What to Wear With Black Jeans: True Black, Washed Black and Blue Black

Black jeans come in more than one black, and each one asks for slightly different styling. A true black reads almost like a black trouser, washed black behaves more like charcoal, and blue black sits between navy and black. This guide works through all three, with styling advice from our founder, Hayley Thomas.

If you are still choosing a pair, our guide on the best jeans for women takes the Billie, Emmie, Rosie and Frankie through fabric, fit and shape.

How to style true black jeans

A true black jean is the smartest of the three, and it makes a good alternative to black cigarette trousers or other smart black trousers. The Frankie Wide Leg Jeans in black, with a long wide leg and a mid to high rise, can be worn in exactly that way. Our guide to what to wear with wide leg jeans has more outfits for the Frankie in both washes.

That makes them easy to wear to work, where they can look lovely and smart as long as your workplace does not have a no denim policy. A classic white shirt such as The Perfect Shirt works particularly well, and for a smarter look the Teyha Tweed Blazer in houndstooth over head-to-toe black makes the jacket the focal point.

Because it reads smarter than a blue jean, true black also suits a party. The Orla Faux Leather Shirt, open like a jacket over the Cleo Satin Lace Cami, is a good way to dress the Frankie up for one. For a less formal office, the same shirt also works with the Frankie in place of tailored trousers.

For dinner, true black jeans go well with the Etta Bib Shirt and simple heels, and its pintuck bib front gives the outfit a slightly 90s, masculine feel. Worn fully tucked under the Josephine Wool Blend Blazer, the same shirt looks sharper still.

With a full wide leg, a shorter jacket works better than a long coat, and the Sadie Denim Shacket suits either Frankie wash for a double denim look.

How to style washed black jeans

Washed black has a faded finish and a more casual, slightly edgier feel, and it tends to look slightly more dressed down than blue denim. When it comes to colour, it helps to think of it in the same way as charcoal.

In practice that means contrast, and ivory looks particularly modern against it. The Skylar Satin Shoulder Pad T Shirt in ivory is a good match for the Billie Barrel Leg Jeans in washed black, and vanilla works as a softer alternative to white.

Brights work well with it too, such as orange, or a red roll neck like the Gwyneth in red. If your style is a little more feminine, a pale pink such as the Nian in blush is a good option. The colours to avoid are mid tones, such as an olive sweatshirt, which can make the whole outfit look too earthy and all one shade.

Washed black is easy to dress up, and jeans do not necessarily need a fancy top to do it. With a straighter washed black jean such as the Emmie, a simple lace trim vest under the Josephine blazer with a heeled sandal makes a good dressed up look. With the Billie, the sparkle of the Jules Striped Blouse sits well against the edgier washed black.

For something quieter, washed black with a charcoal roll neck creates a lovely head-to-toe grey.

How to style blue black jeans

Blue black is the newest of the three, a deep indigo that is almost black, in the Billie Barrel Leg Jeans. It plays a similar role to a rinse wash while feeling a little more edgy, and because it is a true blue black rather than a rinse, it also keeps an authentic denim feel.

Blue black jeans work with both of the darkest neutrals, navy just as well as black, which makes them easy to wear with a navy knit, a black one or a winter white jumper.

Our barrel leg jeans outfit ideas include more ways to wear both washed black and blue black.

What shoes to wear with black jeans

With any jeans, a narrow boot that sits close to the ankle works best, and under a wide leg the boot needs a little heel, or the hem ends up on the floor. A pointed flat or a simple heel keeps true black looking smart, while a trainer suits washed black when you want it more relaxed.

Which colours work with black jeans

The simplest way to remember it is to style each black like its nearest neutral. True black works like a black trouser, washed black like charcoal, and blue black like a rinse wash, which goes with navy and black alike. If a top is a mid tone, true black or a rinse wash gives it more contrast than a mid wash would, while washed black is better kept for contrasting colours.

Frequently asked questions

What colours go with black jeans?

Most colours work, but each black has its own best partners. True black suits anything you would wear with black trousers, washed black looks best with contrast such as ivory, vanilla, brights and soft pink, and blue black works with both navy and black.

Can you wear black jeans to work?

Yes, a true black jean in a clean shape can be worn much like a black trouser, unless your workplace has a no denim policy. A white shirt or a blazer keeps the outfit smart.

What is the difference between black and washed black jeans?

A true black jean is a deep, solid black that reads as smart, close to a trouser. Washed black has a faded finish that behaves more like charcoal, so it feels more casual and suits contrasting colours.

What shoes go with black jeans?

A narrow ankle boot, a pointed flat or a simple heel all work well. Under a wide leg, a boot with a low heel stops the hem sitting on the floor, and trainers suit more relaxed washed black outfits.

How do you dress up black jeans?

Black jeans do not necessarily need a fancy top. A simple vest under a blazer with a heel, a pintuck shirt, or a blouse with a little sparkle is enough to take them out in the evening.

What jacket goes with black jeans?

A blazer suits true black and straighter jeans, while with a barrel leg a jacket that stops above the fullest part of the leg works best. A shorter jacket also suits a wide leg better than a long coat, and a denim shacket gives an easy double denim look.