There is nothing more iconic in the fashion world and nothing more cherished in your closet than an amazing pair of jeans, the jean jacket that’s been in your life since college, the flirty denim pencil skirt that you wear year-round, or your baggy boyfriend jeans that are the Sunday staple. For decades, Americans have embraced denim and brought it into their closets in full stride to be, without fail, the epitome of casual comfort. At Lucky, we recommend looking at old pieces in new ways. Why not add some spice and make denim your go-to for a dressy evening on the town, for a day at the office, or even a cocktail party?
When we asked women on the street, they all had stories and memories to go along with their favorite denim items. These are pieces that you may never get rid of, but perhaps they don’t call out “chic” or sophisticated from the hanger. Don’t be nervous to use denim as a base for some of your most sophisticated looks. With the right styling and a little bit of creativity, you can turn up the dial on old favorites and rework them for new occasions.
Here are some tips for styling some classic denim items:
Jean jacket: If you have a denim jacket that you’ve had for years, chances are that it’s stretched out, boyish, and boxy. Try taking it in and thinking of it in a whole new way. Wear it in place of a blazer or a fitted jacket.
Baggy trouser jeans: It seems that lots of denim favorites are loose-fitting, soft, and casual. These jeans are usually paired with flat sandals, flip-flips, casual boots, etc. Elevate them to new levels by pairing with heels, a skinny belt, and silky feminine layers of lace or velvet for an unexpected look. We are seeing lots of luxurious fabrics for fall — this is a great way to try them out. You will instantly feel more pulled together, and the jeans will transform into beautiful wide-leg trousers.
Denim dress: The ’80s and ’90s was our time to go denim-crazy! Perhaps you have a denim dress that just doesn’t inspire your style these days. Try to mix this with layers to create the illusion of a skirt. If it is a fitted dress, pair it with a blazer and a pretty tie-front blouse. You could even throw a long sweater over top and add a belt to nip in your waist.
Black jeans: Most people have black denim pants in their wardrobe. They are undeniably flattering and go with nearly everything. To take these to a new level, we recommend pairing them with an utterly chic top and unexpectedly sexy pumps — dress the whole look way up.
Denim shorts: Cutoffs, short shorts, Bermudas, you name it — jean shorts are all over the place this season. They are the ultimate casual go-to for hot temps. A great way to make them look more sophisticated is to pair them with a preppy fitted blazer, a bright silky top, and some daring strappy flats. This will pull the look together a bit more.
Light-wash blazer: A laid-back light-wash blazer looks striking over a sparkly blouse for evening — it’s alluringly nipped in but with casually rugged pockets.
Skinny jeans: Add a dreamy peasant top and killer heels to super-skinny jeans for a feminine bohemian look.
Pencil skirt: A denim pencil skirt usually looks best — not to mention, iconic — with a crisp feminine top and understated accessories.
Blue and black: There is nothing wrong with mixing black denim with blue! It comes together to look artsy and creatively stylish. Pair the combo with a classic white top.
Menswear vest: A snug denim vest gives shape to the flowy dresses that we all invested in last summer. Try to pair these together — you will look effortlessly cool.
For Lucky’s complete guide to buying denim online, go to