The Best Jeans to Wear With Going-Out Tops? Anything Other Than This Style Is a Mistake

By Swedan MargenFebruary 6, 2026

Going-out tops are one of the trickier pieces to style in the world of fashion, not because there aren't cool options, but because, if styled incorrectly, they can easily look cheap, or, at least, not super chic. It's hard to get them right, but there is one easy trick to mastering the shirt genre, and you probably already own everything you need to introduce it into your weekend wardrobe. To tone down a going-out top, all you have to do is pair it with high-waisted jeans, preferably in a timeless fit, like straight-leg, fitted cigarette, or subtle bootcut. Denim immediately makes any going-out top, even the not-so-tame ones, feel approachable and effortless.

For inspiration, look to Daisy Edgar-Jones, whose personal style screams nonchalant and cool. Earlier this week, the Normal People actress posted a slideshow from a shoot she worked on for Estée Lauder alongside models Carolyn Murphy and Imaan Hammam. For it, Edgar-Jones was styled by Dani Michelle, who proved the effectiveness of the aforementioned going-out-top theory, putting her client in a pair of high-waisted, slightly cropped jeans and a vintage Dior romantic, black going-out top, sourced from REALLIST. She accessorized with mostly vintage pieces, including a Prada clasp bag and Manolo Blahnik slingback heels, both sourced from the Vintage Marché.

Daisy Edgar-Jones wearing a black going-out top with high-waisted jeans and a black vintage clasp bag on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

On Daisy Edgar-Jones: Vintage Dior top; Fleur du Mal top; Vintage Prada bag; vintage Manolo Blahnik heels

Styled by: Dani Michelle

Her top could so easily steer too dressed up for a casual event, but by pairing it with jeans, especially high-waisted ones sans distressing or embellishments, kept her whole ensemble feeling low-key, yet still put-together and elegant. This outfit hack has been a long-standing solution for fashion girls, especially in Los Angeles, where Edgar-Jones' campaign was shot. In New York City, maybe she would have worn the top with a pencil skirt or low-rise tailored trousers, but in L.A., a more easy-going, laidback feel is preferred.

Keep scrolling to recreate Edgar-Jones' denim look.