shopbop shoptalk

Red, White, and Blue (Jeans)

From the stars and stripes at Derek Lam to the varsity letters and knee socks at Alexander Wang, the Americana trend earned many a fashion editor’s vote for Most Popular Story on Spring’s Runways. Not surprisingly, denim lines that find inspiration in the classics of American style are suddenly looking like the coolest kids at the party.

Standing for “product with a purpose,” Prps denim was founded by designer Donwan Harrell (read a Q+A with him here) as a nostalgic vision of American life. Rendered in organic, African cotton and hand-woven in Japan on vintage Levi’s looms, each unique pair has a durable, rough-hewn quality adored by denim aesthetes and the casual fashionista alike.

Designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, who began as stylists with a passion for altering vintage jeans, consider Current/Elliott a “curation of heritage denim.” With styles that refer to a specific period in American history (like the nod-to-the-’70s Elephant Bell Jeans), and a collection rounded out by faded chambray shirts and jean jackets, they show that the line that ignited the boyfriend jeans trend is here to stay. And for the classic sexy tomboy look, a pair of distressed William Rast jeans, paired with the line’s flannel shirts and leather jackets, channel co-founders Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake’s Tennessee roots and rebellious attitudes.

--Tonya

How to Wear Fall's Favorite Jeans

No longer just something to wear on I-don’t-care days, jeans have come far from their workwear roots to become a staple, if not the main focus, of a fashionista’s wardrobe. With a unique ability to completely change up an outfit–witness how a white tee goes glam with dark-wash skinnies and gold jewelry, or edgy with a tangled necklace and distressed jeans–a pair of on-trend jeans goes a long way to freshen up a closetful of basics.

Nonetheless, it can be intimidating to step out of your denim comfort zone. (For those stuck in a boot-cut rut, check out Shopbop’s denim fit videos for tips on how to branch into new silhouettes.) I asked Shopbop Assistant Stylist Pa Lor to lend her sartorial savvy to our favorite fall denim trends, showing us how to make today’s most fashion-forward styles everyday-wearable.

Marbled Denim
Whether you call them marbled, bleached, or tie-dye, this sexy style was a celeb favorite this summer (spotted on the likes of Rihanna and Victoria Beckham), and will continue to scorch into fall. But how to don bold bleach? Pa says, “When wearing marbled denim, keep the look easy and casual. Throw on an oversized, stretched-out tee and add a sloppy tuck.” (For more tips on how to wear tie-dye jeans, check out this advice from Shopbop Senior Stylist Morgan.)

Moto Denim
The seams and quilted patches popular on leather jackets and moto boots lend their hard-as-nails sensibility to denim this season (see The Moto Skinny Jeans by Current/Elliott). How to wear these tough-edged jeans without going over the top? “With this edgy style, balance it with an unexpected touch of femme,” says Pa. “Girly ruffled blouses or silky camis complete the hard-meets-soft look.”

Faded Black Denim
Just as stylish as mixing feminine with masculine is mixing casual with dressy: “Worn-in, faded black jeans look great balanced with more classic pieces. Try a structured blazer for a polished twist.” I’ll take Pa’s advice by pairing these faded AG jeans with a tailored Elizabeth and James blazer.

Studded/Zipped Denim
Studs and zippers are elevating everything from booties to bags to baubles this fall, so it’s no wonder the trend has found its way to denim. “These embellished jeans are the perfect opportunity to have fun with layers of textures and patterns,” says Pa. “And if you’re bold enough to work with the jeans’ edgy details and go for the rocker look, throw a leather jacket on top.”

--Tonya

4 tips: how to wear tie-dye denim

Style Notes by Morgan, Senior Stylist

Bleached, tie-dye jeans are huge for fall, and while they look super-chic and fashion-forward in magazines and on the runways, the look can be pretty intimidating to pull off in real life.

I’ve played around with this a bit (check out our tie-dye denim lookbook), and wanted to share my tips on the best ways to make this ‘80s comeback just right for right now (and into fall).

Tip 1:
Think sophisticated and grown-up with an oversized button-down shirt in a solid neutral color (like this one by Elizabeth and James) to temper the eye-catching jeans. The juxtaposition of classic and edgy keeps the look really wearable.

Tip 2:
Most print tops are too intense for such bold bottoms, but blouses that are soft, sheer, and feminine look amazing with super-faded tie-dye jeans. Try this blouse by Patterson J. Kincaid with these bleached Current/Elliott jeans.

Tip 3:
To avoid looking costume-y, stay away from styling bleached denim with flannels and logo or band T-shirts. It’s stylish to update retro inspiration, not to look like you’ve stepped out of a time machine. Instead, try pairing with a chunky cable-knit cardigan, like this one by Vince. A little prep provides a chic contrast.

