Denim Update: 3 Styles I’m Wearing On Repeat

denim styled two ways

 

Above, I’ve styled jeans and an easy white blouse two ways: on the left for a casual Saturday farmers’ market run, and on the right for Sunday brunch with friends.

Thanks to Nordstrom for their sponsorship of this post. All ideas and opinions are my own.

I may occasionally step out in other types of pants but I ultimately keep coming back home to my jeans. I know that some don’t get the attraction, but if there’s a clothing version of a “soulmate,” jeans would be mine.

Why? They’re versatile, and never feel fussy or overdone. They’re at home with a pair of heels or sneakers. There’s a wash or style that suits any mood. They’re iconic and modern at the same time. Jeans and a simple top can be a fabulous “blank slate” for using accessories to create a look.

Updated Denim

While denim is a fashion perennial, shapes, cuts and washes will shift over time. I don’t chase every trend, but as with the rest of my wardrobe, I want jeans that look modern and current. Sometimes it takes my eye a while to adjust; it was that way with both skinnies and boyfriend styles. This season I’m rotating between three different styles: slim leg, boyfriend and released hems.

Slim Leg

Sometimes referred to as “cigarette” or “stovepipe” legs, this style is not quite as form-fitting as a true skinny jean, nor as narrow or tapered at the ankle. I find this cut is often the most flattering and easy to style. They work particularly well with tunics or higher-volume tops. I prefer the length just at the top of the ankle bone, but some may prefer longer or shorter. A few slim leg options:

Boyfriend

Some boyfriend styles are cropped and/or cuffed, some are ankle length. I prefer styles that are cut a little slimmer and have the option to cuff or not. Boyfriend jeans will generally have a more worn-in look, and may or may not be distressed. I love the look of pairing mildly distressed jeans with more refined pieces. Fuller styles will look more balanced with fitted tops, but you can also try a half-tuck with looser tops.

Raw Hem/Released Hem

This seems to be “the” denim trend of 2017. It’s a subtler way to incorporate some distressing, and there are options in just about every leg shape from slim to bootcut. As with distressed styles, I like to mix up with more refined pieces like heels and a softly structured jacket.

Nordstrom is my first stop when shopping for denim. They carry a wide range of brands and sizes. Their website allows you to search by brand, leg style, rise, wash and size, plus a few other criteria. They always include the inseam measurements which I find particularly helpful. Shipping and returns are always free.

What styles of denim do you wear most often?

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11 Comments

  1. I love your blog…jeans are my favorite too! I’m most “myself” when wearing them….you have great combinations – thanks for sharing!

  2. I have a pair of cropped white jeans that have a little flare at the bottom. For some reason, the silhouette works for me.
    When the heat sets in I give up on jeans in favor of looser cuts with lighter-weight fabric.
    That colorful tote you show is so pretty!

  3. I like a trouser cut. It’s good for work or church, professional with the color and comfort of denim.

  4. I love jeans! My favorite style would have to be slim leg. I have 2 pairs of NYDJ Alina jeans, one in a dark wash and another in the blue you feature here.

    I also like Boyfriend jeans, especially in white. Somehow the roomier cut with white looks a little bit more refined to me.

    I don’t own any distressed jeans because I thought that, at my age, they looked sloppy. Then a friend of mine shows me some photos of her very fashionable and stylish older friend wearing them with a Channel type tweed jacket and I changed my mind instantly.

  5. I think we have the same soulmate. Seriously, jeans are my go to. I don’t wear dresses very well.

  6. Were we supposed to see pics of your in two takes on jeans? Oh well… I’m 67 and plan to be a jeans gal to the end! Dressed up or casual, they are such a comfy neutral base for a myriad of days’ events–slim, straight, distressed or dark-washed. I’ve a dozen pairs! Oddly, none of my friends wear jeans, and I’m often unsure if they are looking at me askance or with envy, but who cares!

    1. Hi Missi, not in this post, but I’ll have some fresh outfit posts with jeans over the next few days. Keep rocking those jeans!

  7. The last 8 years or so, my work has been with companies that are definitely on the dressy casual side and jeans are the foundation of everyone’s wardrobe. One day, wearing a jacket and low heels with my jeans, someone asked why I was so “dressed up.” So, your posts have always been right on track for my life style. I bought the Current/Elliot Straight Crop released hem about 2 years ago and they are so comfortable and versatile.

    Thanks again for another great post and keeping my Nordstrom card working. 😉

  8. My vote is for the Anthropologie jeans you wore at Lake Como. With those black boots you looked about 6 feet tall.

    1. Thanks! Those are in both the Slim and Released Hem categories and are my current fave! 🙂 You’ll see them in some more outfit posts soon.