What is classic American cool and continues to be an item in everyone’s closet?
The denim jacket.
No matter what wash you have — vintage, acid, colored or black — this staple is more popular than ever this season. From the catwalks to magazine spreads, denim holds a huge fashion impact, and while some constructions need to be left on the runway, the denim jacket is versatile, timeless and ready for your spring wardrobe. The quickest and easiest way to incorporate a denim jacket is to simply use it as your spring jacket. But, while many of us have trenches, raincoats and car coats, don’t be afraid to bust out the denim on a daily basis. To make the jacket a little more outerwear than casual cool, add a punch of color or a print. This spring, many retailers are doing bold color jackets with reds, bright blues and yellows. Some houses are using floral prints, while others are working both concepts in tandem. Combining the denim trend with florals would be on point. To further increase the daily wear appeal, don’t be afraid to tie on a scarf. The super skinny scarf is having a popularity insurgence, and how darling would that look on a spring day? If super skinny scarves are too trendy for you, look at basic lightweight scarves. I can think of a plethora of big box stores with an outpouring of spring hued scarves. Once you find the denim jacket of your dreams, don’t be afraid to incorporate it as much as possible, not just as outerwear. Try to find unique ways to wear it to add a layer of warmth. Spring is a good time to play up your layering style. When I layer, I enjoy not only mixing different textures, but lengths as well. A fun look for casual afternoons or weekends is wearing skinny jeans or leggings with a tunic. Play with the tunic’s shape a bit. Can you knot it on the side? Can you find one with a “shark bite” ( or an asymmetrical) hem? If it is a particularly blustery day, add a think layer cardigan for warmth, color and texture. Top it off with your denim jacket and you are set for an afternoon of cool. Accessorising this look can be fun as well. I can visualize a statement necklace or a scarf as mentioned above. If you’re going to be outside, wear a hat and don’t be afraid to go avant garde with a military style or baseball cap. Mix and match your fashions. Be bold by mixing something a little dressier with a casual item. Case in point: the maxi dress. I recently found the combination of a black and white maxi dress with an acid wash denim jacket in a magazine advertisement. What the stylist did next, I never thought for myself. She topped the model off with a plain, black baseball hat. She looked so chic, so cool. It was out of the box. And, into my closet.
An item you may want to consider, if a jacket is not for you, is the denim vest.
I have seen these all over the place. They lend a mischievous look to an outfit. You can style a denim vest very easily into any ensemble. You could add it to a simple tee and jeans while heading out for an afternoon with the girls, or glam it up and throw it over a bohemian dress when you’ve got a date in the park. Treating the vest as an accessory, as if you would with a scarf, may aid in how you style it. Don’t shy away from throwing this on as you walk out the door. It will give that outfit the extra piece it needs. Have fun with your denims this season. Enjoy every fabrication, color and combination you can think of. Think outside the box and you will be the woman all your friends are talking about.
Denise Bennett maintains a fashion blog at Perfect20.co and is a regular contributor to Spotlight on Living.