I’m a Fashion Editor Who Lives in Jeans and Trust Me, These 7 Denim Outfit Formulas Work Every Time

There are many times when I wonder what occasions winter jeans outfits won’t work for in 2025, aside from the obvious, really special events. Even for work, dinner dates and parties, you can really level-up denim to make it feel refined. Maybe I’m biased—after all, I do consider myself somewhat of a jeans connoisseur (in that I live in them most of the year). This being said, I understand why some may find them difficult to elevate. As an item often referenced as a casual piece, it can be hard to work out how you can transform a very casual, maybe even a little grungy, pair of jeans into a chic winter outfit. With so many styles, shapes and washes to choose from, I too have fallen into the trap of choosing the wrong pair and have encountered a mild fashion disaster. Instantly, the effortlessly cool Olsen polish and Zoë Kravitz-esque finish I was hoping for ends up a touch dishevelled and ill-fitting.

However, when the weather cools, I’ve found that the perfect pair of jeans can carry an outfit. Need to keep warm and bundle fleece-lined leggings underneath? Personally, I’ve found that a loose-fitting baggy jean or a structured barrel-leg silhouette works perfectly. Or perhaps you’ve just invested (like Jennifer Lawrence) in a Róhe winter coat, a statement in itself, which you want to let shine? Then you’ll find a 2010s-coded skinny or straight leg will provide the right amount of polish whilst letting your coat do all the talking.

To tackle these instances, I sought help from the plethora of fashionable people on my social feeds, and I was surprised to find that the answer is simple. At times, it was the shade or silhouette; other times, it was a pesky missing accessory. Through years of testing, I’ve landed on several fail-safe ways to make my winter jeans outfits feel effortless without looking overly try-hard.

So, if you’re looking for a way to spruce up your rotation, or just browsing for some outfit inspiration, scroll to discover the seven best winter jeans outfits worth re-creating in winter 2025.

The Best Winter Jeans Outfits of 2025, Perfect to Re-Create This Season

1. Peacoat + Jeans + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: If there's one thing I love, it's a transitional piece that incorporates popular shapes with a timeless je nais sa quoi, so when I stumbled across this jeans outfit, I knew it was worth telling you about. With a funnel-neck design, Tia Dewitts' peacoat lends her jeans an elevated polish. Along with her Maison Margiela Tabi shoes, which add a cool-girl edge, this outfit is easy yet so stylish.

Shop the Look:

2. Trench Coat + Jeans + Checked Scarf

Style Notes: A popular misconception is that white jeans should be saved for summertime. Well, I’m here to prove that couldn’t be further from the truth. Paired with a tan trench, the colour feels impactful. For a current finish, tie a checked scarf around your waist, and extra points if it matches your trench's checked lining!

Shop the Look:

3. Shearling-Trimmed Jacket + Jeans + Boots

Style Notes: Now, bootcut jeans aren’t just nostalgic; in winter 2025, they’re practical too. Paired with a maximalist shearling jacket and timeless square-toe boots, they not only impart an elongating polish but also feel particularly on-trend, tapping into the carefree boho spirit we’re loving lately. Finish with a practical midsize bag and a compact umbrella for an easy transitional ensemble.

Shop the Look:

4. Trench Coat + Striped T-shirt + Jeans

Style Notes: When working jeans into your capsule wardrobe, don’t be afraid to play with colour. Black and blue shades will always be timeless; however, the cry for a new neutral has seen shades grey, taupe and olive-green soar in popularity. To make these shades pop, keep the rest of your palette similar; even the stripe in your Breton tee can make a look seem considered.

Shop the Look:

5. Leather Jacket + Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: If in doubt, go back to basics. And what can be simpler than straight-leg jeans and a cosy knit? The perfect base, add a structured leather jacket for a more premium finish and tie the look together with leather loafers for a polished look.

Shop the Look:

5. Fleece + Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: Choosing dark-wash or grey jeans and styling them with a fleece, striped accessories and bold colour is the exact way fashion people are making their jeans outfits work for them in winter 2025. Polish the look with a pair of leather loafers and a trending suede bag.

Shop the Look:

6. Scarf Coat + Jeans + Snake-Print Boots

Style Notes: Scarf coats never go out of style, but after falling quiet for some time, over the past few years, there are now more iterations than ever to choose from. Practical and elevated, make your jeans outfit winter 2025-coded by opting for a playful blush-pink shade. I was pleasantly surprised to see it elevate ever-popular snake-print boots!

Shop the Look: