Quarantine has made us all creatures of comfort. Under stay-at-home orders we’ve retreated to a steady rotation of sweatpants and leggings (read: elastic waistbands only). But despite claims that hard pants are over, there’s one tough textile that we’ll never abandon: denim. If you haven’t come near a pair of jeans in months, allow us to reintroduce you to basic baby blues in not-so-basic ways.
Baggy jeans were a major hit on the runways of Gucci and Saint Laurent. Now they’re finally hitting the stockroom. These new styles aren’t the wide-legs we’ve seen in the past, but rather a hip-slung variation reminiscent of ’90s slacker culture. Cue that Clueless quote—”It looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair–ew–and cover it up with a backwards cap”—but do swoon over this season’s biggest trend.
They say you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day, but we never quite understood why. Consider white denim a palate cleanser for a look that feels so fresh and so clean. The blank slate lends itself well for wearing statement coats and transitions well between seasons.
If you happen to be one of those people who just doesn’t like wearing jeans, give a denim accessory a try. From headwear to footwear, we’re seeing designers utilize the fabric in every imaginable style.
Looking to elevate the typically casual textile? Ditch distressed and opt for Indigo blues this season. Its modern finish will instantly make you look like you’re not just wearing a pair of beat-up jeans.
When you can’t decide between which denim jacket to wear, why not wear both? This layered look is a great way to update the classic jean trucker cut. Just make sure to vary your fabric weights–we suggest a thinner chambray on the inside and an oversized cut on top.
Life is not in balance these days, nor is this burgeoning trend. The off-kilter denim look is for more adventurous dressers, those who aren’t afraid of a thigh-high slash. Style thrill seekers should make note of designer Ksenia Schnaider’s Frankenstein mash-ups, for instance, this combination of a wide-leg and and skinny jean in a single pair of pants.
Who wears short shorts? We all do this fall, especially when you style them with tailored pieces to steer them away from any Laguna Beach associations. Off set the look’s beachy vibes with heavier accessories like a structured bag or heavy, lugged-sole loafers.
Who needs yet another puffer jacket when a denim coat is a rare treat? Designers are testing out winter-ready jean outerwear this season, replacing wool and shearling.
The Texas tux is tripling down this season. To wear head-to-toe denim, break up the look with gold jewelry.
Patchwork has a counterculture reputation typically assigned to the boho set. But thanks to Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs, the quilted look feels more 2020 than 1969. Make it work for today by steering clear of hippie fringe and style your outfit with luxe velvet instead.
Photographer: Allie Holloway Stylist: Tchesmeni Leonard Makeup: Cyler Says Hair: Amy Farid Production: Dani Parker Digital Tech: Timothy Mulcare Photo Assistants: Angela Cholmondeley, Dondre Stuetley Video Team: The Cortizos Models: Molly Constable and Imani at JAG, Ajong at Muse, Dominique Babineaux at Heros, and Yên Nguyen at Vie
