Jeans & a Nice Top – The dress code in every group chat, but what’s the secret behind the ‘nice top?!’

Me: ‘What are you going to wear?’
Friend: ‘Not sure, probably just jeans & a nice top!’
– Every friendship group, ever.

How many times have your friends said to you, ‘I’m just wearing jeans and a ‘nice top’. It seems to be the unwritten rule that this dress code is used for pretty much all occasions, and it feels like it should be the perfect, easy outfit option. BUT… how many times have you gone to your wardrobe, and not actually had a clue how to put this dress code together?

Have you ever thought your country wardrobe doesn’t quite have the ‘nice top’ you’re looking to pull out, or that you don’t know which style to choose, to complete a well put together look? Well… never fear, CCL has got you covered.

What is this dress code?

This has definitely become a widely known phrase amongst friends, but when breaking down this iconic duo, do you actually know what you are looking for? Probably one of the most versatile styles, suitable for almost every occasion, the jeans and a nice top dress code certainly isn’t going anywhere. So, let’s get comfortable with it.

Let’s start with the easy part … the jeans, as this is the most self-explanatory part of this outfit combination. Typically skinny jeans are featured, but the code is certainly not limited to this. Usually black, blue or white denim will feature. If you reach for your favourite pair of jeans, you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be happy with this part of the dress code, and can move on to the second element.

Now… to the bit every girl ponders over, the ‘nice top’. What is actually classed as a ‘nice top’, where can you find one, how can you work it into your wardrobe, and most importantly, how can you style it with this specific outfit.

The ‘nice top’ is generally considered as a top that is that bit nicer than your general pull out the draw and throw on to run errands top. These tops have a bit of ‘sass’ to them, and will add some elegance to your outfit. Finding the perfect top can be tricky, especially if you don’t know where to look, or what to look for.

Let me introduce to you, my new favourite, the ‘nice top’. I’ve teamed up with Teddy Edward to take the stress away, and bring you the perfect top to meet this dress code accordingly …

The Teddy Edward Poppy – Women’s Notched Neck Ribbed Top

You will have seen Teddy Edward feature in several of my other blogs, I love this brand and the values that they stand for. Their clothing is unique, made in limited quantities and extremely high quality, meaning not only do you get what you pay for, but you won’t be wearing items which everyone else has on!

A super smart, long sleeved top, the Poppy will transform your outfit to a whole new level. Created in 96% cotton and 4% elastane, the stretch material has been designed to hug your figure effortlessly, with its truly flattering shape. The top features a distinctive deep v neck, including wire boning, allowing for an on and off shoulder finish. The Teddy Edward logo is featured on the right hip, adding an additional touch if the top is worn untucked. Designed, sourced and made in the UK.

There are two colour options available, navy and green. Both equally appropriate for the role of a ‘nice top’. Available in sizes 6-16, I did size up by one size in this top, it is a slim fit design. The Poppy top is priced at £49.00.

I’ve fallen as quickly for this top as I do for Country singers. IT IS INCREDIBLE. It really is such a flattering fit, the design is very figure hugging, and contours to your shape. The neckline is beautiful and hold its shape so nicely. Sometimes you just find a piece of clothing that you can put on and instantly feel good in, and this top is 100% one of these pieces.

How to style jeans & a nice top…

So, we have our nice top sorted, now to pair it with our favourite jeans, accessories and footwear to complete the look.

There are a few staples for me with this combination. If you are looking for a drinks/evening meal/night outfit, you can’t go wrong with nude heels. These don’t have to be ultra pricey. I wear heels very occasionally, and my favourite pair are actually just a classic patent pointed toe stiletto from New Look. These would pair with all colours of denim, and a nude heel is always very flattering on the leg.

If you are wearing this look to brunch, a day activity or any other occasion, you may want to consider a boot, either ankle or tall. Matching your accessories to your footwear always helps to create a seamless look. You could look to match your bag and belt, to compliment your footwear.

