Denim Guide: Trend Navigation
Pursuant to her fit your shape denim guide, Sarah follows up with guidance on how to navigate trends:
“Now that you know what shapes to look for to suit your figure, it’s time for some trend navigation. But you have to know your comfort level. Are you willing to push the envelope, stylistically speaking, or would you rather play it classic? This season, you’re in luck, because the denim world is full of a little something for everyone.
Tried-and-true: You’re going to choose classic shapes such as straight leg, boot cut, or trouser jeans in uniform washes in dark blue or a three-year wash. Skip the whiskering and abrasions. These jeans can take you from casual daytime looks to evening, with a high-heeled boot or sandal, and the trouser jean can even work on a casual Friday, topped with a floral blouse and a nipped-waist blazer.
Traditional/Classic: In terms of cut, you’re most comfortable with straight leg, mid-rise jeans, although you can stray into a boot cut for a little change of pace. Keep the wash on the dark side of blue, without major distressing or fading (this is also very flattering for those with curves or for petites). Add a white pair for summer and a solid black for fall and winter. For daytime, go casual in suede boots and a plaid shirt, or mix with a crisp white shirt and a navy blazer and pop some color with a bright pair of ballet flats. This look will NEVER go out of style. Nighttime outings bring a sleek turtleneck with a belt, high-heeled boots, and a clutch. Available in low, medium, and high-ticket brands.
Chic: You mamas look for a little more style from your denim. You can be found in any shape from a low-rise skinny to a distressed flare, but nothing too radical. The basic boot cut flatters every body shape and goes with any outfit. Washes can include some whiskering and fading, but not so much for anyone concerned about wide hips or thick thighs – you stick with a solid color from waistband to hemline, whether washed black, solid black or tried-and-true blue. Balanced proportions are your key to being in style without it taking over your life. Daytime looks you rely on are empire tops over straight-legs and ballet flats, a belted blouse and a long cardi over charcoal skinnies tucked into flat riding boots, or a wide leg jean with a feminine ruffled blouse. For a night out, you slip into sleek dark trouser jeans (great for the big-bum girl) with a close-fitting cap-sleeve tee and a little shiny jacket with a metallic sandal – this will work for any outing from an intimate cocktail party to a hot date. Some styles are available in the “very affordable” range (see Old Navy), but most range from mid-priced to expensive.
Trendy: You ladies live more adventurously, and have the denim wardrobe to prove it. Your light grey skinny jeans are so slim you need ankle zips to get them over your feet, then you slip them into slouchy boots. Top this with a menswear vest, a long v-neck tee shirt, and an infinity scarf. Or a darling knit tunic mini over denim leggings and stiletto shooties. Maybe on a night out you’ll show up in your abraded Rich & Skinnys and the silk top that gets everyone’s attention, with peep-toe booties. The girls get you; the men just wonder why you look so fantastic. Occasionally you can find a close-to-new-style pair from last season on the sale rack, but you won’t have much luck scoring the season’s “it” jean under $150.
Living on the Edge: There’s not a trick you don’t miss, from the runways to the front rows to the seen-on-the-street daily news flashes. You’ll try anything once, but don’t land anywhere for long. By the time the mass marketers have started selling your look, you’re on to the next big thing. Daytime finds you in shredded, faded boyfriends and a slouchy v-neck sweater over the tough boots you’re seldom without and a shrunken motocross jacket. At night you’ll wear distressed, bleach-spattered cigarette jeans with a sequined tank, cutaway tuxedo jacket, and outrageous strappy black platforms (watch out for cobblestones!) Other moms may not get you, but they can’t argue your savvy grasp of the hottest looks.
If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe try stepping up the ladder a rung this winter – every mom can use a new look once in a while. Or stay true to your current style; just make sure that your denim isn’t as old as your kids. If we’re going to live in our jeans, it’s worth making sure they (and we) look fabulous!”
Image credit: Flirt Trouser Jean from Old Navy