A White Tee And Ballet Flats

Black-and-cream checked flats bring a little pattern to washed-black jeans. Their bows sit just beyond the hems, with the tops of the feet showing between the denim and the shoes. An eyelet belt adds bright metal around the waist.

The white crewneck has enough room to fall softly above that belt. Take a small section at the front, tuck it behind the jeans' button and ease a little cotton back out. The front rises in a shallow curve, and the sides hang freely. A hip-length tee gives this tuck some fabric to work with. Dark sunglasses and a black bag with a silver chain strap suit the black denim; the narrow chain runs up toward the white sleeve.

Where The Top Meets The Jeans

A loose gray hoodie can cover the waistband completely. Its ribbed hem settles around the hips, continuing the roomy shape into faded-blue jeans. White low-top sneakers carry a little denim across their uppers. A navy-and-white baseball cap brings the white up toward the face.

The ribbed band should hang loosely over the pockets. Release it after pulling the hoodie into place and check where it settles around the hips.

The shorter hoodie carries most of its fullness in the sleeves. Its boxy body finishes near the waistband of very wide blue jeans, leaving a long stretch of denim below. The sleeves bunch around the wrists, and the jeans rest over gray-and-white running shoes. Pale gray beside washed blue gives the generous shapes a soft finish.

For the blue high-rise pair, the cropped black faux-leather jacket and white ribbed top both end above the jeans' button. That puts the waistband itself in view. The jacket has room through the shoulders and sleeves, with its short body sitting high above the loose legs. A small stack of denim rests on black-and-white sneakers.

A gray cardigan can cover the waistband and follow the curve of the waist. Its shaping comes from a cut that narrows through the middle and opens over the upper hips. Worn buttoned over a thin white tee, it fits comfortably with the button band lying smoothly down the front. The fitted knit sits above dark-blue baggy jeans and pointed black flats. A narrow edge of the white tee hangs below the cardigan.

Blue Denim, Navy And Brown Leather

A long navy blazer and medium-blue jeans keep most of an outfit in closely related colors. A dark striped top is tucked into the jeans, with a slim black belt at the waist and rounded black leather shoes below the hems. The open blazer reveals the pale stripes through its front. A small dark scarf tied close to the neck gives the striped top a little of the formality of a tie. Its ends rest inside the lapels, above the visible belt buckle.

For double denim, lay the jacket beside the jeans in daylight. Look at the blue across the broad chest and thigh panels. Similar faded washes sit easily together; pale seams and worn pocket edges can vary across the two pieces.

A brown belt and brown ankle boots bring warmth to the faded blue. The barrel jeans finish near the top of the boot shafts, with their curved legs drawing inward above the leather. A loose denim jacket is fastened through the upper front, its lower panels opening around the belt. The white shirt underneath shows at the collar and is gathered above the waistband. The jacket's longer sides hang down beside the thighs.

Set The Hem With Your Shoes On

A fitted black scoop-neck tank, pale baggy jeans and narrow-strap heels make a simple evening outfit. A black woven clutch adds texture beside the smooth tank, and a fine silver necklace sits inside the neckline. The wide legs hang almost to the floor.

Put the heels on before marking that length. Fasten the jeans at the height you wear them, stand naturally and take a few steps so the denim settles over the shoes. The back hem should clear the ground. At the front, let the fabric meet the sandal's toe strap, leaving the toes in view. Pin the hem at that position and check it standing again.

The same fitting can be done with the shoes from a daytime outfit. Ballet flats suit a hem resting at the top of the foot, where the shape of the shoe stays visible. Sneakers can carry a little fabric over their uppers, forming a soft fold across the laces. Keep the waistband in its usual position during the fitting, and take the chosen shoes along to a tailor.