Just Jeans and a Nice Top

Never let it be said that ‘just jeans and a nice top’ is merely the preserve of the late 90s. Back then, it was always the go-to for any occasion, I grant you, but for me, it’s still (nine times out of ten) my preferred going-out situation.

These days, I’m unlikely to be found in the Met Bar wearing hipsters and a crop top while trying to be nonchalant in the presence of Kate Moss and John Galliano. True story. Although my nonchalance took a turn when my very drunk friend decided to sit on John Galliano’s lap and attempt to wear his glasses – that were still attached to his face at the time. I don’t think we were ever allowed back in after that night.

Fast forward to 2025, and I’m more likely to be found at the theatre, a half-decent restaurant or a low-key party in a pub in my ‘just jeans and a nice top’. Here are six ideas to think about if you agree with me that this combo never went out of style.

A PUFF SLEEVE

I will say at this point, you won’t find any full-on sequin tops here. You should know by now that I have an unnatural aversion to sequins. I can take them in small doses – as an embellishment, perhaps – but, if I’m honest, I find that wearing a whole sequin explosion (particularly a top or a jacket) makes one look like Jane McDonald at a karaoke disco on a cruise ship.

I have this puff sleeve top from Aligne, and it’s dressy without being too much. You can wear it open like a jacket or closed as a top.

RED & LEOPARD

Now, this really should make me feel like a middle-aged woman trying to reclaim their misspent youth, but somehow it doesn’t. The addition of jeans and flat shoes to the red and leopard print dials it down enough to feel modern and cool, rather than Bet Lynch. Although, personally, I do think Bet Lynch is cool, so maybe just ignore that last sentence.

A JAZZY JACKET

When it’s baltic outside but you still want to get your glam on, a jazzy jacket is your friend. I’d say make sure you have some equally jazzy accessories here for when you have a hot flush and you need to remove said jacket. Which, let’s face it, is inevitable.

AN ECLECTIC MIX

If you’re ‘out out’, you don’t need to concern yourself with everything being matchy – wear those patterned shoes with that embellished jacket if you want to. This is the kind of item I can tolerate sequins on: they’re a feature, rather than a whole ‘Denise Welch at the Loose Women Christmas party’ vibe.

BOWS & SPARKLES

If you want the look to be reversed so it’s ‘just a top and nice jeans’, get yourself some ‘trophy’ jeans. Look for studs, diamonds and pearls – then you have the option to keep the rest of the look quite simple and let the jeans do the talking. This Essentiel Antwerp shirt has a removable bow so, to my mind, it’s two shirts for the price of one.

ELEVATED CASUAL

Finally, if it’s just a festive night out at the local pub, you might want something simple but sparkly. A good glittery cardi can tick these boxes. Wear it with silver statement trainers for extra seasonal zing.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, as it’s too close for comfort, but next week we’ll have a look at some Christmas Day outfit ideas.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...