Jeans are a wardrobe staple for many people. They can be dressed up or down and go with just about anything. But choosing the right tops to pair with jeans can sometimes be tricky. Certain tops complement jeans better than others depending on the color, style, and fit of the jeans. In this article, we’ll explore different tops that look great with jeans along with tips for pairing them.
Factors that affect what looks good with jeans
There are a few key factors that impact what kinds of tops pair well with jeans:
– Jean color – Darker denim like blue, black or gray jeans are more versatile and pair well with dressier or colorful tops. Lighter denim like blue, white or pastel pairs best with more casual tops.
– Jean fit – Slim or skinny jeans look better with fitted tops that are tucked in or cropped. Bootcut, straight or relaxed jeans pair well with looser, flowing tops.
– Jean style – Distressed or ripped jeans have an edgy, casual vibe so they look great with graphic tees, tanks, or boho blouses. Jeggings or super stretch jeans have a bodycon look so they work with form-fitting tops.
– Top length – Cropped, tucked in and short tops balance out longer jeans lengths. Longer tops help elongate shorter jeans.
– Season – In cooler weather, pair jeans with layered tops like sweaters, jackets or flannels. In warm weather, tanks, camis and breathable blouses keep you cool.
Considering these factors will help you narrow down tops that complement and enhance your favorite jeans.
Different types of tops that look great with jeans
Here are some of the most popular and versatile tops to wear with jeans:
T-shirts
T-shirts are a basic top for jeans. Cotton crew neck tees in neutral colors like white, gray and black blend well with jeans. Graphic tees with prints, logos or images add an on-trend, casual flair. Oversized tees provide a laidback look. Cropped tees show off your waistline. Fitted tees complement skinny jeans. Go for soft fabrics like jersey or modal that drape nicely over jeans.
Tank tops
Tanks are a warm weather staple with jeans. Options like:
– Camisoles – Silky camis tuck nicely into high waisted jeans.
– A-line tanks – Flowy A-line tanks with a loose fit look great untucked with bootcut or flared jeans.
– Racerback tanks – Racerback styles pair well with ankle jeans and sneakers for casual chic style.
– Crop tops – Cropped and short tanks highlight your waist and look best with high waisted skinny jeans.
Blouses
Whether flowy, fitted, silky or cotton, blouses offer a chic way to dress up jeans. Pair tailored button-up blouses with straight leg or skinny jeans for a polished outfit. Silky camisole blouses or wrap blouses cascade nicely over bootcut or wide leg denim. Go for prints or patterns like florals, paisley and graphics for a sophisticated style.
Sweatshirts and hoodies
Nothing is cozier than pairing jeans with a sweatshirt or hoodie. Oversized, slouchy hoodies balance fitted jeans like skinny or jeggings. Cropped hoodies and sweatshirts show some skin and look cute with high waisted jeans. Neutral sweatshirts and hoodies make ideal layering pieces over tanks.
Sweaters
Sweaters allow you to stay warm while looking stylish with jeans. Choose snug-fit turtlenecks, cowl necks or fitted sweaters to tuck into skinny and straight jeans. Oversized sweaters, cardigans or pullovers pair well with relaxed bootcut or vintage-wash denim. Lightweight sweaters work for in-between weather.
Jackets
Jean jackets, leather jackets and denim vests are no-brainer pairings with jeans for an all denim look. Outerwear pieces like cozy flannels, puffer jackets, trenches and windbreakers also complement jeans for a nice layered look.
Top styles and details that look great with jeans
Beyond basic top types, certain styles, accents and details give tops a nice finishing touch when paired with jeans including:
– Shoulder cutouts – Cold shoulder tops show some skin and contrast with jeans.
– Ruffles – Dainty ruffle trims soften structured denim.
– Lace accents – A touch of lace dresses up basic tops to wear with jeans.
– Knot details – Tops with cute knotted accents work with distressed denim.
– Wrap styles – Flattering wrap tops made of flowy or silky material pair nicely with skinny jeans.
– Off the shoulder – Show off shoulders in flirty off the shoulder tops with high waisted jeans.
– Bell sleeves – Billowy bell sleeves balance straight leg or bootcut jeans.
– Backless – Daring backless tops look amazing with dark skinny jeans for nights out.
– Crisscross backs – Tops with a strappy criss cross back add interest when paired with simple jeans.
Tops that pair well with different jeans colors
Certain colored tops look extra nice with different shades of jeans:
Blue jeans
– White – Crisp white tops make blue jeans pop.
– Black – Black creates a sleek, neutral pairing with blue denim.
