I am a big fan of denim of all sorts. By the time warm weather rolls in, I’m excited to nix my jeans, but not necessarily store away all my denim items. In fact, spring and summer opens the door to embrace far more denim pieces than during the winter. Because I’m obsessed, let’s talk about my favorites and how to best work them into your look this season.

Shorts. Denim shorts are so pretty if you wear them right; just don’t go too lax or you’ll wind up looking a little messy. The best way to wear those short-shorts is with a simple, flouncy white tank, a bold necklace and a pair of wedges. Grab a pretty bag too, preferably in a color like pink or turquoise, to punch up the look. And biggest rule with denim shorts? Leave the flip-flops.

Vest. Vests might be my absolute favorite pieces of denim. Wear yours with a simple ribbed tank, a floral high-waisted skirt and an amazing jewelry trend for the season–feathered earrings. (So chic!) Another option that’s equally pretty is a lightweight, rolled pant paired with an oversize tee. Keep it cool and casual.

Jacket. Y0u can wear your denim jacket with absolutely anything. Throw it on over a short, flirty frock. Grab it to pair with a maxi dress. Double up denim with shorts (just make sure the shades are different). Every woman must own a denim jacket. It’s a closet essential that you’ll wear all spring, and even into the summer.

Skirt. This season, nix the mini jean skirt and opt for something a little different. They make some sweet, boho maxi skirts in denim that will look great with tanks and lace-ups for spring, or get sophisticated with a button-down pencil skirt paired with a colorful blouse.

Shirt. I live in my denim shirts for spring! Grab one in a faded blue for extra doses of style props. Since the shirt provides so much coverage on the top, I pair mine with short-shorts in black on the bottom. Choose a chic pair of ballet flats or even tuck in the shirt and dress it up with heels. You can use a blouse-like denim top as a button-down substitute. Then, simply accessorize!

Do you love spring and summer denim? What are your favorite pieces? Sound off!

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Shirt. Denim shirts are too much fun. They appeared this spring on a plethora of celebs and runways, and are easy to transition into fall weather if they are the long-sleeved styles. Rather than a traditional white button-down, change up your look and throw in a jean top. It goes with every color (even other denim, just make sure the shades arenÂ’t too similar), and whether you wear your shirt tucked into a high-waisted skirt or paired with black cigarette pants, you will look totally chic. Dress it up or keep it casual, but you canÂ’t fail with this trend!

Distressed. Want the cool-rebel vibe? Then get yourself a pair of distressed jeans. There are a lot of options here as well, so search around for the trend to see what suits your style best. From faded washes with small holes to dark-dyed frayed pants and even bleach-splattered looks, this low-key denim trend is totally in vogue.

Cut-offs. Don’t put away your summer cut-offs just yet! They’re still perfect for fall when paired with the tights and cute ankle boots or flats. Pick a style with frayed edges for a fun look or opt for more tailored pair if you want a pulled-together feel. Add in bright tights (red, pink, yellow, blue—there are tons of shades to choose from) or even over-the-knee socks in fun stripes or polka-dots. Don’t be too serious! This trend is all about being playful.

Jeggings. When leggings emerged again, the fashion community gave a huge sigh of relief—a little comfort is always a good idea. But then jeggings appeared this season to make their mark in style as one of the best trends to come along in ages. They look great with any shoe—flats, clogs, heels, boots. They go with any outfit—they are jeans after all. And they feel incredible—which is the cherry on top of this hot fudge sundae of fashion. Sometimes, we suffer for style. But jeggings are a wonderful reminder that you don’t have to.

Classic. Every girl should have one pair completely classic denim pants. What is “completely classic”, you ask? Dark wash. Boot-leg cut. Fits like a glove. These jeans will be your go-to closet essential. Make sure you own a pair!

So, which denim trends will you be wearing this season? In case you were wondering, I fully intend to try them all!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/yourdon/2956365394

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As design great Yves Saint Laurent said, “fashion fades, style is eternal.” This is one quote us fashion mavens should live by.

There are a few pieces in your closet that are must-haves because they define style. Trends pass away, but timeless items will last a lifetime. When choosing the pieces you invest your money in, purchase ones that will be forever fashionable. Here are my picks for the clothes that deserve a permanent position in your closet, wedged between this seasonÂ’s hottest piece and the item thatÂ’s so last year.

