Confession time: I am, without a doubt, a denim addict. Skinny, flared, bootcut, straight, boyfriend, high-waist, destroyed…I’ve got them (and love them!) all. That being said, even I get sick of basic blue every once in a while! This is where universally chic black and trendy grey jeans come into the picture. Black and grey jeans are a chic, trendy alternative to your basic blues, as well as a must-have in every girl’s closet.
But how do you wear them? If you’re in style rut, want to try some new denim colors, or just want tips on different ways to wear the jeans you already have, this post is for you!
General Tips on Wearing Black & Grey Denim
Pick a color.
Grey jeans come in a wide variety of shades, from dark graphite to washed-out heather. Darker shades tend to be the most forgiving and flattering, mid-range shades can be easiest to match, and light shades are the most trendy and popular with the celebrity set. Grey jeans in acid wash, tie-dye, and even ombre are in stores now if you want ’em, so it’s all about how daring you want to be and how comfortable you’ll feel!
However, if you want some edge or a look that will never go out of style, invest in black jeans. They’re more classic and are universally flattering.
Have fun!
Grey & black jeans are neutrals, so they go with just about anything. If you’re looking to have some fun with your outfit, try black jeans with neons or grey jeans with a printed top. Mix and match!
Play up your basics with bright scarves, lace-trimmed tanks, or a hot pair of shoes. If you want an extra girly touch, go with pastels and airy styles to add some femininity to your look.
Go sophisticated.
Skinny black jeans are chameleons–they look awesome with an oversized top and converse when you’re hanging out on campus, and amazingly chic when pared with a dress blouse and tucked into boots. Arguably the utmost in sophistication is a monochromatic look–wear your black jeans with a black top, boots, and add posh statement accessories for a look that’s totally chic. Grey jeans look especially sophisticated when paired with black, white, or matching grey.
Consider the cut.
Don’t feel like you HAVE to wear skinny jeans if you hate them–both black and grey jeans come in all of your favorite traditional denim cuts.
If you want a more casual, easygoing look, try a relaxed or bootcut pair. If you want to wear your black or grey denim primarily as pants as an alternative to jeans, skinny styles could work for you. There are even some adorable grey and black denim skirts and capris out there for additional variety.
Outfit Inspiration
Casual:
Laid back and effortless, these pieces will look just as cute with your blue jeans as they will with black or grey.
Black: Super Skinny Midnight Jeans, American Eagle. Lamixx Clothing Halter T-Back, moxsie.com. Miley Cyrus & Max Azria Sueded Fringe Boot, Walmart. Filgree Faux Leather Cuff, Forever 21. Lucky Brand Ez Rider Lone Star Necklace, Zappos.
Grey: Faded Grey Skinny Jeans, American Eagle. Bow Tunic Tee, Delias. BC Footwear Limousine Flats, Piperlime.
Trendy:
If you’re looking to make a statement or just have fun with a trend, these looks are for you.
Black: Black Skinny Flare Jeans, Dorothy Perkins. Miss Chievous Top, Kohls. Minnetonka Kitty Moccasins, Urban Outfitters. Peacock Charm Necklace, Wet Seal.
Grey: True Religion Brand Jeans Billy Grey Lovestruck Straight Leg, Metropark. Mocha Sequin Waistcoat, Miss Selfridge. Flourite Lace Tee, Rogan. Urban Studded Boots, Forever 21.
Chic:
Dress up those jeans of yours! Stylish tops and sophisticated shoes will make your jeans event-appropriate and oh-so chic.
Black: Super Skinny Midnight Jeans, American Eagle. James Perse Stretch-Jersey Turtleneck, net-a-porter.com. Her Majesties Vintage Pearl Earrings, 1928. Tuxx Oxfords, Steve Madden. Snake Wrap Belt, Calvin Klein.
Grey: Nude Tribal Embellished Tunic, Miss Selfridge. The Boyfriend Blazer in Black, Fred Flare. Grey Spray On Jamie Jeans, Topshop. House of Harlow 1960 14KT Gold Key Cocktail RIng, shopthetrendboutique.com. Chinese Laundry Good Times Flats, Piperlime.
Your thoughts?
Do you guys own black or grey jeans? How do you wear them? Are you into any other denim colors at the moment? Let me know with your comments!
I love this website!! It gives the best tips! And my favourite but of the website is how they put photos of outfits together
I had a lovely pair of grey jeans for the longest time. They looked great on me and were so comfortable.
I love wearing my black and grey jeans.
I think they work well with lots of prints and colors to balance out the neutral color.
Anyway. great post! I love how you put a lot of outfits into the post and kinda divided them into sections! 🙂
Great post! I love outfit 2. I wear my black skinny jeans to death but I do have a couple of grey pairs of jeans that I haven’t known what to put them with, so this is a great help 🙂
I practically live in my jeans, but I only have blue jeans. I’ve been eyeing a pair of jeans that come in both gray and black, and am now inspired to actually buy them! Thanks for this post!
