Wearing jeans to work isn't a terrible idea. They can quietly undermine your authority if you overlook these details, an expert says.

"Research by Jose Cortina, a professor of management and entrepreneurship at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business, shows that when employees manage their clothing at work, they are perceived more positively by others. What you wear can also affect how people view your competence and professionalism."

"For Jane Herman, a Los Angeles-based denim whisperer and founder of the denim brand The Only Jane, the answer is yes, but only if you nail the difference between dressing too casually and dressing with intention. If you sport something a bit too casual and distressed, it can read sloppy; if it's on trend, it might make you feel out of place."

"If you work in a more corporate business, where there's maybe a dress code and an expectation, and it's not a place where style is, you know, the job, then you have to ask if it's appropriate at all."

Denim has become increasingly acceptable in workplace dress codes, particularly post-pandemic, but selecting appropriate work jeans requires careful consideration. The distinction between casual and intentional dressing is crucial—overly distressed or trendy denim can appear unprofessional, while well-chosen pieces convey competence. Research demonstrates that employees who manage their clothing strategically are perceived more positively and viewed as more competent. Success depends on understanding individual company culture and expectations. Corporate environments with formal dress codes may not accommodate denim at all, while creative industries offer more flexibility. Employees must balance personal style with professional appropriateness.

Read at Business Insider