Shopping Denim: Trendy, Trashy or Timeless?
Your Go-To Denim Report
I always think of jeans as a white couch. It's a basic item that can be dressed up or down depending on what's worn with them.
— Sherrie Mathieson, author of "Forever Cool" and "Steal This Style."
Every autumn, new denim trends flood department stores, online shopping outlets and any mall stores that know what's good for them. But sifting through all those denim products -- along with your current arsenal -- can make you wonder if you should re-up on a new pair of jeans and, if you do, what styles are worth the investment.
"I always think of jeans as a white couch," said Sherrie Mathieson, a style consultant and author of "Forever Cool" and "Steal This Style." "It's a basic item that can be dressed up or down depending on what's worn with them."
Before handing your plastic over to cashier, wise up on what denim goods are forever in vogue, which trends are worth investing in and which fads don't deserve your cash.
Trendy
The term "trendy" brings negative and positive connotations. On one hand, being trendy demonstrates just how schooled you are in all the hottest fashion do's and don'ts. Conversely, staying hip to the trends can cost you major moolah and can be an exhausting exercise. The key to a merry medium? Do what makes you happy, and wear what makes you look good.
"Denim is really what works for your style. Have fun with it, and mix it up to make different looks depending on the season and your mood," said Mark Levy, president of Vanilla Star jeans and industry veteran. "There are so many options and fun ways to wear (denim)."
With that said, there are some current denim trends that are less fleeting than others.
For example, the skinny boot cut will likely remain in style for several seasons. It's essentially a skinny jean with a wider leg opening that gives the appearance of a "baby" boot.
"This is the perfect piece to have for those who feel faithful to the skinny jean, but have a taste for this '70s flare trend that seems to be catching up to us," said Melissa Santos, head designer for NYC's Reco Jeans, which promotes recycling in denim and cotton as part of its culture.
Levy agrees, saying the skinny boot cut is fresh, sexy and flattering to all figures. Because it's a modernized take on a skinny jean, which is always classic, this trend won't be short-lived. As always, skip the embellishments to up the life span.
Another trendy denim item worth whipping the pocketbook out for is a nonembellished, wider pant leg jean in an even-toned dark navy. Mathieson said this pant has chameleon appeal and blends appropriately into workspace, cocktail hour or casual weekend environments.
Trashy
"Project Runway's" Heidi Klum says it best: "One day you're in and the next day, you're out." That idea holds true for most things in the style world and denim apparel is no exception. One season your favorite ripped up, jewel-embellished jeans are all the rage. By the time the next flood of runway shows ends, those same jeans have found a permanent home in the murky depths of your closet.
Basically, you want to avoid jeans that are overly ornamented with sequins, gems, paint or patterns. You also want to avoid denim sporting a ripped or torn effect. That is often inappropriate to wear, anyway.
"The ultra torn jean, the animal print jean and the rhinestone embellished jean always have --and always will -- look trashy," Mathieson said. "Also avoid any jean that is too shiny or stretched too tight, as it never flatters even the thinnest body."
Levy added that hot pants, sometimes appropriately referred to as "butt crack jeans," are never a fashion do. Say, "thanks, but no thanks," to any jean with a 1-inch or smaller inseam and to any denim apparel that doesn't leave much to the imagination.
As for colored denim, it's a tricky fad that may or may not work for you. White is always classic, but jeans in other bold hues may quickly lose their appeal. While some experts say, "Go for it!," others warn of its transient life span. If you find a cheap pair of denim jeans that looks good, give it a go. Otherwise, it may be best to skip on this trend, too.
Sarah Shirley, a fashion stylist who's been featured in magazines such as "Harper's Bazaar," and "InStyle," offers this piece of advice: "Any jeans with a $300 price tag that are too trendy to wear every day are worth skipping."
Timeless
Denim is nothing if not timeless. Some trends around it may come and go, but every woman should own a few denim staples that can be heavily rotated.
"A classic denim wardrobe includes a classic, dark denim straight leg you can dress up with a fancy blouse and wear to a work lunch, white jeans for all seasons and black jeans that can go from day to night," Shirley said.
Another must-own denim item is a clean and simple boot-cut jean in a classic navy.
"It's super flattering and leg-lengthening on every body type," Mathieson said.
Also invest in a basic denim jacket that's tailored and fits your body well. It'll always be timeless, but you can bring it up to trend with in-style accessories and apparel.
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