I haven’t had any grey jeans since I was 14. Perhaps I should re-invest.
Actually, I have a question, does anyone know where the pair of slashed jeans in the first set of pictures is from? I looked for a link, but I didn’t see anything. I could just be unobservant though.
Thanks for the post! I always have a hard time wearing my black jeans for some reason – this post definitely helped.
I have black jeans and I absolutely love them!
I don’t have grey jeans though. Must. Find. One.
Sometimes I think in the fashion world, there’s a real dearth of tried and true basics posts, and I’m so glad that College Fashion finally wrote a nice and thoroughly written one about black/grey jeans!
I love this post! I need to invest in some great black jeans now! I love my gray ones, they go with black, tan, cream/ivory, there are so many looks you can get out of them!! LOVE THIS!!!
I am a jeans addict too! I just can’t get enough of them. It’s a bit harder buying jeans since I’m short, but I still love ’em! Lately I have been getting into skinny jeans. I’ve never thought they would work on me, but I’ve tried on a couple pairs and they are really flattering. I also have a bunch of colored jeans =].
Great post!
Ahaha I’m also wearing grey jeans right now… Due to finals they were one of the last things left in my closet today, and my boyfriend complimented me on them.
I’m wearing them with blue chucks and a plain white tee, since I did have a test today.
This post was boring.
As if we don ‘t know how to wear black and grey jeans… they go with everything
That last outfit is stellar with the key ring to make it a true winner! I adore it!
I lovelovelove that first outfit.
I love how this website has changed since Zephyr added new writers. It was fabulous to begin with, now it’s just over-the-top amazing. <3<3<3
i love this trend, mostly because half of my wardrobe consists of black and grey
I own two gray jeans… one of them are skinny and the other ones are little bit loosed, they are wrinkled 🙂 but I have no black jeans and I think it’s the time to buy them 🙂
awsome!!!!! love these ideas.
i have blacks. one is plain black skinny and one is slightly washed with an edgy look
better go look for grey!!!
a-maz-ing post!
these outfits are totally inspirational!
i have the black ae jeans and they were worth every penny, killer jeans
and now i totally need to find a pair of gray jeans stat
just one question: first outfit, black skinnies and brown fringe boots. for some reason, its drilled into my head that brown and black together are some fashion sin. is that rule outdated now?
I love these looks! Thanks for your style tips!
First of all let me just say how much I love this website and its amazing tips!
This post really impressed me. I not only liked all of the helpful hints but also the number of outfits. I feel so inspired now ! I think I need to go shoping for a pair of black jeans ASAP.
Excellent post with truely gorgeous outfits! I would wear any of these!
Thanks for the fantastic post! I have a black pair of skinny jeans that I always wonder how to wear.
I love the website and appreciate all the hard work you put into it 🙂 I’m from Australia, and your posts are universally relevant, even if our seasons don’t match up! 🙂
I personally don’t wear jeans very often, but when I do, I love wearing my dark grey jeans that I bought 3 years ago. They fit so comfortably. I love the outfit ideas you posted, especially the second one. It’s such a simple outfit, jeans, flats, and a t-shirt, but it’s so cute because of all the girly details like the sequined bow on the shirt and the leopard print on the shoes. I also really like the last outfit. It would be perfect for an evening out to dinner with friends.
Thank you soooo much for this post. I have had these gray jeans in my closet and really didnt know how to work them into my wardrobe other than wearing all black with them. I saw that one outfit with the black blazer and the light colored top and the flats and I kind of reworked it to fit what I had in my closet. I wore it to work today and everyone loved my outfit. Thank you soooo much. I really needed this!!!!!
BTW: LOVE this website!!!
ohhhh my I love grey jeans sooo much. I saw my guy friend wearing a pair and I LOVED them and wanted a pair for myself (uh, a girls’ style though, of course). love. love. love. thanks for putting together outfits, too. That is my favorite part of this site.
Nice post! I own a couple of jeans, but i have no clue on how to wear them! I ‘forgot’, i just can’t combine it nicely…It feels so dull! I usually wear dresses and skirts with basic t-shirts and a whole lot of accessories.
This post already gave me a little more inspiration, i’m going to buy some nice tops, no basic ones, and some killerheels to combine with my jeans 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
LOVED this post!! Great job! I’m definitely taking these ideas 🙂
Hey! I’m wearing dark gray jeans right now! 🙂 I’m wearing them with a blue plaid flannel shirt. No shoes, just slippers (cause I’m at home). Hmm…maybe I should wear these more often.
I love love love this post! I just bought a pair of grey skinny jeans…planning on wearing them with a loose black sweater from VS and a pair of low, pointed white heels…I am also a denim lover and have to admit that I wear jeans everyday except when at work! I own more pairs than probably is reasonable but to me denim is the most versatile clothing article anyone can own!
I typically get a new pair of UGGs every year. These were my choice this year and I love them!?