While many of you are heading back to the office, you may be dreading the thought of getting dressed early in the a.m. before your meeting instead of just putting on a clean shirt and making sure your camera is above the waist. (We’ve all been there.) There have been massive changes to the office uniform. Business casual has a different meaning, and people are prioritizing comfort in their day-to-day style more than ever. You may even be starting to wear jeans again, but what jeans are worth sitting at your desk for hours in? We turned to our editors to find out.
Below, our editors share their favorite pairs of polished denim that are a perfect fit for those casual days at the office when you want to look laid-back but still put-together at the same time, which can be a challenging feat. Keep scrolling for more.
“If paired with the right shoes, these jeans have a trouser-like quality that I just love.”
“I like wearing black jeans to the office, as they look a bit dressier. This Agolde pair is perfect. They’re faded just the right amount, and the fit is timeless.”
“I’m into a straight-leg cut in a dark or black wash for a polished feel.”
“My favorite jeans in the world happen to be the Original Fit 501s from Levi’s that I wear everywhere and with just about anything.”
You’d be surprised at how soft Zara’s jeans can be. I love how these come in a neutral tone, so they still read casual but also feel 100% office appropriate.
If there’s a denim brand you want to invest in, it’s Agolde. This pair has the perfect slim fit that works well with heels and flats and that can even be tucked into boots for the colder months.
“I love full-length jeans for the office because they feel a tad dressier than cropped ones. I own a bunch of pairs of Mother jeans, and I’ve never been let down by the brand. These jeans would look perfect with block-heel sandals or ankle boots.”
“I can’t speak more highly of these Ribcage Jeans if I tried. They feature Levi’s classic straight-leg shape, but with an ultra-high rise that happens to make everything you wear them with look so polished.”
“If you work in a more casual or creative industry, why not forego the traditional denim option and swap it for a denim skirt? It’s basically the pencil skirt’s cooler cousin. Plus, the hemline on this skirt will pass the finger test but keep you cool during a heat wave.”
“Straight-leg jeans will always be the perfect cut for a day in the office. Just be sure to dress it up with a great statement blouse and shoes to perfect that casual/professional vibe.”
“These continue to be one of my all-time favorite pair of jeans for work. They pair perfectly with a blouse or tee and blazer (my go-to uniform!). The high-waisted silhouette adds polish, and they’re easy to wear with heels and flats alike. Bonus: They’re made of stretch denim and are really comfortable for sitting in all day or running around to meetings and press events.”
