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A amusing occurrence happened at the recent Venice movie festival: a famous actress arrived wearing jeans. Usually, a cinema event red carpet means chiffon and sequins, bare shoulders and long gowns. Yet this star selected dark designer jeans matched with a soft striped shirt and a tailored jacket. Moreover, while it's a fact that when you have a celebrated smile, your outfit carries less weight – nonetheless. It was a turning point. A modern age of appearing sophisticated in denim pants has begun.

The majority of people feel a bit conflicted regarding denim wear. They are our go-to option on a Saturday, but when we need to look smart, we reach for an alternative. But blue jeans, styled correctly, can take you to work or a elegant eatery with flair to spare. Furthermore, most of us don't have to fret about the red carpet, after all.

A structured coat paired with denim what a bold lip applied to a bare face. The contrast results in a style seem deliberate and intentional, which radiates confidence.

We'll open with the basics. If your jeans bag at the joints or trail on the ground, no amount of luxurious shirt wizardry will save the look. Polished trousers are about clean lines, precise cut and a fit that enhances you. The extra-wide denim currently everywhere these days can look great dressed up for let-loose parties. Yet for a appearance that is perceived as smart-casual, a streamlined fit hits the perfect tailoring-adjacent vibe, and the bottom edge should sit exactly at the surface of your footwear. Straight jeans are helpful because they know how to maintain decorum in public. When streamlined trousers were personified, they would be timely and courteous, very Type A. That's why they are your ally here.

The most common blunder we make when trying to look smart in jeans is to try to minimize the pants. Should you pick plain denim trousers and mask them with something snazzy up top in the belief that nobody will notice you are wearing jeans, you don't disguise the denim – you seem cobbled together, which is not the intention at all. A simple leather belt that accentuates of the trousers is the way to go.

Stiff material has the best shape, so aim for little give. The waistband needs to be at your natural waistline – anything below the waist sends a less formal vibe – and snug but not constricting. You'll use a belt anyway (see above, pay attention) and it's best if jeans need to be uncomfortable. You should feel supported, but not compressed.

A blazer is to jeans what lipstick is to a bare face. The contrast results in a style feel purposeful and intentional, which projects confidence. The pairing of denim with smooth wool or crepe adds texture and detail. This functions over a top or tee for day, or a more elegant piece for dinner. Choose a linked necklace or a minimalist earring as opposed to a swinging statement earring. It feels very Parisian, get the picture?

Trousers-with-a-pretty-blouse is a timeless for a reason, particularly if you are heading out for an evening out. Starting with jeans makes putting together an look more straightforward, which is convenient if it's a quick post-work switch. A satin top under your coat is a easy option that offers you choices: you might leave the jacket on if you are near the entrance with a chill breeze, or slip the jacket away if you start to getting warm in toasty indoor climate.

The ideal pair creates the distinction between laid-back polish and just stepped out. It doesn't have to be a heel, although it doesn't hurt. A classic glossy high pump with a denim trouser is eternally chic, but flat shoes, new athletic shoes or ankle boots are all suitable. A flash of exposed skin in one area is consistently a nice detail, if the temperature lets you: two buttons undone on a shirt, or a bare sandal if you are in a high-necked sweater.

Occasionally the simple option turns out to be the sophisticated choice. And should it's suitable for the Venice red carpet, it's good enough for your usual seat in a cozy eatery.