Back to School/Fall Trends, Episode 1: DENIM

Today I looked at the calendar: July 31. WHAT? Where did summer go? In a few weeks (or even a few hours for some) schools will awaken from their summer hibernation and be once again full of life...or something like it. 


I know for me the start of school always meant one thing (excluding the new backpack and school supplies frenzy): a back to school shopping trip. The clothes bought on this groundbreaking shopping trip were to remain, untouched, in my closet until the highly anticipated first day of school arrived. 


Now (three years into college) back to school shopping is more like...fall preparation. A time to get my bearings on the season's trends and to see what I can add to the overflowing rack of clothes that keeps me company in my room. The next few posts are going to be about just that. No, not my overindulgent shopping or my socially awkward relationship with my closet, but the trends of the season to come. Today's topic: DENIM.

I realize this familiar fabric has had it's moments of misfortune in the past. I mean...what isn't red carpet ready about this?:

Yikes. Not cute.

Denim has come a long way since it's  initial appearance in the United States in the 1950s, though, and there are definitely a million ways to wear it. Of course, there are some donts, but there are some definite do's as well.

DO.

Invest in something denim that you can wear a million different ways. 

For example, a seventies inspired, midi length (aka mid calf) high waisted skirt can take down like three of this seasons top trends with just a little changing up in the styling. A trend within a trend, Lauren? Yes. Get ready to receive your acceptance into the fashionistas of America. 

DONT.

Invest in something denim that you can only wear one way.

I think i'm just going to continue to refer you to the picture above of the DENIM TUXEDO AND EVENING DRESS. You just don't REWEAR that.

DO.

Step outside of the box when it comes to the way you're wearing your denim. 

Take denim out on the town! It can be completely chic in an evening look, or even in different styles of tops, skirts, and all that in between, but there are clear exceptions to the potential of it's chic.. (you know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't even have to say it).

DONT.

Just wear denim in your jeans.

That's boring. And, if you do wear it in your jeans, find cool jeans! There are more styles out there than just bootcut, wideleg, and skinny. Explore your options. A good pair of denim harem pants can be a more exciting addition to your wardrobe than you know.

DO.

Take your denim further than just your clothes. Experiment with denim bags, shoes, belts, hair accessories, and jewelry. Wearing a dark denim pant can be super complemented with a denim shoe in a lighter wash. Which brings me to my last point..

DONT.

Be afraid to mix washes or colors! 

Yes, we've all seen that tragic pair of patchwork denim pants, or maybe even that friend of yours who wears the entire denim ensem...but the combination just doesn't look right. This isn't to say that every shade of denim will look good together, but to give the idea that certain shades of them will. The most effective way to make this happen is to beware of the undertones of your blues. Hold your pieces next to each other before sporting them out on the town (or even to the grocery). As with all colors, blues have cool tones and warm tones. Getting the right mix isn't as hard as you'd think. Just pay attention.

until next time,

Lo