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An interesting incident unfolded at the recent Venice cinema festival: a famous actress arrived wearing jeans. Ordinarily, a film festival red carpet signifies flowing fabrics and sequins, bare shoulders and long gowns. Yet this star opted for midnight premium denim matched with a light patterned shirt and a well-fitted blazer. And, although it's a fact that when you have a world-famous grin, your outfit carries less weight – even so. It marked a moment. A new era of looking smart in jeans has begun.

Most of us feel a bit undecided regarding denim wear. They serve as our go-to option on a weekend day, however when it's time to dress up, we choose different attire. Yet blue jeans, worn right, can escort you to work or a nice restaurant with abundant sophistication. Additionally, many people don't need to worry too much about a glamorous premiere, in the end.

A blazer is to denim like lipstick is to a bare face. The contrast creates an outfit feel purposeful and thoughtful, which projects confidence.

We'll begin by covering fundamentals. If your jeans sag at the joints or drag on the ground, no amount of elegant top skill will save the outfit. Polished trousers are centered on defined shapes, precise cut and a fit that flatters you. The very loose jeans presently ubiquitous these days may appear great dressed up for casual parties. But for a look that reads as semi-formal, a straight leg hits the appropriate sophisticated-leaning tone, and the hem should sit exactly at the top of your loafer. Streamlined trousers are useful because they know how to act appropriately in public. Should tailored denim possessed character, they would be punctual and well-mannered, very Type A. This is why they are your ally here.

The typical mistake we commit when trying to look smart in denim is to attempt to play down the pants. Should you pick dull jeans and mask them with something snazzy on the upper half in the hope that not a soul will see you are wearing denim, you fail to hide the jeans – you appear cobbled together, which is not the idea whatsoever. A classic strap that makes a feature of the jeans is the right choice.

Firm denim has the optimal silhouette, so aim for minimal stretch. The waist needs to be at your midsection – any style low-rise communicates a less formal vibe – and snug but not tight. You'll use a belt regardless (see above, do keep up) and it's not advisable jeans ought to ever be restrictive. You ought to feel secure, but not cramped.

A jacket is to jeans as lipstick is to a clean skin. The combination creates an outfit feel deliberate and thoughtful, which radiates confidence. The contrast of jeans with refined fabric or crepe provides texture and interest. This works paired with a top or tee for day, or something slinkier for dinner. Choose a linked necklace or a minimalist earring rather than a swinging statement earring. It seems more French, know what I mean?

Denim-with-a-chic-top is a enduring with good cause, notably if you are heading out for dinner. Opting for trousers makes putting together an look more straightforward, which is convenient if it's a quick after-work switch. A delicate undershirt below your blazer is a simple go-to that gives you choices: you can keep the jacket on if you are near the exit with a chill breeze, or remove the jacket off if you start to going pink in heated indoor climate.

The perfect footwear sets the tone between relaxed sophistication and running errands. It isn't necessary to wear a heel, even if it can help. A timeless elegant shoe with a denim trouser is eternally chic, but slip-ons, new athletic shoes or ankle boots are all excellent. A flash of bare skin someplace is invariably a pleasant touch, if the temperature allows: a couple of buttons undone on a shirt, or a open-toe shoe if you are wearing a turtleneck pullover.

Occasionally the simple option turns out to be the smart one. And if it's suitable for a film festival, it's good enough for your favorite spot in a local restaurant.