Who doesn’t love a good pair of jeans? They’re versatile, timeless and comfortable. If you’re a fellow denim-fiend, read on for some insights into the latest denim trend – retro, baby! Learn how to turn heads and avoid fashion faux-pas this summer by reincarnating denim looks from days gone by.
Denim’s Here to Stay
Sure, jeans have gone from flared to skinny and from low rise to high-rise, but in all honesty a good mid-rise boot-cut will never look out of place. Trends seem to ‘skip’ the denim category, which is never out of style. Comfortable and enduring, denim can be clean and simple, rough or sophisticated, classic or sexy. Denim is highly versatile, which is why it’s loved by so many people and why everyone, from fashionistas to fashion avoiders, has a favorite pair of jeans.
If your jeans are one of your must have items (second only to your smartphone) – you’re probably always looking for ways in which your go-to pair can look updated. Expand your denim horizons by tapping into a tried and true style that dominated the 60s and 70s, and is gradually working its way back into our closets…
So, Are Denim Retro Styles Back in 2014?
Just as in 2013, the retro-inspired denim look seems to be back with a vengeance. From high-waisted and flared pairs in light washes, to distressed and ripped jeans, has been style has never looked more current. Bell bottoms are everywhere from the catwalk to the big screen and even on the street. If you want to find out more about retro fashion, you can check this out before we delve deeper into denim styles.
Retro Fashion: Denims for 2014 Spring/Summer Season
February and March are fashion week months, when designers give us a glimpse at upcoming trends for the spring/summer season. Keep an eye on New York and Paris fashion weeks to keep abreast with the latest in the world of fashion, denim included. As for this spring/summer season, fashionistas are still loving the denim-on-denim look (denim blouse with different hued denim pants), and other denim trends still prevalent from 2013.
If we’re to believe Marc Jacobs and Isabel Marant, expect to see a lot of retro denim as the temperatures rise. The 60s and the 70s are revived, going as far as resurrecting denim vests and jackets. What’s next, overalls? We think it’s high time you explore your parents’ attic for a bit of the real thing – vintage denim that’ll save you some cash.
Last but not least, 2014 seems to welcome and encourage raw denim, raw edge denim and, of course its frayed and distressed versions. You can see them in all kinds of denim clothing items, from jeans and jackets to shirts, vest, dresses, and skirts.
Go Raw: Explore Your DIY Denim Side
If you’re not eager or cannot afford spending a few hundreds on designer jeans, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with this trend. Achieve the same cool look by experimenting with wear and tear techniques yourself, and create something that’s entirely unique to you. Create a raw-edge with some potent scissors, experiment with bleach and distressing techniques (who’s up for a ripping party?) that’ll turn your discarded jeans into something you’ll want to wear. DIY denim can help you refresh your wardrobe by upcycling old items – a pair of new raw-edge/distressed denim shorts is always a good way to start getting in touch with your inner fashion designer.
Not a fan of retro gear? Here are a few other current ways to wear denim in 2014.
Five Popular Denim Trends in 2014
1. Skinny Jeans Are Here to Stay
While it’s true that skinny jeans look best on slim and tall body types, they are now embraced by many who don’t fit this standard. That’s partly because they’ve evolved over the past seasons and skinny denim styles now come in a variety of fits to suit more robust figures. They can be worn with almost anything to achieve the look that you want: pair them with your favorite sneakers for a casual and cool look, while the same skinnies paired with high heels and a designer purse can turn heads on the street. Just make sure to keep the top loose to ensure comfort and to avoid looking like you squeezed into your outfit. Not a fan of skinny jeans? Swap them out for one of the following styles, which have been on the rise as of late.
2. Boyfriend Jeans
Distressed or not, you can spot boyfriend jeans on almost anyone – not just angsty teenagers anymore. They come in all fades and shades, and are more or less distressed or ripped to satisfy even the most fastidious denim aficionado. Boyfriend denims became trendy about five years ago, as a reaction to the skinny invasion. Just like the skinnies, boyfriend jeans have evolved, too. Now, you can find less baggy and sloppy styles to flatter your shapes, while still preserving their typical, relaxed appearance. For a casual look, match them with sneakers or boots. If you’re after a flashier appearance, take out your high heels or ankle straps, and throw on a fitted blazer.
3. Ripped Denim
Ripped, sexy abs go well with ripped jeans – but the peek-a-boo effect they provide can make anyone look a bit sultrier. Ripped jeans come in a range of styles straight out of the 80s and 90s, from tiny slits all over, to full-on knee holes and thigh rips, and micro-minis with frayed edges. Extreme denim rips include whole leg rips and bum cheek rips. But, of course, not everyone can afford to sport them (17 years old supermodels are a narrow category; if you don’t fall in it, avoid). Your denim wardrobe is not complete if it doesn’t include a pair of ripped jeans, so get busy finding the slashed knees that flatter your silhouette and suit your lifestyle.
4. High Waisted Retro Style Denims
The so-called mom jeans that probably made you cringe at some point when you spotted them on someone you knew, are on the rise. Believe it or not, not only those who were in their twenties in the 90s are wearing high waisted jeans these days. If you know how to wear them and what to pair them with, they may actually look refreshing in a sea of mid-rise skinny jeans. Below are some high waisted denim do’s:
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Try a high waisted pair of straight leg jeans for a more relaxed look. They’re reminiscent of boyfriend jeans, but show a little bit more of your shape.
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High-rise ankle skinny jeans also make our denim retro style checklist. Opt for cotton or stretch denim to highlight your curves.
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Lastly, consider flared jeans: they’re great for elongating your legs while keeping your tummy in control and hiding big calves. Go for classic blue denim to achieve a bohemian vibe, or go for a dark shade for a nautical look.
5. Embellished Jeans
Before you envision a bedazzled nightmare, think about the knitted details Isabel Marant introduced in 2012, or the fun printed jeans you see celebrities sport all the time. Embellished jeans patterns are likely to be further explored this year, with studs, spikes, embroidery, and sequins that create a statement.
How’s that for denim inspiration? We hope you find your next favorite pair soon.
Author Bio:
Hanna Jameson is a grad from the University of Oklahoma, and now a London-based fashion writer with an eye for travel and
new trends. Connect with her at Google+
