For me, it isn’t fall until I’m holding my first PSL, clicking start on the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls, or slipping into my favorite pair of jeans. While a morning at Luke’s or a mid-day break at Starbucks don’t appeal to some, I think we can all unanimously agree that come September, the majority of us are ready for the return of denim. But as we move into the fall season, how do we make the wardrobe essential feel new again?
A great pair of jeans are the glue that holds our wardrobes together; the thing you throw on when you’re running out the door and don’t know what to wear. If you’re anything like me, you’re guilty of consistently styling your denim in the same ways: with a blazer and a tee, or with a sweater and a pair of loafers. But as we transition into a new season, I’m dreaming up fresh ways to style the fall mainstay.
Lucky for me, my determination to switch things up this season is backed by the growing denim revival happening on this year’s runways. Designers have pivoted toward showing more and more elevated, everyday essentials in their collections—including denim. Denim silhouettes and styling have both been reimagined outside of the realm of basic combinations—looking at you, jeans and a tee—and livened up to feel brand-new again.
Looking to freshen up your denim outfits this fall? Read on for nine updated deinm outfit combinations to style this season.
Denim Bermudas With a Sweater
As the proud owner of approximately 395 pairs of Bermuda shorts, I will most certainly be extending their shelf through transitional weather by pairing them with sweaters. Treat them as you would a full-length pair of blue jeans and complete the look with sneakers or loafers, or opt to show a little less leg with the addition of knee-high boots.
Cuffed Jeans With a Blazer
I don’t know about you, but after years of exclusively cuffing my skinny jeans throughout middle school, I was reluctant to come around to the idea of the cuffed denim trend. But as is the case with all cyclical trends, it all comes down to styling. I swapped my skinnies for a pair of straight jeans and added a pair of ballet flats, and voilà: I stand before you today as a proud reborn cuff wearer.
J.CREW
Plus size options available
Cropped Jeans With Statement Socks
Don’t underestimate the power of your most simple accessory: socks. Come fall, I’m known to frequently sport a pair of red cashmere socks. Most of the time I style them with more minimalist—dare I say, basic—looks, and you’d be surprised at the quantity of compliments I receive. Pairing something as rudimentary as a colored or sheer shock with your cropped jeans can feel totally revolutionary.
Head-to-Toe Denim
A jean-styling conversation isn’t complete without a mention of the classic Canadian tuxedo. Although it seems pretty straightforward, it makes for a great base to make it your own with the help of accessories. Personally, I’d complete this look with a pair of leopard kitten heels and a statement belt.
J.CREW
Plus size options available
Printed Denim
Take your denim-on-denim look up a notch by swapping your classic blue jeans with a printed pair. With the denim focus on the top, the look will feel inverted (and even more fashion forward). Though most of us own an old denim button-down, this season is full of cropped, tailored, and dark-washed denim tops to choose from if you happen to find yourself in the mood to update yours.
White Denim for Fall
Ignore old style rules about wearing white after Labor Day. One of the chicest ways to show off a pair of ecru jeans is to style them with your cold-weather staples. Wearing white jeans well into the fall season serves as a welcome reprieve from a sea of traditional blue denim washes.
Dressed-Up Denim
Headed out to an event or prepping for a casual Friday at the office? Swap your trousers for a pair of jeans. While most people style denim informally, you can maximize denim’s potential and opt to style them a bit more dressed up. One of my favorite ways to wear jeans is juxtaposed with a heel and a blazer.
With a Scarf as a Belt
OK, hear me out: I think this is the next big trend. A silk scarf is a seasoned classic, but its popularity waxes and wanes given its styling techniques are often tethered to specific decades. When styled with denim as a substitute for a leather belt, I think you’ll find that a scarf makes your jeans feel completely fresh.
Overalls and a Coat
While I usually equate overalls with summertime, this outfit proves they can work for cooler weather with the help of a wool coat and heels. Leave your coat unbuttoned to give your overalls the air time they deserve.
OLD NAVY
Plus size options available
MEET THE AUTHOR
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
