fashion

5 foolproof formulas for wearing jeans and a nice top in 2024.

Jeans and a nice top. Ahhhh, just the thought of this combination brings you a sense of comfort, doesn't it? 

It's the answer to every brunch, work meeting, dinner out with friends… or basically any event where you have no idea about the dress code

Watch: Inside My Wardrobe |My Top 10 Pairs Of Jeans. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

And as winter rolls around for another year, it's time to crack out the trusty dynamic duo. 

But this year, I'm taking it upon myself to show you how to mix up the timeless classic and flirt with different silhouettes so you don't feel like you're wearing the same old, same old. 

Because we may be getting older, but we are under no circumstances getting boring. I simply won't allow it. 

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As a writer, producer and model, I've always loved fashion and it's meant to be an extension of us. Therefore, it's meant to be fun! 

So here are five very 2024 takes on the trusty jeans and a nice top combo for you to try so you can have fun with your wardrobe. Go on, they'll look great on you! 

1. Wide-leg jeans and a collared shirt.

First up, we have the wide-leg jean which may just be the most fun of the group (don't tell the others I said that). 

They're versatile, they're chic — they work with us, not against us. 

When wearing wide-leg jeans, it's important to lean into the tailoring or lack thereof. You can do this by wearing a business shirt unbuttoned with a white singlet underneath to showcase the layering. Or you can wear a more structured top with a sneaker to balance the look. 

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This option is perfect for a Friday in the office and a Sunday catch-up with friends, yet still works for a nightcap at your favourite bar.

If more layering is needed, a gorgeous bomber jacket or long trench coat will do the trick. It's chic and works for many body types… we love an inclusive jean!

I recommend:

Fayt the Label Axel Jeans, $109.

Image: Fayt the Label.

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Levi's Women's '94 Baggy Wide Leg Jeans, $149.95.

Image: Levi's.

Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

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Cotton On Haven Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.99.

Image: Cotton On.

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2. Straight-leg jeans and a corset top.

Now, we have the trusty straight-leg jean. This cut is a staple and looks good on many different body types. It's an easy way to elevate your wardrobe as this cut, in my opinion, is the chicest of all. 

Now, don't freak out at the sight of the word corset. I'm not talking about Kim-Kardashian-being-laced-into-an-outfit-where-it's-so-tight-it-looks-like-she-has-had-a-rib-removed. 

I'm talking a modern, elevated version of the tank top for those occasions where you want to step it up a notch. 

As the straight-legged jean is usually more tailored than your regular cut, it's fun to play with your top where you could add volume and have a gorgeous moment. 

I recommend:

Assembly Label Vintage Straight Jean, $120. 

Image: Assembly Label.

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Cotton On Loose Straight Jean, $59.99.

Image: Cotton On.

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Fayt the Label Siren Denim Top, $69.

Image: Fayt the Label.

Dyspnea The Body-ody Corset, $80.

Image: Dyspnea.

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4th & Reckless Cayla Tailored Corset, $90.

Image: 4th & Reckless, The Iconic.

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3. Dark denim with a statement blazer.

For our mysterious and edgy girlies out there, the dark denim will always be in, and I'll forever be its biggest fan. 

For me, dark denim is a way to elevate your look without even trying. It does the hard work of looking dressy for you. I'd personally pair a dark denim with a blazer (a hounds tooth blazer perhaps), or a silky blouse. 

You can also play with an all-black monochrome look and be the 2024 version of Miss, Sandra Dee from Grease. This OG Sandy walked so I could run, and for that, I'm indebted to ONJ.

I recommend:

Levi's Women's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $159.95.

Image: Levi's.

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Cotton On Original Straight Jean, $59.99.

Image: Cotton On.

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Sportsgirl Avril Check Blazer Coat, $119.95.

Image: Sportsgirl.

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Decjuba Francesca Textured Blazer, $169.95.

Image: Decjuba.

SHEIKE Lena Top, $119.99.

Image: SHEIKE.

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Forever New Louise Long-Sleeve Bardot Top, $69.99.

Image: Forever New.

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4. Flares and a fun blouse.

The year is 1965 and the flare "trouser" became all the rage thanks to mother, Cher. 

Much like Cher, the flare jean is both timeless and ageless and we're seeing flares come back in a huge way, which I'm here for. 

In saying that, it may be confusing to know what to pair with the flare…I have just the thing. A white blouse or tee will always be the moment. It's playful yet fashionable, and to me, that's where you find the sweet spot. 

I recommend:

Cotton On Stretch Bootcut Flare Jean, $59.99.

Image: Cotton On.

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Wrangler Hi Bells Flared Jean, $139.95.

Image: Wrangler.

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M.N.G Jaky Blouse, $89.95.

Image: M.N.G, The Iconic.

Witchery Staple Cotton Crew, $59.95.

Image: Witchery.

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Uniqlo U 100% Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, $19.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

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5. Barrel jeans and a bodysuit.

Finally, we have our wild card option being…the Barrel Jean. 

This has been dubbed the jean of 2024 and I can understand why. It feels fresh, fun and as the kids would say "extra". 

What I love about this jean is that the world truly is your oyster. You're able to pair with it an oversized cosy sweater, a bodysuit to accentuate your figure or perhaps you throw a basic white tee and a fitted waistcoat over it to provide you with some extra shape. 

If you're wanting to change up your go-to outfit, it's worth taking the plunge with this combo.

I recommend:

Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean, $164. 

Image: Everlane.

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AERE Cashmere Blend Relaxed Jumper, $140.

Image: AERE, The Iconic.

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Glassons Halter Neck Bodysuit, $24.99.

Image: Glassons.

Good American Scuba Tee Bodysuit, $145.

Image: Good American.

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To close, I'd like to give an honourable mention to the skinny jean. You've been in our hearts for many years and absolutely served a purpose throughout my emo-era. However, it is the year of the baggy, loose-fit, tailored jean and I think we should all embrace it! 

Have fun angels!

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Feature Image: Instagram @sandymcintyre_/Getty.

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