How to Dress Up a Plain Black Top

DION LAMAR MILLS FOR BYRDIE

There's a reason why jeans and a t-shirt are the ultimate foundational outfit essentials. They're easy to dress up or down. But after a year of relegating jeans to the back of the closet, it may be tough to find enough inspiration to put together a stylish, sophisticated jeans-and-tee outfit for a date night or weekend eve. Still, dressing up the classic, often-casual look is easy. Tuck your go-to pair inside knee-high boots for an elevated look. And if you're not ready to opt for form-fitting denim just yet, a pair of baggy, '90s-inspired jeans will look great with a sleeveless tee and kitten-toe mules.

But the key to elevating a jeans-and-tee outfit isn't just in the accessories. It lies within the base pieces, too. If you start with a pair of rigid blue jeans that pool at the bottom, like this pair from Rag & Bone, then be sure your t-shirt feels elevated and breezy. The reverse is true, too. If you opt for a pair of black denim that tapers at the bottom, you have more room to play with something less formal on top. Ahead, we're sharing how to dress up jeans and a t-shirt in 10 simple, tried-and-true outfit formulas.

01 of 10

With a Trench Coat

Before the weather truly warms up, enjoy the surprises that transitional weather brings by equipping yourself with a faux-leather trench. The sleek topper instantly makes any pair of jeans—or, if you're not there yet, sweats—a touch chicer.

Raey Fold Dad Baggy Boyfriend Jeans $150

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H&M Oversized Printed T-Shirt $18

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Anine Bing Finley Trench $699

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02 of 10

With a Pair of Kitten-Heel Mules

After a year of sneakers and slides, nobody expects you to break out five-inch stilettos just yet. Ease into dressing up with these kitten-heeled thong sandals from Peche, which boast a mere three inches of height (but a ton of style).

Agolde '90s Mid-Rise Loose Fit Jean, $198

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Mango Pockets Cotton T-Shirt $30

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Peche Zoie Mules $85

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03 of 10

With a Red Lip

A navy tee with a sleeve that hits closer to the elbow automatically feels a touch more elevated. Pair it with a red lip and you're good to go.

DL1961 Mara Straight Leg Jeans $179

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Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set $198

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Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick $50

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04 of 10

With a Statement Blazer

The jeans-tee-blazer outfit formula is a perennial winner for a reason: It just works. Swap out your go-to black jacket for something a touch brighter.

Rag & Bone Ruth Chain-Embellished Distressed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans $146

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Asos Design Shrunken Sad Suit Blazer $76

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Susana Monaco Twisted Crop Top $108

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05 of 10

With a Classic Moto Jacket

A classic moto jacket is a must-have in any season, but it's especially handy during spring. Let your vintage-inspired tee hang past your hips, giving your regular ol' jeans-and-tee outfit a bit more depth. For an occasion that requires a touch more—like date night, for example—just add a pair of sandals with a modest heel.

Citizens of Humanity Emerson Slim Fit Boyfriend Jean $198

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Deadwood Women's Joan Leather Jacket $390

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Givenchy Island Tee $520

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06 of 10

With The Jeans Themselves

Start with a pair of denim that has a luxe, wide-leg feel and you'll already feel eons less casual. This pair of wide-leg denim from Stella McCartney lends itself well to an elevated outing. Just tuck in the tee, which can fit oversized or more standard depending on how you size it.

Stella McCartney Harley Washed Denim Pants $650

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Khaite Venice Leather Slides $680

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One DNA As Long As You Can Breathe Tee $45

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07 of 10

With an On-Trend Handbag

A boxy tee and cut-off shorts can feel casual, but liven it up by executing the half-tuck. Then, top the look off with an unmistakably polished bag, like this tote from Wandler.

Kerouac Le Cutoff Shorts $168

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Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee $18

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Wandler Lin Leather Tote $970

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08 of 10

With a Fun Collar

Is there anything more fun than a detachable collar? Use this leather style from Ganni in place of a necklace to dress up an otherwise casual outfit.

Reformation Remi Wide Leg Jean $148

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Ganni Ruffled Leather Collar $165

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Acne Studios Logo Tee $230

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09 of 10

With Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots automatically make any outfit feel dressier—and skinny jeans are the perfect silhouette for tucking.

Madewell 11" High-Rise Skinny Jeans $80

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Aritzia Babaton Shoulder Pad T-Shirt $40

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By Far Stevie Boot $715

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10 of 10

With a Pair of Statement Earrings

Any piece of chunky, eye-catching jewelry will do the trick. Instantly elevate your outfit with a pair of shiny hoops, unique droppers, or even a chunky, oversized chain necklace.

EB Denim Two-Toned Jeans $337

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LNA Racer Tank $68

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Another Feather Scallop Earrings $198

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How to Dress Up a Plain Black Top

Source: https://www.byrdie.com/style-upgrade-how-to-dress-up-jeans-and-a-t-shirt-2040353

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