The Backstory
The word “denim” comes from the French term “serge de Nîmes,” a fabric that was actually a was a blend of silk and wool (and invented in the 16th century!). During the gold rush, Levi Strauss (yup, the brains behind Levi’s) created and popularized denim jeans as a durable alternative to other types of pants.
Despite the material’s literal longevity, it’s still amazing that jeans have remained a part of the modern fashion lexicon for three centuries and counting. For a full rundown of the cultural history of denim, from then to now, click here.
The Original Jean
Denim in Pop Culture: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
We’ve seen denim in every possible iteration: from Brooke Shields’ provocative Calvin Klein ad in the ’80s (a turning point for jeans — the first time they were marketed as sexy) to Jessica Simpson’s mom jeans fiasco (a step back, in our humble opinion). To get you in the mood for the new denim trends, here are some of the most memorable denim looks from the last few decades.
“Nothing comes between me and my Calvins.” The tagline that made 15 year-old Brooke Shields an early-blooming sex symbol.
Simpson calls this her lowest point. We consider that debatable.
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake might have made it if they hadn’t ruined their relationship with these matchy-matchy washed-out denim looks at the AMAs in 2001. We still haven’t forgiven Justin for that denim cowboy hat.
Madonna is the mother of reinvention. We’ve seen her in myriad styles of denim. This patched pair suited her during her hippie days (the “Ray of Light” era).
Claudia Schiffer in her iconic/breakout Guess Jeans campaign in the early 90s. Who needs a shirt when you’ve got great jeans?
And Kate Moss, the effortlessly cool queen of denim, rocks a white pair with rock n roll boots and a badass leopard coat.
Spring 2013: Get Ready to Rock
This season, denim has been reimagined in half a dozen ways. From fresh takes on the denim dress to structural denim outerwear and embroidered pieces, there’s something for every level of fashion risk taker.
1. OUTERWEAR
Denim jacket with leather embellishment: Hermes, Spring 2013
Jenna Dewan Tatum goes casual chic in a denim jacket with leather sleeves. Easy and casual with dark trousers and pumped up metallic kicks.
Our Pick: This Rag & Bone Denim Jacket with Leather Sleeves, shoppable on revolveclothing.com ($495).
Style tip: Denim outerwear can give a masculine vibe. If you want to exaggerate that, style your jacket with classic denim and brogues or sneakers. If you want to go more feminine, try dark, skinny jeans or a flirty skirt with platforms or pumps.
2. COATED
Coated denim shirt and pants: Theyskens’ Theory, Spring 2013
Olivia Palermo wears coated black denim with totally unique styling prowess. Fur vest, leopard flats, textured bag: yes, please.
Our Pick: Seven for All Mankind Savannah Skinny in Coated Onyx Glacier, shoppable on revolveclothing.com ($198).
Style tip: Wear these the way you’d wear nice jeans or leather pants. You can dress them up for the office with a tailored shirt and pumps, or take them for a night on the town with a peplum or bustier top and heeled booties.
3. PRINTED
Pastel, floral denim pants: Peter Som, Resort 2013
Alessandra Ambrosio rocks some exotic (and awesome) bead-embellished jeans.
Our Pick: Alice + Olivia Five Pocket Skinny Jean in grey and black, shoppable on revolveclothing.com ($198).
Style tip: With printed denim, the same rules for other printed pieces apply. If you’re mixing prints, either stay in the same size range or color family. When in doubt, pair with a solid top in a complementary color. Depending on length, you can wear these with boots, booties, heels, or flats. Who knew prints were so versatile?
4. DRESS
Denim Dress: Rebecca Taylor, Spring/Summer 2013
Pippa Middleton makes the risky proposition of a denim dress simple and classic with understated cognac accessories.
Our Pick: Current/Elliot Western Dress, shoppable on revolveclothing.com ($230).
Style tip: Take a cue from Pippa here. Her warm-hued, smooth accessories complement the tone and texture of the dress. Your dress has enough going on that you don’t want your accessories competing for attention.
We hope this denim trend update inspires you to take a few fashion risks this season — when it comes down to it, that’s what fashion’s all about.
If you have any questions about how to style a new look (denim or otherwise), or want to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion news and trends, follow us on Twitter @krstylist. Here’s to a fabulously chic 2013!
I’m a big fan of jean button-down collared shirts. The best way to wear them is with rocker accessories or detailing. I have a Gryphon New York one for instance that has silver pyramid stud buttons. The detailing adds variety and interest. In addition, wearing Pyramid stud earrings or other sharp angled edgy accessories (see House of Harlow, Soo Ihn Kim, Maison de Morgana jewelry lines, etc.) will achieve the same look. Pairing the preppiness of the jean button down with the authority of this statement jewelry will make you look effortlessly cool in a strong All-American fashion. It takes the everyday style offered in stores and amplifies it up a level as you incorporate your own unique confident spin on it.
Great tips, Jenny. I love adding edge to denim with rocker accessories!
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