Meet Your New Winter Uniform: Jeans and a Sweatshirt

Date: November 30, 2024

There's a reason "jeans and a sweatshirt" is an eternal part of American fashion. Since people began wearing denim on a day-to-day basis back in the '60s and dressing more casually in general, we've been pairing a great pair of jeans with a comfy, cozy, easygoing sweatshirt for a never-fail outfit formula.

The beauty of the jeans and a sweatshirt outfit is that it's classic and comfortable, but it doesn't have to be boring. It's a fun way to expand your styling skills and get creative with basics — although, as you'll discover, a cute jeans and a sweatshirt outfit can be anything but basic. Here's how to wear a jeans and a sweatshirt outfit all winter long without getting bored.

Nail the sweatshirt layer

This isn't your oversized college hoodie or athleisure zip-up. Those items definitely have a place in your wardrobe, but we're talking about fashion sweatshirts! They don't have to be super dressy or embellished, but a good rule of thumb is to consider what you'd be OK with wearing to the office. A slightly cropped length and a subtle V-neck or crewneck is an easy-to-style silhouette that looks as good with jeans as it does with skirts.

Dress up your denim

While you might think your sweatshirt should be the focal point of your outfit, it's actually the contrary! Let your jeans play the starring role here. It feels more modern and fresh to keep focus on your lower half. We love a patchwork style for extra visual interest, especially with a super-simple sweatshirt. Even a simple cuff can elevate the look in just a few seconds.

Embrace the unexpected

There's nothing chicer than winter white, so swap out your go-to blue or black jeans in favor of bright, snowy white. It looks great with literally any color sweatshirt, from classic heather gray to vibrant blue, and it definitely stands out in a sea of black-on-black.

Add vibrant color

Bored with your usual gray and black sweatshirts? Now's the time to dress things up with a vivid color like cobalt blue, hot pink, neon or golden yellow, or red. We love a bright blue sweatshirt with black denim, a zingy yellow with light-wash jeans, or a neon shade to set off dark denim. Have fun and play around with the colors you like best.

Play with proportions

You don't want to look sloppy, so make sure your proportions are on point for your jeans and a sweatshirt outfit. If you're wearing baggier denim on the bottom, stick to a more fitted sweatshirt on top, and vice versa. For a tried-and-true silhouette, try a loose-fitting straight leg jean with a higher rise and a slightly cropped sweatshirt.

Don't forget your shoes

You can easily swap out your sneakers for booties or heels, but our favorite everyday shoe for a jeans and a sweatshirt outfit is the classic gum sole sneaker. It feels tomboyish but still chic, and the comfort is unbeatable. You can also have fun experimenting with color and texture here; go neutral with a black, gray, or white pair, or try light blue, burgundy, or leopard print.

Layer up

Another perk of the jeans and a sweatshirt outfit is that it can easily be layered and styled for a night out, lunch with friends, or the office. Toss a blazer over a thinner-weight sweatshirt for a sporty vibe or add a leather moto jacket for an edgy vibe.