If you're anything like me and my fellow Who What Wear editors, you're always on the hunt for ways to make your outfits look more expensive. My denim-outfit rotation has been in dire need of this kind of boost, and I recently noticed a trend bubbling up that will do the trick without any heavy lifting. It all revolves around a chic and easy styling tip that requires three key pieces: the jeans of your choice, a pair of sheer black tights or black socks, and a sleek pair of black shoes that allows the socks to be seen. I know it sounds simple, but it makes a tremendous impact.
To put it in perspective, I set out to find some visual inspiration where this styling tip is at play, and sure enough, each ensemble I came across is elevated with a designer feel as a result. Keep scrolling to check out 15 chic fall looks that incorporate jeans with stylish black socks and shoes for the ultimate expensive-looking denim outfit.
Anouk Yve goes all black with straight-leg jeans, sheer socks, and sleek Mary Jane flats.
Sylvie Mus takes on the cuffed-jeans trend with black tights and slingback heels.
Lorna Humphrey poses in Paris with gray jeans, black socks, and cult-status Prada loafers.
Christie Tyler is known for her classic yet fashion-forward style—this combination of jeans with socks and loafers is no exception.
Mus goes French-girl chic with straight-leg jeans, tights, and suede slingbacks.
A closer look at Humphrey's chic gray denim and Prada loafers with socks.
Lindsey Holland is perfectly polished in cropped jeans, black socks, and patent loafers.
Another sophisticated take on the tights-with-denim look from Mus.
The Citizens of Humanity fall 2023 lookbook is full of great tights-with-denim pairings.
Yve shows up again with her cool denim and socks with loafers.
Humphrey takes a coffee break in a classic outfit with ankle-length jeans, black socks, and timeless loafers.
Did I mention Mus has mastered the denim-with-black-tights trend?
Yve is the epitome of chic in this elevated denim outfit with black tights and cap-toe pumps.
Tylynn Nguyen is serving party outfit inspo with her light-wash jeans, black tights, and embellished pumps.
Citizens of Humanity coming in with a casual-chic black-denim-and-tights pairing that's perfect for fall and beyond.
