Colored Jeans On Comeback Trail
The fashion world has gone back to the '80s to find many of its latest ideas.
So, a lot of trends are returning this spring, and one of the biggest is colored jeans.
Dawn Yanek, editor at large of Red Engine, $160
Esprit Long Belted Cowl, $59.50
Steve Madden LAVVAH Cork Wedge, $89.95
RED JEANS
This red pair is the perfect example of an '80s-feel jean. It's a skinny leg, and we recommend that you wear it with a slightly longer top; this is how anyone can wear skinny jeans. If you're not comfortable in them, that's fine, but anyone can wear them. We paired these red jeans with a white top and cropped jacket, creating curves in the smallest part of the body — at the waist. The key here is a slightly looser top over skinny jeans. The most amazing thing here is that you can really wear this look to work. You think of red when you're going out, it's sexy and crazy, but pairing red with muted tones on top makes it work so well. The other big trend on this model is the shoe, which is patent leather with a cork platform — two big trends on their own, but this combines them. And the whole key is to mix and match the trends: You don't want to be head-to-toe '80s!
Product info:
Siwy Denim, $196
Sanctuary Grey Canvas Blazer, Bloomingdales, $158
Esprit Shirt Sleeve Button Feminine Blouse, $49.50
Guess Laralyn Black Patent Platform, Bloomingdales, $110
YELLOW JEANS
Yellow is also a huge trend for spring, but the difference with this yellow is that it's muted. These jeans are wearable because you're playing down the color. Also, you might think, "What the heck do you wear with yellow pants?" Yanke doesn't suggest black on top, because you'll look like a bumblebee, but pair them with a floral top, because what works so nicely is that the whole look is soft. Florals are huge for spring, as well. And these are also skinny jeans, so the top is longer, looser, flowier and also has an empire waist. The nice thing is that you have the skinny jeans and the empire top hiding all your problem areas. Also, we paired this look with patent leather flats, which is a big trend for the spring.
Product info:
True Religion "Billy Big T" jean, Bloomingdales, $240
Miss Sixty Ira One Sleeveless Shirt, Bloomingdales, $149
Guess Black Patent Foxy Lee Flat, guess.com, $110
BLACK JEANS
The truth about black jeans is that they make anything look instantly dressy, and this is another outfit you can easily wear to work. Plus, we're combining different trends here; these are straight leg jeans, so they work on anybody. We took this basic black pant and paired it with a romantic, flirty, ruffled top, which is big this season. So, we're taking one element that's a bit edgier (black jeans) and mixing it with something soft (ruffled top), so it works for day. And we have the metallic trend here in the metallic shoes, which are perfectly appropriate for day.
Product info:
Insight, Fred Segal, $85
EspritFloral Silk Chiffon Blouse, $89.50
Seychelles Nowhere To Run Kitten Heel Peep Toe, Nordstroms, $64.95
WHITE JEANS
The fit on these white jeans is boot cut, so it'll elongate your legs and balance your hips. Some people are afraid to wear white on the bottom, because they think they'll look big and get their jeans dirty. But, it's denim, so you're already starting with a thicker material, and that means they're easier to clean, plus they hold you in! It's all about the cut, and as long as you have the right cut, they'll look amazing. Whether the cut is skinny jeans, boot cut or something else isn't important, as long as the color looks good and the fit is right. Any body type can find the right fit for them. For this look, we paired the white jeans with a T-shirt embellished with big jewel pieces. That's a big trend for the spring: jewel accents. It's a really edgy look: You think it's sweet and feminine because she's wearing white jeans, but paired with this shirt and rocker belt, it looks very cool.
Product info:
Rock & Republic Boot cut jeans, Bloomingdales, $192
Rock & Republic Fogerty shirt in parka green, eluxury.com, $600
Rock & Republic Carmen shoe in cameo and orange, eluxury.com, $348
BROWN-ISH JEANS
Colored jeans are even making their way into the male world. It's cool to wear something other than basic jeans and a T-shirt; a lot of guys don't want to blend into the crowd, and they want to show off their style. This look can work either dressy or casual. The casual version you can see here: It's just a little cooler version of the jeans and T-shirt look. Wearing the colored jeans shows even more personality. This model is wearing a vintage-type T-shirt and brown casual shoes; it just looks more put together with more personality. He's still wearing jeans that are comfy; he just looks a little more stylish.
Product info:
Reds Denim, Red5.it.com, $180
Express Graphic Tee, $22.50
Camper Brown Shoe, $169
GRAY JEANS
This is an example of how a guy can wear colored jeans for a dressier look. The best color is gray, which is the new black. It'll take you from day to night. We paired them with a black jacket and button down. It's just a really nice look. This is a great alternative for a guy when he doesn't necessarily want to wear khaki's. In this look, he can go to dinner and a club. When you're wearing regular blue jeans, they may not be dressy enough, but you want to feel comfy and cool, and this is the way to do it. We see the distressed wash, which is cool, so keep the bottom muted and wear a brighter shirt on top.
Product info:
X2 Boot Cut Jean, $59.50, Express
Express Button Down, $ 49.50
Express Graphic Tee, $ 22.50
Express Two Buttoned Tailored Jacket, $198