeans

A bold red cardigan is the easiest way to wake up black jeans. The dark denim grounds the bright color, so the outfit feels confident rather than loud.

Wear it buttoned on its own as a top, tuck the front into a belted waist, and finish with warm tan boots that echo the red.

Straight-leg black jeans keep the shape clean and timeless. Choose a high rise so the cardigan’s hem meets the waistband neatly, with no gap.

Soft cream and crisp white are black jeans’ easiest partners. The light top keeps the outfit fresh, and the dark denim makes it look sharp.

A cropped cardigan over a fitted tee shows a hint of the waistline, which balances slim straight jeans and keeps your legs looking long.

Brown penny loafers add polish without trying too hard. Swap them for white sneakers on a lazy Sunday or ankle boots when it gets colder.

A light-wash denim shirt with black jeans is the double-denim look that always works, because the two washes contrast instead of trying to match.

Tuck the shirt in, then add a long pastel coat to soften the look. Pointed black pumps keep skinny jeans looking polished.

Skinny black jeans are the sleekest base for a long coat: they keep everything streamlined underneath so the coat can do the talking.

A pastel coat looks most grown-up over black. Blush pink, powder blue or sage all feel soft and modern against dark denim.

Wide-leg black jeans give the outfit a long, elegant line from waist to floor, and a slim-fit sweater keeps the top half neat.

Finish with a structured bag and pointed flats or low heels. The hem should just graze the top of your shoe so the leg looks unbroken.

A relaxed beige blazer over a white tank turns black jeans into an easy smart-casual outfit you can wear almost anywhere.

Add a brown leather belt to break up the dark denim, then cuff the hem once to show a little ankle above clean white sneakers.

Mom jeans are high-waisted and slightly tapered, so they pair perfectly with an open blazer. Push the sleeves up for a laid-back finish.