White Jeans

Did you know I’m a fan? If you are a regular here at the CCL blog, you’ll know I mention white jeans nearly every single blog. I don’t believe they are impractical – you can spill something on any colour, you could also be at risk of ruining any colour clothing – don’t allow the colour white to scare you off.

The Poppy will pair beautifully with white jeans, whether that’s dressed up with some nude heels and teamed with a cream or navy belt, or paired with some boots or loafers and a contrasting belt. White jeans so easily work from day to night, and are certainly not limited to the S/S. This would probably be my go to look. You can throw on a jacket or gilet for the journey if required.

Blue Denim Jeans

I wear this type of jean probably the least – purely because I can’t deal with the fading. I have never found a pair of blue jeans that have really managed to stay nice. I often wear black jeans to work, and it doesn’t matter if I spend £9 or £39, the quality after washing just doesn’t seem to be there. I’ve found the same with darker blue denim jeans, and I am not overly confident in styling light denim. However, these are to a lot of people’s taste, and other people are extremely good at styling them, it’s just a colour that I personally struggle with.

Blue denim, if your favourite style of jeans, can be a great go to for your jeans and a nice top. The Poppy top will look incredibly stylish teamed with your favourite denim jeans. I’ve found one pair of blue denim jeans that I love now, and paired with some nude heels and the Poppy top, this is such a casual and easy, but dressed up denim vibe!

Navy/Black Jeans

The Poppy top comes in both Navy and Green, so there is a colour suitable for both of these staple jean colours. If you’re a fan of the navy jean, then either of the colours of the Poppy top will look fab. Navy jeans can often have a slightly smarter look to them than blue denim jeans, so it depends what sort of look you want to go for, whether it is a bit more of a casual, fun look, or whether you want to dress up the look just a little bit more.

I personally don’t tend to wear black and navy together, however some really like this look. There is certainly no right or wrong answer to this colour duo. I would personally pair black jeans with the Green Poppy top. This will make for a really striking colour combination. When black jeans haven’t faded, they are probably one of my favourite looks, they can look really smart, and they are perfect colour for this time of year with the weather changing.

Coloured Jeans

Some people are a fan of the coloured jean, others are not! I am a huge fan and I believe they can integrate into your wardrobe really well, but also really easily. I have definitely been guilty of overbuying coloured jeans so I do currently have every colour of the rainbow. For me, they are an effortless style, and an easy way to make a bit of a style statement.

For this dress code, a pink or yellow jean would be my go to. I think both of these colours dress up easily whether it’s brunch with the girls, or a dinner and drinks date night. They will pair with that staple nude heel perfectly, or opt for some loafers for a little more casual look.

The Teddy Edward Moleskin Collection

Teddy Edward have a range of 3 different styles of moleskin jean. I created a whole blog around their Chloe High Waisted Jean, which can be found here.

I prefer this style of jean, in general, to a denim jean. If you are looking for an easy alternative to the above denim, it is worth looking into these styles. They wash incredibly well and are ultra flattering. The 3 different designs also means there will be a style and fit to suit you.

You can find the Teddy Edward’s jean collection here.

The jeans and a nice top dress code is so commonly brought up, and feeling confidence in what to wear, when your friends drop this into the chat can be exhausting. There is certainly no need to fear this dress code now. It can be interpreted in the way you see your style, and it has such huge flexibility and versatility. For me, with my Country Wardrobe, the hardest part has always been getting the ‘nice top’ sorted! And now we have that down, we are ready for anything!

Brunch anyone?!

I hope you have found this blog useful, and have enjoyed reading how to style the ‘jeans & a nice top’ dress code.

Lots of blogs are on the way, stay tuned for the next post – I just know how much you’re going to love it!

If you love the Teddy Edward Poppy Top, you can view it on their website, click here.

That’s all for now Darlings,
Speak soon,

Lots of Love, Lucinda xo

‘Elegance is not about being noticed, it is about being remembered’
Giorgio Armani

{Please note: The Poppy top was gifted as part of a collaboration with Teddy Edward. This blog are my own thoughts and opinions, and has not been influenced by the brand. The links included in this blog are not affiliate links. The information in this blog was correct at the time of publishing.}

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