How-To: Wear Red Jeans (Without Looking Like Santa Claus)

Q. Can you give me some ideas on how to style red jeans (without looking like Santa Claus)?!

– Shawn

A. Love this question! I used to very much not be into the red denim thing exactly because of the Santa Claus effect you mentioned…but now I have a pair, and I wear them all the time. 

Here’s how I styled them for Old Navy’s Rockstar Denim campaign: paired with a white button-down, a caramel-colored faux-fur vest, and leopard heels (plus Elizabeth & James sunglasses, a Timex gold-tone mesh watch, and a Katherine Kwei bag).

Since red jeans are such a major statement, I think it’s best to let them be the focal point. This doesn’t mean going boring with the rest of your pieces – I love the look of red denim with a sculptural blazer or interesting heels – but it does mean that you should stick to neutrals. White, black, cream, and rose are all good…and stripes always work (but make sure to go with a heavier fabric if you choose a stripe for winter, or it’ll look too nautical for the season).

On an average day, I usually pair my red jeans with one of the following pieces:

– White tee

– Striped long-sleeve shirt

– Grey cashmere sweater

– Black boatneck top

I try to keep the extras streamlined and elegant: black, pointy-toe pumps, a sleek leather jacket, and a solid-color handbag. Eyes on the prize, and the prize is your pants.

P.S. I need to own every single thing pictured here. Especially the jeans on the right. I never will, since they’re well on their way to three thousand dollars (which is crazy)…but I’m just saying.

Product info after the jump.