Five Ways to Dress Up Jeans

By Lisa Kovalovich

Do dark denim
Faced, worn-in jeans have a worn-in, weekend feel, while crisp jeans in a dark indigo rinse are a touch more formal and look great with most tops. Also, no rips or excessive fade marks.

Pick a pulled-together cut
For weekends, baggy boyfriend jeans are comfy. But for a night out, try a sleeker silhouette: Bootcut jeans with a low rise. This cut gives you a leaner, more sophisticated line than does a baggier cut.

Add sexy shoes
While weekend jeans are great when accompanied by sneakers or flip-flops, dressed-up jeans call for more dramatic footwear. Sexy, strappy heels lengthen your legs, as long as your jeans are long enough to cover most of the heel. Try a pair with pointed toes and a slender heel for instant chic. Can't deal with heels? A simple pair of ballet flats -- especially in unexpected shades like silver -- gives your jeans Audrey Hepburn appeal.

Top with a dramatic shirt
For nighttime, leave your jeans' usual companion (the trusty T-shirt) at home. Instead, try on a top in a luxe, evening fabric like satin or chiffon, or one adorned with sequins. And go for a sexy cut, like off-the-shoulder shell or a body-skimming halter. A more formal topper adds a dressy feel to your jeans.

Accessorize adeptly
The finishing touches on an evening jeans look? Accessories. Go for the glitz here, adding chandelier earrings or hoops, a bold cocktail ring, or a metallic clutch -- anything more demure (pearls, diamond studs) is too daytime.