Perfect jeans. If you buy one piece in your life that you absolutely adore, it should be an amazing pair of denim pants. There is no feeling more fulfilling than facing your day in comfortable, classy jeans. TheyÂ’ll give you a needed confidence boost. My favorite pair of LeviÂ’s emerge from my closet on the days when IÂ’m most in need of stress relief, and they actually help me keep calm. TheyÂ’re practically magical.

Pea coat. There is nothing more sophisticated and cozy than a pea coat. These jackets have remained stylish for decades, and look as fabulous today as they did fifty years ago. Invest in a coat, in a dark shade, like the ones at Celine this season. It will go with everything, and they are super warm on freezing winter days as well.

Riding Boots. These are the most versatile shoes on the planet. Wear them with a flowing skirt in the spring, or with a pair of tucked-in skinnies to face the fall weather. I love riding boots in black and light brown, as they go seamlessly with whatever I choose to wear them with. And if you’re like me and do a lot of walking, these shoes will be your saviors—like walking on sunshine, ladies!

The LBD. Audrey Hepburn made the LBD famous, and who can go wrong while taking a cue from the queen of chic? Find a black dress that is tailored to your shape and fits like a glove. The length of the hem should be from just below the knee to a few inches above it—no shorter, no longer. Keep this dress your go-to classic for every occasion.

Red Heels. You must own one item that stands out and gives you a major dose of glam flair. Red pumps accomplish this. Pair them with your LBD for a fail-proof look, or make them your signature and style them with a basic white tee and jeans. No matter what you decide, just slipping them on will give you plenty of fashion cred, and even more poise.

Find pieces you love, the ones you would wear every day if you could. Invest in those, add them to your closet and pull out the favorites when youÂ’re in need of a style pick-me-up. You definitely wonÂ’t regret those purchases.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/4444707249

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The first of the new popular jeans to hit the shelves this summer were the skinny cargo jeans. J BrandÂ’s Houlihan skinny cargos rocked fashionÂ’s world by selling in ridiculous amounts, given that they are $230 a pop.

The Houlihan was released at the end of January and by mid-May, according to this New York Times article, 75,000 had already been sold and 40,000 more Houlihans were on backorder.

Part of the popularity of this style stems from their apparently amazing fit, which purports to look good on every body type. Skinny cargos are awesome because they play into this fallÂ’s military trend while still remaining very feminine. I think these Skinny Cargo Pants by Easy Money for $125 are awesome alternatives to the J Brand style.

Another cool denim style for this fall is denim with motorcycle-inspired paneling (this is actually also being shown on leggings and jeggings as well). Paneled jeans are awesome because they add a level of stylish subversiveness to regular denim. To me, they seem really fresh and different to wear right now.

Similarly, another cool style that was all over the runways for fall was the graffiti painted jeans. Though that sounds totally crazy, it looked completely amazing on the runways. I practically drooled when I saw Tory BurchÂ’s printed pant, which mixes paint in white, black, blue, green, and yellow. These jeans are absolutely insane. The designer Proenza Schouler is also collaborating with J Brand to produce limited edition printed jeans. These jeans have been selling on pre-order for months, despite each pair costing $550!

In addition to graffiti print, jeans are also popping up this fall in pretty fall appropriate colors. Taking a cue from the skinny cargos, regular skinny jeans are also showing up in military green. IÂ’ve also spotted a bunch of deep purple jeans on display at some fashion forward stores near me, though IÂ’m not exactly sure how wearable those are. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that IÂ’m not crazy about the color purple, but if itÂ’s something you love then you should definitely go for these awesome jeans.

Will you try any of fallÂ’s new denim trends?

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For me, I find this hoarding habit to be particularly bad when it involves jeans of any kind.

I will admit to owning and wearing actually only a very small number of jeans. But in truth, I technically own many more. In the back of my closet, I have pairs of jeans I’ve had since I was twelve years old. Who knows, I might even still have my first pair of jeans ever, a light-wash boot cut pair of Levi’s – but I’m seriously hoping I don’t.

