By Gretta Monahan
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, we’re all obsessed with our denim—not just this season. Every season. Because jeans transcend seasons. It’s ever present in our wardrobes. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t get new some life every now and then, along with the weather, ever-changing trends from the runway, and your own styling ideas.
With jeans, though, there are plenty of things to consider. There is no one shape or cut that works for everyone; what works depends on your body type (i.e., what style, brand cuts and proportions flatter you), plus the all-important question of what shoe and top to style it with. For fall, based on which kind of denim cuts you lean toward, that could mean many things.
As a stylist, my relationship with denim has had its ups and downs. On the one hand, I’m absolutely drawn to the casual attitude/vibe that denim instantly inserts into the perfect work-to-weekend wardrobe. On the other, I’ve had to work extra hard to find denim that feels comfortable and is figure flattering and on-trend. What’s more, working with female clients in my store, on TV and on the red carpet, I’ve learned that many of them feel exactly the same way when they go shopping for denim themselves.
So here are some basic denim guidelines for fall’s biggest of-the-moment trends:
- Flare leg: The ’70s have hit hard on the denim front these last two runway seasons, and they’re all about proportions. To me, someone doing it at the top of her game right now is Stella McCartney. Pair designs like hers with everything from high platform wedges (which you can safely wear until the end of September) or booties. Just make sure your shirt is fitted or cropped, or the silhouette will get baggy and overwhelming.
- Frayed hem: Fringe is a huge trend in every area of fashion right now. From designer to mass market, accessories to outerwear, it’s a detail that’s impossible to overlook. So of course, denim has gotten in on the act, too. The part I love best about this trend is that it can be D.I.Y. Feel free to rip, hand-cut and shred your favorite, best-fitting jeans at home, and you’ll look like you just walked off the pages of a magazine.
- Skinny jeans: This season the skinny is updated with low stretch and a “narrow” leg that is modern and a perfect choice for those who refuse to go wide. Right now you’ll see a huge variety of hems and denim weights in this ankle-length (thank you). You’ll find some in an extra long length that pools around the ankles, with roll-up hems, zipper backs, fabric fades and matte color rinses, as well. The most important thing to remember is to always try it on, experiment and see which option(s) works best for you.
Which brings me back to my biggest point: Everyone’s body is different. These ideas are just that: basic guidelines. When it comes to being comfortable in what you’re wearing — especially jeans, which can be tricky to fit and make you feel your most comfy self in — you have got to try them on. Feel your reaction to them physically: do you like moving in them, and like how you look in the mirror from all angles? If the answer’s no, take ’em off, and move on to the next pair that will make you look and feel like a million bucks.
