We've done all the work, these are the must-have black jeans to elevate any smart casual outfit

Stylish and functional, what's not to love?

If there's one guarantee in this life, it's that you will catch me in a pair of jeans 99% of the time. Comfortable, chic, and easy to style, my love for jeans stems from their versatility.

Coming in different hues, washes, and silhouettes, I take some serious pride in finding the best jeans to invest in. As a shopping expert, I've lost count of the amount of denim I have tried on over the years; from high-street to luxury, there are some truly invaluable options out there. Exceeding denim trends and focusing on key styles that become true wardrobe heroes is a great strategy for investing in a great pair of denim.

This season, for me, has been all about black jeans. Known for its timeless allure and easy-to-style colourway, the humble pair of denim is a sister to classic blue jeans while offering the smart feel of a trouser.

A great staple to invest in during party season, black jeans can be styled with a cosy cashmere knit and a chic coat for every day or with a sleek top and a leather jacket for an evening event. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this wardrobe basic.

Below, we have curated our ultimate edit of the best black jeans to invest in now and style forever.

Do black jeans fade?

In short, yes, black jeans can fade. However, there are plenty of tips out there to prevent this from happening. From turning your jeans inside out when placing them in the washer to making sure you don't mix any lighter colours that could brush against the jeans during the washing cycle, and most importantly, making sure they don't go in the dryer to ensure no pieces of lint come in contact with them.

I know washing your jeans constantly can be tempting, but take a tip from one of our favourite denim experts, ELV's Ana Foster, and carefully steam your jeans as an effective way to spruce them up between washes or as a wash method itself (no judgements here).

Are black jeans semi formal?

Black jeans are definitely a great way to add denim into your wardrobe if you're looking for a smarter alternative. Although not considered a traditionally smart piece, there are definitely ways to elevate them by styling them with sophisticated staples like a longline blazer and kitten heels to create the chicest smart casual look.

Shop the best black jeans

How to style black jeans?

A versatile pair of denim, opt for a monochromatic look this holiday season for the perfect smart casual look. Style black jeans with a mock neck jumper, a leather blazer and ankle boots. Expert tip: add a leather brown bag for some extra texture; gone are the days when it was believed black and brown didn't match.

influencer wearing black jeans

(Image credit: @juliasokele)
Sofia Piza
Fashion Writer

Sofia Piza is the Fashion Writer at Marie Claire UK. 

Sofia Piza is a Fashion Writer with experience working across runway trends, shopping picks, creative production, and celebrity fashion news. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia decided to settle in London after spending four years at the London College of Fashion, studying Fashion Journalism. When she's not sourcing inspiration from social media, you will most certainly find Sofia anywhere from a local vintage market to busy central London streets people watching - the possibilities are endless.