Yet I’ve held on to these jeans for all these years because I’ve always figured one day I’d need them to do some activity that I wouldn’t want to wear my “good pairs” during. As the years have gone by, sadly that day has never come. So now, I’ve vowed to do something of use with my denim! But what to do? There are so many cool ways to revamp and update your old jeans into something new and useful. Here are some ideas of what to do with your old jeans:

1. Cut your jeans and make them into a denim skirt or shorts. For jean cut-offs, I recommend cutting them a little longer at first to make sure you donÂ’t make your shorts too short. I also think itÂ’s cute to leave the hem of the short a little longer and to roll up the bottoms a little for a complete look. For skirts, if you want the classic frayed look, just throw your new skirt into the washing machine after youÂ’re finished cutting.

2. Make the pair something totally crazy by ripping holes, using a razor to create texture, sewing on patches, or bedazzling your denim. And hey, even if you donÂ’t end up really wearing them, you can at least have some fun personalizing your jeans!

3. Cut out the back pockets and use them as a small carrying case for your iPod or other smaller gadget.

4. Make a bag. Though personally I have absolutely no craft skills, IÂ’m envious of those of you who know your way around a sewing machine. If you fit that description, then itÂ’d be fun to make a cute clutch or tote out of your denim.

What do you do with your leftover jeans?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/dasqfamily/2775565612

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1. Good jeans should flatter your curves, fit your body, and make you look long and lean. Look for jeans that have a mid-rise, as low-rise jeans will often create a muffin top on even the thinnest women. Make sure, however, that your jeans remain snug so they don’t gap or sag in the back. Nothing is worse that a sagging pair of jeans.

2. Avoid baggy jeans or boyfriend style jeans, as they will make you look larger than you truly are. Always avoid tapered jeans. Pick jeans that flatter your curves and show off your body, such as a boot cut style. Jeans with wider leg openings, such as boot cut or flare styles, often look the most flattering because they help to balance your top half with your bottom half. You can definitely find skinny jeans that look flattering – you just need to patiently focus on the fit of the jeans. For a good look, check out these Tummy Tuck Stretch Jeans from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans for $108.

3. The most flattering color of jeans is a dark wash or a black wash. The dark colors will help streamline your body and make you appear thinner. Avoid fading that occurs only in the middle of the thigh because it will make your thighs appear wider. Also avoid any whiskering near the hips, as it will make your hips also appear wider.

4. Look for jeans that have a slight amount of stretch mixed in. The stretch fabric will help to smooth your body in jeans.

5. Avoid jeans with cargo style pockets, which will add extra bulk to your frame.

6. Try pairing your denim with a looser, flowy top. This combination of a loose top and tight denim will help make you appear slimmer. Also, always try to wear heels with your jeans to help lengthen your legs.

What do you think? How do you wear your denim?

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1. Skinny jeans donÂ’t have to be so skinny that they overly squeeze your legs. The idea of a skinny jean is to have the leg be slim-cut, not to buy a jean that is two sizes too small. Make sure you look for jeans that do cut close to your legs and show off your shape, but donÂ’t buy jeans that are so tight the denim canÂ’t lay flat without slightly rolling around the thigh area of the jeans.

2. Also make sure you pick actual skinny jeans, which have a long, slim cut. Skinny jeans typically have a cut typically called something like pencil, cigarette, or skinny. Do not buy ’80s style jeans with a taped leg (meaning the jeans are cut loose in the thigh and knee and then taper down to a thin leg opening). Tapered jeans are flattering on no one and will never be in style.

3. You can choose a longer skinny jean, so the fabric bunches slightly around your ankle, or a straight skinny jean without any extra fabric. Both are stylish and very versatile. For example, you may think that you should pick a longer style skinny jean if you plan to wear heels with your denim. But actually, a shorter, ankle-cut skinny jean can look very chic with heels.

4. Pick a dark wash. Because skinny jeans are already difficult to wear in a flattering way, picking a darker colored pair of jeans will help to make your legs appear long and slim. White or other light colored skinny jeans are only for people completely confident in their shapely legs.

5. Play with proportions and wear a looser, flowy top with your skinnies. Looser tunics work well and so do other fuller-cut tops. If you wear a top that covers most of the back pockets of your skinny jeans, this can help make you appear both very tall and slender.

