My Top Denim Picks: Styles and Brands I love
Denim is more than a staple in my closet, it’s my ride or die. It’s even in the name of my business. I LIVE in jeans. Always have. I remember when I first saw Guess Jeans. The zippers at the ankles. The small triangle on the back pocket. The colors they came in. OBSESSED. Up until that point, I had only had Lee (didn’t everyone in the 80’s???) and the occasional pair of Levi’s 501s found while second hand shopping. Guess was the first “designer” jean I ever bought. Calvin Klein was also big at that time, but Guess was where it was at for me. In college I was always on the hunt for the most perfectly worn in pair of vintage 501s. I had so many pairs. I even tie dyed a pair with bleach that I LOVED. Fast Forward to years later when designer denim became the norm. Seven for all mankind was the first investment jeans I saved up for, and I had them for YEARS.
The History of Denim
Did you know denim jeans were first made in the United States? They are truly an American style. They were first created by Jacob Davis, owner of Levi Straus for workwear. He added rivets and strong stitching that made them able to withstand day to day labor. In the early 1900’s, jeans became known as western wear due to the hollywood stars like John Wayne wearing them in western movies. Then, in the 50’s they became even more popular with James Dean and Marlon Brando, who gave the jeans a cool, rebel look. During the 60’s and 70’s, women started to wear jeans to support the feminist movement and right to gender equality. And in the 80’s, fashion houses started to take note and added them into their collections. This is when we really saw trends take off and various styles hit the market - Slim, baggy, pegged, ripped, distressed, etc. Today, denim is a standard item in seasonal collections and you can find them in all styles and price points.
My Current Go To Denim Pieces
The following jeans are my most worn, go to pieces. I like each of them because they bring something different whether it’s the color or style. I have quite a few other pairs that fit different needs, but these are in constant rotation and what you will see me in the most.
I love this jean for it’s unique design and fit.
They are Italian denim, perfectly distressed.
I like to dress them up with silky tops and sleek flats or down with tank tops and sneakers.
These are my most worn jeans in my closet at the moment, mostly because of the fit.
I love the twisted seam and wider leg, but they fit close at the waist and hip so your shape isn’t lost in the volume of the jean.
Due the wider leg on these, I tend to wear these with more fitted or cropped tops. The length is long, so I pin them up in the back so I still get the puddle of jean in the front without tripping over them or destroying the hem by dragging on the ground.
This style is polarizing - you either love it or hate it. I LOVE it. I’ve had these for a while now (early adopter!) and are my go for a cropped jean. Perfect for the winter with slush and wet streets and in the summer to show off my sandals.
These also have a wider leg, but with a dramatic bend (aka horseshoe shape) to the leg.
Again, because these have a wider leg, I tend to wear with more close fitting tops/sweaters. I like the black as it’s a washed black, not jet black.
You can’t mess with a classic! Straight leg, button fly, a bit of distressing.
I prefer to find them in second hand stores, so I can get that worn in look and feel. I typically size up as they are cut more for men and I’ve got hips. This means the waist is usually a bit big, but I wear them slouched down on my hips so it work for me.
I also like to cut them at the hem and make them a bit cropped.
Anything, and I mean anything, goes with 501’s. Dressy tops. TShirts. Blazers or Sweaters. You can’t go wrong as they go with everything.
Denim I’m Currently Coveting
I don’t think I’m never not looking at jeans or denim when I shop. Below are a few items I’ve been watching for a while now and often put in my cart but haven’t purchased yet.
Nili Lotan Shon Jeans in Classic Wash - I have this style cotton trousers and LOVE them. Very comfortable and stylish.
Tibi Jumpsuit - can one ever have too many jumpsuits or overalls? I think not. This pair of overalls are coming out this fall and I love the color and style. They aren’t like traditional overalls, which is why I think I like them.
Rag and Bone Cotton Terry Jeans - Sweatpants that look like denim? YES. Who doesn’t want the comfort of sweatpants that look like jeans? Obsessed.
Sezane Le Crop in Denim Blue - I’ve been on the hunt for a cropped wide leg and hope these are the ones!
So there you have it. My round up of denim favorites. Each fit a need in my closet and allow me to express my style. What are your favorite brands or styles? Do you have any that I’ve shared? Do Tell!
