NEW YORK (AP) -- Denim is the original workwear fabric.
But can you can really wear denim to work?According to research by Levi Strauss & Co., 90 percent of the office workers in the United States can wear whatever they like to work, at least occasionally. This figure represents a 43 percent increase from three years ago. This boom in corporate casualwear means more options for dressed-down work attire, including denim.
Once relegated to weekend or after-work wardrobes, denim has now joined the ranks of khakis as acceptable work clothing in a number of corporate offices. But before you hang up your suit and reach for your favorite pair of jeans, remember there is a right way and a wrong way to wear denim at work.
"Jeans are only part of the whole ensemble," said Jeff Stone, creator of Chic Simple, which maintains an Internet site with style advice to consumers.
"If you're pulled together and wear dark denim jeans with a merino wool sweater and nice shoes, it can be a great look," he said. "Just don't wear them with a logo T-shirt and tennis shoes."
Carla Slocum, vice-president of design for Lizwear at Liz Claiborne, said that in most business environments, jeans are "absolutely appropriate" for a professional on a casual Friday when mixed with sportswear tops, a blazer or a sweater twinset.
For fall-holiday 1999, Liz Claiborne is expanding its denim offering in basic and sport lines to include new relaxed fit jeans in traditional washes as an option for the office.
The following are a few simple rules to consider before you slip on a pair of blue jeans for work:
--Vintage denim may be trendy, but old, worn jeans aren't appropriate for work.
--Dark indigo or black jeans are easy to dress up for a more sophisticated look. "The rule of thumb is to choose jeans that are as new and dark as possible," Stone said. Lighter indigo denim is an option, as long as you avoid acid wash.
--Don't ever wear tight jeans to work. Stick to classic, relaxed silhouettes.
--Paired with khakis or dress slacks, a denim shirt is a stylish, comfortable option to a dress shirt.
--Accessorizing is one of the best ways to dress up denim. Try complementing a denim shirt or jeans with a scarf, vest, tie or leather belt.
--Shoes are the anchor for many ensembles, including jeanswear. You might pair jeans with tennis shoes on the weekends, but for the office, stick to dressier footwear like loafers, oxfords and ankle-high boots.