Fashion
How to wear your fave jeans and denim clothes
Fashion
How to wear your fave jeans and denim clothes
Ah, denim. What else is more comforting or more familiar than looking into your closet and seeing those cotton-twill pieces, dipped in indigo and reinforced with rivets? I’ve had a lifelong love affair with the fabric, starting with my Gap 1969 sparkle-wash denim at age eight and continuing to present day with my vintage Levi mom jeans. No matter my profession, I’ll always be a blue-collar girl.
Blue jeans have influenced generations of Canadian culture, and countless books and blog sites have been dedicated to recording the history of denim, how to wear it and legendary celebrities who loved it. Occasionally, it will be a key trend of the season, but generally it’s a classic staple that can find a place in any wardrobe. With a few styling updates, you’ll always be fashionable. Here are our best tips to freshen up your denim favourites.
1. Dress for your body type
It’s important to understand your body type and choose denim washes accordingly. Like black and white, dark-wash denim will help you achieve a slimmer look, while light-wash denim will draw attention to specific areas. Avoid whiskered details and heavy denim around areas you wish to minimize. Invest in a good-quality pair of high-waisted jeans, which will go a long way, especially on days you wish to tuck everything in.
2. Mix tones
Create visually appealing contrast by mixing darker-hued clothing (such as black or burgundy) with light-wash denim, and dark denim with lighter colours (think beige or white).
3. Consider your height
Shorter gals, look for skinny denim or slim-cut boyfriend jeans to avoid looking swathed in too much fabric. If you have a pair of looser boyfriend jeans you’re dying to wear, consider pairing them with heels, a white tee and a slouchy leather jacket for a casual yet chic look.
4. Opt for unconventional denim
An instant way to modernize your denim collection is to stock up on items with unfinished edges, stiffer weaves, subtle dip-dyed accents or patchwork details. It's also fun to try unique cuts, such as the Gap raw-edge drop-shoulder denim coat seen above.
5. Make head-to-toe denim your go-to look
For the ultimate Canadian tuxedo (no longer a cringe-worthy combo!), mix and match denim washes while keeping in mind the tones that best flatter your figure. Add a plaid accessory to the mix and expect to receive the Order of Canada for your patriotism.
6. Look to the past for inspiration
Feeling a little ’70s? Vibe it out with bell-bottoms in a dark wash paired with a boxy short-sleeved denim top in a lighter wash. Top with a floppy hat and you’re good to go.
7. Show off finishing details
Instead of tucking your shirt completely into your waistband, tuck in only one of your shirttails at the front, allowing you to show off any interesting waist detailing or a cool belt with a statement buckle. Add extra visual interest by letting the cuffs of your jeans rest above—not tucked into—your boots, especially if the inner fabric is stamped with a print or the seams have contrasting stitching.
8. Don’t underestimate the power of white
Nothing is more seasonal than sporting crisp white denim from head to toe in summer. Break up the look by pairing different textures or varied shades of white. To transition your white jeans into fall, look for colourful separates or those with heavier materials. Be wary of cropped white denim trousers or those shortened too high above the ankle, which will shrink the appearance of the length your legs.
9. Make denim a part of special occasions
Dress up denim by pairing dark-wash jeans with separates in luxe fabrics, such as a tweed blazer with strong shoulders or a lace top with a statement bib necklace. Finish off the outfit with your pointiest heels.
Before going on a shopping trip for your dream denim, make sure you know how to select the right jeans for your body type.
Blue jeans have influenced generations of Canadian culture, and countless books and blog sites have been dedicated to recording the history of denim, how to wear it and legendary celebrities who loved it. Occasionally, it will be a key trend of the season, but generally it’s a classic staple that can find a place in any wardrobe. With a few styling updates, you’ll always be fashionable. Here are our best tips to freshen up your denim favourites.
1. Dress for your body type
It’s important to understand your body type and choose denim washes accordingly. Like black and white, dark-wash denim will help you achieve a slimmer look, while light-wash denim will draw attention to specific areas. Avoid whiskered details and heavy denim around areas you wish to minimize. Invest in a good-quality pair of high-waisted jeans, which will go a long way, especially on days you wish to tuck everything in.
2. Mix tones
Create visually appealing contrast by mixing darker-hued clothing (such as black or burgundy) with light-wash denim, and dark denim with lighter colours (think beige or white).
3. Consider your height
Shorter gals, look for skinny denim or slim-cut boyfriend jeans to avoid looking swathed in too much fabric. If you have a pair of looser boyfriend jeans you’re dying to wear, consider pairing them with heels, a white tee and a slouchy leather jacket for a casual yet chic look.
4. Opt for unconventional denim
An instant way to modernize your denim collection is to stock up on items with unfinished edges, stiffer weaves, subtle dip-dyed accents or patchwork details. It's also fun to try unique cuts, such as the Gap raw-edge drop-shoulder denim coat seen above.
5. Make head-to-toe denim your go-to look
For the ultimate Canadian tuxedo (no longer a cringe-worthy combo!), mix and match denim washes while keeping in mind the tones that best flatter your figure. Add a plaid accessory to the mix and expect to receive the Order of Canada for your patriotism.
6. Look to the past for inspiration
Feeling a little ’70s? Vibe it out with bell-bottoms in a dark wash paired with a boxy short-sleeved denim top in a lighter wash. Top with a floppy hat and you’re good to go.
7. Show off finishing details
Instead of tucking your shirt completely into your waistband, tuck in only one of your shirttails at the front, allowing you to show off any interesting waist detailing or a cool belt with a statement buckle. Add extra visual interest by letting the cuffs of your jeans rest above—not tucked into—your boots, especially if the inner fabric is stamped with a print or the seams have contrasting stitching.
8. Don’t underestimate the power of white
Nothing is more seasonal than sporting crisp white denim from head to toe in summer. Break up the look by pairing different textures or varied shades of white. To transition your white jeans into fall, look for colourful separates or those with heavier materials. Be wary of cropped white denim trousers or those shortened too high above the ankle, which will shrink the appearance of the length your legs.
9. Make denim a part of special occasions
Dress up denim by pairing dark-wash jeans with separates in luxe fabrics, such as a tweed blazer with strong shoulders or a lace top with a statement bib necklace. Finish off the outfit with your pointiest heels.
Before going on a shopping trip for your dream denim, make sure you know how to select the right jeans for your body type.
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