Denim is a blank canvas that can be worn in nearly every life situation. We'll show you a range of styles that will get you through summer and beyond.
DENIM FOR WORK
Trouser jeans are really the most appropriate for work because they look, well, like trousers. This season, a lighter blue is a popular color and the denim itself is light in weight so you can wear it now. Look for a leg that fits the widest part of you and falls straight down from there. If you are over 5'4'', a trouser jean with a cuff is perfectly acceptable. We've styled this jean with a sleeveless tie blouse (a big trend for fall) but added a lightweight tweed jacket for work. The trick to making denim ok for the office is treating it as though you would a pant or skirt!
Blazer: Jones New York, 6pm.com, $56.70 Jewel Neck Trimmed Jacket, www.6pm.com
Top: Jones New York, at Macy's stores, $84. Silk top, Hickory Mu; call 1-800-343-0121
Jeans: Banana Republic, $89.50, in stores and at www.bananarepublic.com
Handbag: Aldo, $45, in stores and at www.aldoshoes.com
Shoes: Aldo Falge cognac oxford, $100
Earrings: Simply Vera Vera Wang, $14 in Kohls stores and at www.kohls.com
Necklace: Yosca, $85, LALongbrass chain necklace with vintage glass stone pendant; call (212) 302-4349
Bracelet: Yosca, $85, SQBrass hinge bracelet; call (212) 302-4349
Bracelet: Yosca, $70, thin brass cuff; call (212) 302-4349
Bracelet: Yosca $80, BDBrass chain bracelet; call (212) 302-4349
SKINNY FOR THE NOT-SO-SKINNY
Skinny jeans aren't going anywhere. And while I still don't recommend them for the very bottom heavy, I get a lot of questions regarding how to find a good pair if you are slightly bigger on the bottom but still want to participate in the trend. The key is the weight and stretch: You want a jean that is heavy enough to have structure (real shape to it) and has enough stretch to hold you in without creating ripples. Balance it by adding a top in a brighter color that adds some volume to the shoulder and defines a higher waist.
Top: H&M, $24.95, green print top with ruffle sleeve; find stores at www.hm.com
Jeans: Sold Design Lab, $98, Spring Street Skinny at www.solddesignlab.com
Handbag: H&M, $34.95, taupe leather tote at select stores
Shoes: Impo, $49.95, TIPPER in fuschia/coffee at select DSW stores and www.dsw.com
Earrings: RJ Graziano, $65, rose gold cage earring; call (212) 685-1248
Scarf: Poppie Jones, $19.95, giraffe print; call (212) 674-2146 or go to www.dsw.com
Bracelet: RJ Graziano, $38, rose gold and white, set of 4; call (212) 685-1248
Bangle: Esprit, $29.50, Natural Touch bracelet at Esprit Stores or www.esprit.com
Bangle: Yosca, $70, OBBrass weave bangle; call (212) 302-4349
DENIM FOR EVENING
Black jeans never go out of style and they are a great basic to dress up. High-waisted flares are back, thanks to the 70's trend, yet are easy to translate into a wearable look. Dress them up by adding a sparkly top and some great jewelry. If you carry your weight in your middle and are concerned about showing a little bulge, try a brand that features a slimming tummy panel to ensure the "lock and load" effect.
Top: INC, $59.50, sequin tank at Macy;s; call 1.800.343.0121
Cardigan: Calvin Klein, $69, printed jersey cardigan at Lord & Taylor New York 1.800.348.6940 or www.lordandtaylor.com
Clutch: Aldo, $35 Vignola white snakeskin clutch in select Aldo stores
Jeans: Not Your Daughter's Jeans, $35.40, Courtney black bootcut at www.6pm.com
Earrings: Simply Vera Vera Wang, $18, crystal and hematite (Baguette Collection), in Kohl's stores and www.kohls.com
Necklace: Ann Taylor, $68, gold and pearl chain in stores and www.anntaylor.com
Bangles: Aldo, $18, oriette gold and stone bangles at select Aldo stores
Ring: Swarovkski Crystallized, $90, Tom Shot Titanic Ring, at www.swarovski-crystallized.com
COLORED JEANS
Pink, red, green, blue-colored jeans are everywhere and part of the color-blocking craze. For real life, take down the rest of the outfit with some simple, neutral separates that reflect a classic and tailored silhouette. If you feel comfortable, go a step further and accent your look with a brightly colored clutch, statement necklace or heels but if you prefer keep it simple and stick with a flat shoe!
Blazer: Boden, $98, jersey, at www.bodenUSA.com
Top: H&M, $5.95, white tank in stores and www.hm.com
Jeans: Zara, $35.90, TRF core denim hot pink, at select Zara stores
Handbag: Luciana Verde, $99, blue fold-over hand bag at Loehmann's; call (212) 352-0856
Shoes: Nine West, $23.60, Makaia in silver, at www.ninewest.com
Earrings: Objets d'Envy, $68, Boulette style at www.objetsdenvy.com
Necklace: Ann Taylor, $68, long gold chain necklace with turquoise and crystal, in stores or at www.anntaylor.com
Necklace: Ann Taylor, $88, long silver multi-chain necklace in stores or at www.anntaylor.com
Ring: nOir, $98, cubic zirconia stones with solid brass plates, at www.noirjewelry.com