A friend invited me over for dinner recently, and when I walked in, the first thing I noticed were the ripped jeans she was wearing over black leggings. “OMG, I LOVE your jeans,” I said. (We’ve known each other since high school and often revert back to talking the exact way we did back then.) “OMG, thank you! Cole makes fun of me for wearing two pairs of pants.” “Babe, you’re wearing two pairs of pants,” her husband chimed in. “It’s a little ridiculous.”
Black Leggings Under Ripped Jeans: Stay Warm + Look Cute
I mean, maybe ridiculous to some, but…downright genius to others?? Layering leggings (or lace tights!) underneath my jeans is my little trick to wearing distressed denim all year long.
jeans | leggings | boots | similar coat | similar scarf
The Best Leggings + Jeans To Layer for Cold Weather Outfits
Best Leggings To Wear Under Most Jeans: These leggings are perfect for layering under jeans because they’re super thin. I have them in black as an easy neutral.
Best Slouchy Jeans To Wear With Leggings: I find that styles like mom jeans or straight-leg jeans work best, like these High Rise Mom Jeans from Abercrombie. No way I’m getting leggings on under super-skinny jeans.
Best Lacy Tights To Wear Under Your Most-Distressed Jeans: These lace tights from Nordstrom add a sexy vibe and work like a charm.
jeans | leggings | boots | similar coat | similar scarf
My favorite jeans have always been at least slightly distressed, if not completely full of holes. And come winter in Upper Michigan, it gets cold. Real cold. Like can’t-have-any-exposed-skin-at-all kind of cold. So I either have to wait for spring to rock my favorite pairs, or come up with ways to warm them up. Like…wearing them over leggings (thanks, Emily!) or even lacy tights.
jeans | leggings | boots | similar coat | similar scarf
One thing I love about the baggier jean trend is that there’s extra room for layers underneath – which really helps in the frigid temps. There’s no way I’m fitting leggings underneath super skinny jeans, but the looser styles allow for layers without making me feel like a stuffed sausage.
Dressing Up In Winter: Just Add Lace Tights
jeans | tights | similar sweater
When I want to dress up a bit more, I swap the leggings for lace tights. They keep any exposed skin covered and add a bit of a fun sexy vibe. Perfect for winter date night outfits.
I can wear them under jeans that are a bit tighter (like these PAIGE jeans) without worrying about them adding extra bulk. (And as a bit of a plus, the control top kind of keeps everything tight.)
Shop More Lace Tights To Wear Under Distressed Jeans
jeans | tights | similar sweater
This trick works with even the holiest (um…most distressed?) pair of jeans I own. I used to have to put these away for the winter, but now I just throw on my tights and I’m good to go.
similar jeans | tights | blazer | bodysuit | belt | bag | boots
Side note, this blazer from J.Crew has been one of my (and Laura’s!) favorites for years. The fit is absolute perfection and the added stretch makes it really comfortable to wear. It comes in classic, petite, and tall sizes as well as navy and grey colors.
Oh, and my belt, gold clutch bag, and Free People bodysuit are all part of Saks’ 20% off $250 sale (use promo code FORYOU)! A gold clutch and sparkly belt are easy ways to dress up a simple outfit, and this deep-v bodysuit is so good I have it in two different colors (see the ivory here).
similar jeans | tights | blazer | bodysuit | belt | bag | boots
Cheers to wearing what you love year-round!
XOXO,
Scotti
Photo Credit: Daniele Carol Photography
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