A lot has happened in the world since Brooke Shields declared that nothing would come between her and her Calvins. High-quality designer jeans are as trendy as ever, but there’s a wide range of new styles, and fabulous new ways to wear them.
Jeans are always a favorite because they are an easy piece to take from casual to night out: Start with a feminine blouse with ruffles, add ankle booties, an oversized clutch and statement necklace for a night out with the girls, or pair with a long cardigan belted at the waist and ballet flats for a weekend outing.
“This winter, look for denim in lighter washes and medium tones. With more and more skinny silhouettes on the racks, pair the style with the flat riding boot for a complete look,” says Sonya Consentini, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls style expert. The denim legging, or “jegging,” is another similar trend. They have the look of jeans, but the comfort of a legging. They are perfect to match with that tunic you love that’s already in your closet, or a new long t-shirt and bomber jacket.
“It’s still all about the skinny, and our stores have been asked for a slightly higher rise, too,” says Janie Wood, U.S. director of MIH Jeans. The MIH Oslo skinny comes in a five-pocket or with the signature jet front pockets, too. The Paris is a cropped skinny that can be thrown into boots — and for petite customers, means no hemming.
A great base for an outfit
Janie swears by denim as timelessly transitional but reminds us that accessories are key. Switch up your jewelry, change your shoes, or add a great clutch and a fresh shade of lipstick.
Michelle Madhok, editor-in-chief of SheFinds.com and an online shopping expert, says the best jeans this season are some of the most versatile. We are leaving summer’s boyfriend behind for skinny jeans and denim leggings that you can sport with practically all your fall footwear. These slim styles go from day to night and work to play — for our money, a better investment than the pairs we can’t wear to work.
Michelle’s tips for pairing jeans with footwear
Over-the-knee boots
These denim styles are ideal with the season’s hottest shoe trend, the over-the-knee boot. If you’re too timid to wear it with a tiny mini (the way some designers styled it on the runway), tuck in your super-slim denim and top with a chunky cowl-neck sweater or faux fur vest and a long-sleeved everyday tee.
Ballet flats
To make skinny denim office appropriate, pair it with a crisp button-down shirt and pretty ballet flats — also a great option for running errands on the weekend.
Ankle booties
Edge out your denim leggings for a night on the town with a tough pair of ankle booties and a flowy, gossamer tank top. If you prefer skinny jeans, play with proportions by adding a structured-shoulder blouse or blazer over a tank that hits at the hip.
Oxfords
Dark blue or black denim looks very downtown chic with a pair of flat oxfords, a boyfriend cardigan and an infinity scarf.
accessorizing your winter jeans
Kevin Christiana from MYNT 1792 says that certain looks are timeless: A chic white tank with an amazing accessory for the décolletage never goes out of style. And a fur or leather jacket with over-the-knee boots and distressed denim are perfect for the rocker chick.
For an immediate casual business look, a well-tailored menswear jacket or blazer over denim creates an instant “put-together” vibe. Create instant party dazzle with a sequin-cropped bolero. A crisp white oxford-style shirt (like this one from Gap) atop denim is a great pairing, too.
Try not to over-think though. Something as small and super-affordable as cool, funky scarves can really amp up your denim. Find a comfortable that makes you feel and look your sexiest!
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