I love Denim.
(Or whatever you may want to call it…jeans, chambray, overalls, indigo, dungarees, Levi’s, etc.)
No longer is the phrase, “Just throw on a pair of jeans” meant to be a euphemism for casual wear.
Denim is on the runway, at the workplace, visible during church, for a night going out, or relaxing with friends at a movie. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s an easy to care for fabric, that looks good on everyone, and is accessible at all price points.
Denim has evolved. And the way we wear denim should evolve too. Gone are the “rules” and the “guidelines” about when it “okay” to wear denim. So open your mind, get ready to “Pin It” because I’m going to show you 5 Ways to Wear Denim This Fall & Winter that is more than throwing on a pair of jeans.
5 Ways to Wear Denim This Fall & Winter
1. Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are perfect for transitioning from Summer to Fall or Winter to Spring. It pairs incredibly well with maxi dresses and colored skinny jeans.
Why I Love It? I have an arsenal of maxi dresses in my closet that seem to only get worn in the Spring because I find them too warm in the summer. By adding a jean jacket and some boots, I’m able to wear these dresses for another season with minimal effort.
What to Look For? Try to find a cropped denim jacket. As far as style, anything goes. Go modern. Go traditional. Go biker bad-ass…the choice is yours.
I’m Wearing My Favorite: Old Navy Women’s Trucker Jacket (or this one is a great alternative)
2. Denim Dress
This dress is worthy of the workplace, dinner out or a morning at church. No longer are denim dresses for teeny-boppers or truck-stop waitresses. New fabrics, colors and fit make them the perfect dress for any occasion.
Why I Love It? This dress has the ability to be dressed up or down. Add pearls and nice boots and your are dressed up. Add tights and a vest and you are dressed down. It’s a great neutral utility piece that can be worn a ton of different ways.
What to Look For? Look for a mid-weight fabric. You want something that is going to lay nice, without being too stiff like traditional jean material. Also, try to find a length that is right at or slightly above the knee.
I’m Wearing My Favorite: Lee’s Platinum Label Tilly Dress
3. Chambray Shirt (As a Tunic).
Chambray is a great layering piece. Even though typically casual, it has the ability to “step up” traditional athleisure wear without feeling heavy handed.
Why I Love It? Done wrong, an oversized sweater and leggings can make you look “10 lbs heavier”. This chambray shirt provides just enough structure and elongation of the torso, while still being super comfortable. Add boots and this outfit can go from errands to pumpkin patch in a blink of an eye.
What to Look For? I LOVE purchasing a men’s chambray shirt and wearing it as a tunic. Men’s shirts are typically longer (in the sleeves and at the waist) and give more structure than a typical women’s tunic.
I’m Wearing My Favorite: Costco Men’s Chambray Shirt (not available), but this one would be a great alternative.
4. White Denim.
GASP. Are you still thinking white denim was only suppose to be worn before Labor Day and after Memorial Day? Wrong! White denim can be worn all Fall and Winter long, as long as you pair it with the right sweater and boots.
Why I Love It? It’s fresh without being over the top. Plus, it’s a bit unexpected because SO MANY people think white should only be worn in the summer.
What to Look For? Any white denim pants are fair game, but be careful to not make your pants the focus of your outfit. Pair with a statement cardigan sweater, a colorful vest, or a interesting patterned shirt.
I’m Wearing My Favorite: Gap Long & Lean Denim White
5. Mixing Colored Denims.
Because denim is the new neutral, there is no longer a “rule” about mixing, layering, or doubling up on denim. You can now wear your favorite denim pants and shirt together!
Why I Love It? There are times when you have a favorite pair of jeans and they look awesome with a favorite jacket/sweater but then you STRUGGLE for the right shirt to put underneath it. (Or maybe that is just me…) Now, just add a different colored denim shirt and your outfit is ready to go.
What to Look For? Make sure that you layer. This outfit would be a “no-go” without the moto jacket and scarf, but together with the black jeans and denim shirt they create a balanced and fun outfit.
I’m Wearing My Favorite: Boden Denim Shirt (not available), but this one would be a great alternative.
So throw out the “old rules” of denim and embrace the new ones and enjoy putting together these 5 ways to wear denim this fall & winter.
What do you think? Ready to try adding a few more pieces of denim into your fashion rotation?
Did you like this article? Be sure to follow our Style Over 35 Board on Pinterest where we share information like this everyday.
Also, you might like our 2015 Fall Fashion Guide for 40 Year Olds.
And a HUGE thank you from my friend Kristen at Dine & Dish for taking all of these photos of me. She’s an amazing photographer and blogger. You’ll fall in love with her site.
