the sunday brief | denim style tips

it’s safe to say denim plays a large role in my wardrobe. i imagine yours too. and the fashion world does its best to put their spin on this iconic wardrobe staple to keep it fresh and modern. today, there are so many designs available –  skinny, flare, wide-leg, cropped and embellished. but the fit is the most important factor when it comes to a great pair of blue jeans. the ones you will reach for time and again. so what’s a girl to do when it comes to buying the ‘perfect’ pair? does it even exist? well, my advice is to take an afternoon and try on a gazillion pairs. no kidding! it may feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack but when you find the ‘one,’ you’ll know. it’s all about finding the right fit for your body. when it comes to shapes we’re a variety pack, ladies, not a ‘one size fits all.’ style tip: before you head to the fitting room take a pair of blue jeans and wrap the waistband around your neck. if it’s snug go try it on! 

denim is a key factor when it comes to my style uniform. for those readers new to the blog i lovingly refer to my go-to uniform as the 4B’s – blazer, blue jeans, button down, and ballet flats or boots. sometimes i exchange the button down for a tee or the ballet flats for heels. whenever i’m in doubt as to ‘what to wear’ my style uniform comes to the rescue. denim always looks chic with tailored pieces – it’s simple and modern and it always works. style tip: dark rinse denim is dressier than light rinse.

in my opinion, the easiest way to update your denim wardrobe is with a new silhouette. while skinny jeans have become a wardrobe staple straight legs and wide-legs are gaining strength. and they look terrific with a beautiful blouse. don’t forget boyfriend jeans that have a looser fit or high waist jeans that make your legs look longer even without heels. cropped jeans, stepped hem jeans, hem release jeans, frayed hem, a high-rise with a cropped kicky hem. as you can see there are choices, ladies, lots of choices. style tip: boot cut and wide leg denim is flattering to most body types.

so when and where did blue jeans pop into existence? you have jacob w. davis in partnership with levi strauss to thank for this invention. the two businessmen came together right here in the U.S.A. to patent this revolutionary product back in 1873. since then denim sales have always been robust, but it was the 1950’s teenager that gave this humble pant some traction. and blue jeans, nicknamed by the baby boomers in the 1960’s, have been picking up steam ever since.

today, i’m sharing a few ways i wear denim. from the mighty blue jean to jean jackets, dresses, skirts, shirts, and shorts. i guess it’s safe to say i’m a blue jean mama at heart. how about you? style tip: it’s okay to venture out of your comfort zone from time-to-time!

denim or chambray shirts look great with skirts, white denim, or shorts. the look is casually sophisticated.

style tip: a perfect fitting traditional jacket will never go out of style. and they go with everything. dresses and skirts and chinos and the list goes on and on. nowadays, jean jackets come in a variety of styles.

denim dresses are a great option when the temps heat up. they can fly solo or add a tee underneath for a change of pace. style tip: denim shirtdresses easily convert to dusters. but a simple popover dress in chambray is a fantastic summer option.

don’t forget to add at least one denim skirt to your wardrobe. you won’t be sorry as this little gem can be dressed up or down.

want some to add some fun to your wardrobe? then grab a pair of colored denim.

happy sunday, ladies!

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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