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How to wear jeans to work

Heidi Klum wears jeans with a beaded top at a fashion show with Victoria Beckham wearing an orange dress.
Heidi Klum wears jeans with a beaded top at a fashion show with Victoria Beckham wearing an orange dress.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • You can combine different tops and shoes to update jeans for the office
  • A light-hued shirt, chic heels and a status bag dress up skinny jeans
  • For risk takers, try a shimmery tank under a cropped jacket
  • Upgrade a sleek pair of jeans with a structured blazer

(InStyle.com) -- Before you slip on a pair of weekday jeans, consider your workplace and what is appropriate--if you are a banker or a lawyer, you might be limited to twill trousers even on Casual Friday!

But if you work in less formal environment, try these combinations that will instantly update your wardrobe.

Get a boyfriend blazer

Upgrade a sleek pair of jeans with a structured blazer. For a classic look, pair a black jacket (like Sarah Jessica Parker's velvet number) with dark denim or a bright white tuxedo design (like Gwyneth Paltrow's) with a lighter or acid-washed pair. Think suit and match light colors with light and dark with dark.

Embrace sequins

A bit of shimmer is an instant outfit upgrade. If you're a risk-taker (and your office is fashion-forward), try a bolder sequined piece, like Rachel Bilson's eye-popping blazer. For a more understated look, try a shimmery tank under a cropped jacket a la Rihanna.

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Throw on a cardigan

Embellished sweaters lend retro charm to a pair of jeans. Look for crafty details that will dress up denim, like Penelope Cruz's frilly ruffles or Heidi Klum's beading.

Buy a silk blouse

A sweet silk blouse will give your jeans a feminine feel--look for tops with pretty patterns or intricate necklines. If your workplace is more formal, skip distressed denim in favor of a crisp pair of dark-wash jeans.

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Try a little leather jacket

A cropped leather jacket gives a jeans-and-a-T-shirt look a luxurious spin. Just skip the heavy motorcycle jackets in favor of light, soft skins in classic colors, like gray, brown or black. Add a feminine touch with accessories like a great pair of heels and a fun bag.

Look for a chic button-down

A crisp button-down shirt is a no-fail piece for the office. For a streamlined appearance, tuck a light-hued blouse into matching skinny jeans and take it to the next level with chic heels and a status bag. Or, if your workplace is more laid-back, try a patterned version, and add boots and a bright satchel.

InStyle.com: 10 ways to update your wardrobe

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