Denim Pairings

I went to college in Waco, Texas, thereby building a wardrobe that could withstand severe heat and mild torrential downpours. Fresh out of college, I arrived in Raleigh, NC with a closet void of “dress up” clothes and my first “real job” as a Marketing Assistant. Four days after I moved into my apartment, I met a striking gentleman who walked with confidence in his pressed khakis and white button down. Immediately I realized my Texas threads were a stark contrast to his classic southern style.

When we started dating, I spent (too much) time selecting just the right look for our evening out. (Let’s be honest. I didn’t want to scare the guy away with my “unique” sense of style!) A few months into our relationship, even my own mother supported my efforts with a sursie on my doorstep – a cobalt blue cotton dress. Paired with cowboy boots, I opted for that outfit frequently.

One day, after I finally let go of the dress up shenanigans and learned to be myself around this cute boy, I asked him what outfit he liked most on a lady. I was curious – we lived in a city with a myriad of style influences and fashion preferences. What caught his attention? His answer surprised me.

“Blue jeans and a t-shirt.”

Jeans and a shirt? How could that be a favorite look? It takes no thought. It’s comfortable. It’s after-work clothes. It’s mill around town clothes. As I thought about his response, the surprise faded to appreciation. What he values most is authenticity – and, from the closet of a southern gal, there is nothing more real than jeans and a t-shirt.

A few tips when searching for a complement to your favorite jeans.

• If you trend towards simplicity, opt for bold solid colors.
• For a bit more trend in your outfit, choose a print in your favorite color way.
• If you’re searching for a more sophisticated or detailed look, find an embellishment that suits your style.

Here are a few of my favorite ShopNational pieces to pair with denim. Click on the images below for specific product information, and find our entire pants assortment right here!