What do you think? How do you wear skinny jeans?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/idhren/3228851786/in/set-72157606338014969

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One popular way to wear this trend is with a chambray skirt. These skirts compare to denim in their versatility, so they can be worn with almost anything. Try a simple, solid-colored tank or a springy floral top. For daytime, pair this look with a sweet, delicate cardigan to ramp up its femininity, or try it with more structured accessories, such as a menswear inspired blazer, fedora hat or a brown leather belt with metal detailing.

Chambray dresses are also very popular this spring because of their relaxed yet pretty look. A shirt dress in this fabric is very trendy, but dresses with more traditional shapes, such as empire waist, can also be fun. And again, because chambray is like denim, these dresses can be worn with so different approaches to style. Try adding delicate details, such as a headband, a faux-flower pin, or pearl earrings to complement the faded sweetness of chambray. You might also want to try going a little more nautical and preppy by pairing a chambray dress with boating shoes, anchor-shaped silver earrings or a striped cardigan.

A chambray button-down shirt can also be easily paired with pants. Pick a shirt that is tailored for a woman’s body, but still has a relaxed, not-too-tight fit. This season, the classic Americana look of “denim on denim,” or in this case, “chambray on denim,” can be worn very stylishly. Try pairing a lighter chambray shirt with medium blue jeans and tortoiseshell sunglasses for a timeless daytime look. Chambray on top can also look cool paired with black skinny jeans and heels for a nice, but informal night out.

I think chambray is a totally cool fabric to wear this spring. I love wearing clothes that look like denim without the roughness of actual denim! But what do you think? Would you wear chambray?

Image Source: Express

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Here are some styling tips for every different cut of jean:

1. The Baggy Boyfriend Jean: Go for the loose-fit trend with this type of jean. Look for this jean in a light wash and pair with an easy button down shirt for a totally relaxed outfit. Make sure to wear a belt though so that you never have any problems with the jeans slipping down too low. Add a bright, fun colored wedge heel to make this outfit even more fun and casual. (Tip: Try Victoria’s Secret Boyfriend Jeans, featured right).

2. The Straight Leg Jean: For a more classic look, pick a straight leg jean thatÂ’s hemmed to around ankle-length. Add basic neutral accessories to make this jean look chic. Try adding a brown leather menÂ’s inspired watch, a taupe colored shirt, or beige heels. Pick this jean in a darker wash and then wear with an oversize blazer or jacket for a simple, sophisticated look for night.

3. The Wide Leg Jean: The wide leg style has been around for generations and has always been popular among women. For even greater slimming effects, look for a wide leg jean with a slight bell-bottom flare at the hem. Pair this jean with a longer top and high heels for a more modern look.

Denim is also trendy right now in clothing other than jeans. Try out a jean jacket thatÂ’s back again from the 80Â’s. Look for a jean jacket with cuffed sleeves and large front pockets. Also look for cool denim shirts that have been popping up in many designersÂ’ collections. These shirts come in denim chambray, paint splattered denim, and other lighter denim inspired fabrics. Try pairing these denim shirts with more classic clothes to bring in a fun twist of American fashion into your outfit.

WhatÂ’s your favorite cut of jeans? What do you think of these other new denim inspired styles?

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1. The lightweight, but heavily punked out leather jacket. Leather jackets can run upwards to $150 at TopShop, but the best plan is to buy a cheap leather jacket and trick it out yourself. It really makes you look like an authentic part of the Brat Pack.

2. The corset. You want one that’s made with an unusual fabric, like floral-patterned khaki or denim. You don’t want it to turn lacey or silky, because then it looks like you’ve walked out of the bedroom half-dressed. These are specialty pieces and you want to make sure you get the perfect size that fits like a glove.

2. The sexy wedged sandal. You want to have that spark of femininity, and the wedged sandal or espadrille keeps you looking whimsical, fashionable, and also a little innocent. It’s great to pair with a really hard piece, like the leather jacket, or even the corset. With those pieces, you are teetering on the edge of full commitment to punk rocker or sex vamp, and toning back the outfit with cute espadrilles or a fun sundress would throw everyone for a loop.

Image: flickr.com/photos/30475026@N08/4488091131/

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