– Pastels – Soft hues like blush, lavender and lemon yellow complement blue.
– Prints – Small floral, graphic or boho prints look pretty with classic blue.
Black jeans
– Red – Fiery red tops stand out against black denim.
– Neons – Vibrant shades pair perfectly with black. Think hot pink, electric blue or lime green.
– Metallics – Shimmery gold, silver and bronze tops glam up black jeans.
– Animal prints – Leopard and snakeskin patterns make an edgy statement.
White jeans
– Navy – Navy tops match white jeans for a nautical vibe.
– Neons – Vivid orange, yellow or purple tops create color contrast.
– Corals – Salmon and pink-hued tops complement crisp white.
– Tropical prints – Palm leaf or floral prints evoke a vacation mood.
Gray jeans
– Wine reds – Deep burgundy tops bring warmth to cool gray denim.
– Forest green – Earthy olive and sage greens feel harmonious.
– Sunset colors – Warm yellows, oranges and pinks create a pretty pairing.
Tops to avoid with jeans
Although jeans go with just about everything, there are a few top types that can look mismatched or unflattering:
– Sheer tops – Jeans are casual so avoid tops with large sheer cutouts that show undergarments. Subtle sheer paneling is okay.
– Cropped strappy tanks – Super short strappy tanks can look skimpy paired with low rise jeans. Opt for longer lengths.
– Boxy oversized tops – Shapeless tops hide your figure and pair oddly with skinny jeans. Look for more streamlined silhouettes.
– Hot pinks and reds – Loud hot pinks and fire engine reds sometimes clash with denim hues. Muted dusty pinks and marsala wines work better.
– Super bright whites – Stark super white tops can look harsh next to softer whitewashed jeans. Creamy off-whites are a better option.
In general, pair bold loud tops with simple jeans and understated tops with bold patterned denim. Creating balance helps any top look seamless with jeans.
Tops to wear with jeans for different body types
Certain tops complement different body shapes when paired with jeans:
Hourglass
– Wrap and surplice tops – Cinch the waist.
– Cropped tops – Show off your shape.
– Sweetheart necklines – Highlight your curves.
– Peplum tops – Give shape to hips.
Pear
– Wrap tops – Add volume up top.
– Boatneck tops – Draw eyes upward.
– High neck blouses – Slim upper half without hugging hips.
– Peplum tops – Balance proportions.
Athletic
– Boxy crop tops – Give straight shape some definition.
– Low v-necks – Create curves.
– High neck blouses – Provide contrast.
– Tops with ruching – Add shape and femininity.
Petite
– Cropped tops – Avoid overwhelming your frame.
– Fitted tops – Prevent drowning in loose fabric.
– Vertical stripe tops – Create the illusion of height.
– Wrap styles – Cinch waist for shape.
Plus size
– Drapey blouses – Flatter without clinging.
– Dolman sleeve tops – Hide arms while creating shape.
– Shirred tops – Hug curves in all the right places.
– Longer tops – Cover hips and rear.
Tall or lanky
– Cropped tops – Show some skin without looking skimpy.
– Horizontal stripes – Give illusion of width.
– Peplum or ruffle tops – Add femininity.
– Sweater layering – Create proportion.
Tops to wear with jeans for different seasons
Picking tops suited for the season makes jeans more versatile:
Winter
– Turtlenecks
– Cable knit sweaters
– Fleece pullovers
– Waffle knit thermals
– Flannel button-downs
– Denim jackets
– Faux fur vests
Spring
– Lightweight button-ups
– Cropped cardigans
– Bomber jackets
– Printed blouses
– Graphic tees
– Camis and tanks
– Mesh insets
Summer
– Camisoles and bralettes
– Strappy camis and tanks
– Off the shoulder tops
– Short sleeve blouses
– Breathable cotton or linen button-downs
– Breezy peasant tops
– Sleeveless tunics
Fall
– Plaid flannels
– Henleys
– Lightweight turtlenecks
– Oversized sweatshirts
– Cable knit sweaters
– Denim jackets
– Shirted vests
Conclusion
Jeans may seem basic but pairing them with the right tops creates stylish, put-together outfits. Consider factors like jeans color, style and fit along with seasonal needs, activity, and your body type when picking tops. T-shirts, tanks, blouses, sweatshirts and sweaters make classic pairings that work for most settings and occasions. Style details like off shoulder accents, florals and wrap silhouettes elevate basic tops when matched with denim. With endless options, have fun mixing and matching to find unique tops that make you and your jeans look amazing.
