THE JEANIUS Wear denim to work. Still have a job tomorrow
Can you wear denim to work? Amy Bannerman says hell, yes
Think workwear, think synthetic trousers shinier than Gregg Wallace’s forehead? Same here. Which naturally got me thinking *adopts Carrie Bradshaw circa 1997 voiceover here*, ‘Could’ – whisper it – ‘denim be worn to work?’ I ask this because denim saves the day in most sartorial situations. Night out? Black jeans and a sexy, loose white T-shirt. Night in? Boyfriend low-riders and a scrappy sweater (No? Just me?). Now I know what you’re thinking: denim in the boardroom? It’s too casual. But hear me out. It’s doable. Just with a few caveats…
One: always, always stick to the mantra ‘dark and smart.’ Black and indigo is good. Anything lighter than a midnight sky in December? It’s a no from us. Two: think beyond jeans – well, unless they’re straight-legged and high-waisted, with slim black stitching. Basically, these are trousers by another name. A dark denim shirt with a stiff triangular collar can be as smart as the crispest white shirt. Keep it buttoned high and tucked into a black skirt, and nothing is simpler or more elegant.
Denim dresses also now come in a wide range of options. Make sure they’re lengthy – anything skywards of the knee looks too casual. And accessorise wisely. Pointed flats or kitten heels will be your friend (think ‘Alexa Chung goes to meet Alan Sugar for a loan’) and perhaps a bun. A pair of chaps? Maybe an added extra too far.