Tip 4:
Tie-dye jeans look hot with big chunky black boots! They anchor the look and keep it fashion-forward, not grungy. Whether you go with a clean-lined button-down or a soft floral blouse, these shoes are the way to go.

I would love to hear your tricks for styling tie-dye denim! How do you guys wear it?

--Morgan

new line i love

Looking for the spot-on fit of designer jeans without the premium denim price tag? Check out Blank Denim. Denim masterminds Emmy Lauridsen and Leigh Brown create jeans with edgy details that lend attitude to sophisticated silhouettes. And the low price point doesn’t mean they skimp on personality: cutoff shorts are adorned with paint splatters and cleverly patterned studs, and painted-on skinny jeans feel fresh with zippered bottom hems that allow for multiple styling options.

The details aren’t all I love about the line. The styles run the gamut of every current denim trend: white jeans, bright skinnies, and boyfriend jeans and shorts. And at this price point, I won’t hesitate to try a style I’ve never worn before, like black studded skinnies (the shopbop stylists paired these with a Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent blouse and Loeffler Randall booties) or a pair of studded cutoff shorts.

--Tonya

Denim on Video: Shopping for Jeans Just Got Easier (And More Enjoyable)

One of the biggest challenges of online shopping is trying to figure out from a static photo how a piece of clothing is going to look on you—something that’s especially true with designer jeans. A big help? Being able to see how a garment moves. Enter video denim guides: the next best thing to seeing someone walk by in exactly the pair you’ve been wanting.

The True Religion jeans fit video highlights this brand’s most popular styles including the Joey, the Johnny, the Billy and the Bobby, covering how each of these favorites fits, what kind of back pocket it features, and how it sits on the waist—details this brand takes very seriously. This near-fanatical dedication to denim is in True Religion’s DNA: the brand was named for founder Jeffrey Lubell's belief that denim is his "true religion,” and, perhaps fittingly, each True Religion jean is named for one of his childhood friends. (Another fun fact: the brand’s signature stitching was inspired by Lubell’s love of the 1960s California casual-chic lifestyle and its creative, anything-goes attitude toward fashion.)

Speaking of “fittingly,” women have waxed rhapsodic about the incredibly flattering fit of 7 For All Mankind jeans for years. Though their wildly popular boot cut is still a bestseller, this brand has since branched out, offering an impressive (though somewhat daunting) selection of denim styles that run the gamut from de rigueur skinny jeans to dramatic wide leg jeans. Fortunately the Seven jeans video denim guide walks you through each and every one. What’s the difference between an A Pocket and a Dojo? Which of their skinnies will show off your assets to best effect? The video answers these and other burning questions with beautiful visuals to boot.

And if you’re on the lookout for the latest denim styles of the season, check out the spring denim trends video. Full of inspiring ways to wear the hot looks (from crisp white jeans to boyfriend jeans) everyone’s searching for, it’s like having a personal stylist show you exactly how to wear the jean du jour.

--Maureen

the denim blues

I’ve been pulling myself out of a dark denim rut. My first hesitant step was to add a pair of light-wash skinnies to my denim wardrobe, and to my pleasant surprise they were just the ticket to help transition my wardrobe into spring, transforming my go-to cold-weather uniform (cardi, tee, dark skinnies, black boots) into my favorite warm-weather one (draped tank, light skinnies, tan boots). I’ve loved the effect so much I’ve decided to branch out even more. My most recent inspiration? A collection of photos on Who What Wear of different celebs rocking light-wash jeans.

Following the example of these denim gurus, I first snagged a pair of light-wash, flared Unknown Factory jeans, which I paired with a white tunic, pendant necklace, and platform sandals à la Rachel Zoe. For a sexier take on this retro look, I’ve worn them with oversized hoop earrings, a tucked-in blouse, and heels.

My next move? Majorly distressed light denim. I have my eye on bleached Siwy shorts and J Brand jeans for their pitch-perfect fusion of fashion-forward and versatile. They’re boho with an airy floral blouse and fringed accessories, tough with a slouchy tee and leather jacket, or modern ’80s with neon accessories. Voila, change has never been so easy.

--Tonya

talking with j brand denim guru susie crippen

Founded in 2005, J Brand’s signature dark-wash skinny jeans were an immediate hit: sexy yet sophisticated with a spot-on fit. While the skinny is still a staple of the J Brand collection (not to mention many a woman’s wardrobe), the brand is adding edge this spring with holes, shreds, and more than a little attitude. With the arrival of these destroyed styles at shopbop, I asked J Brand’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Susie Crippen about the evolution of J Brand, how to wear destroyed jeans, and what to expect in seasons to come.

Shopbop: J Brand is known for its unadorned, clean-lined styles. How does destroyed denim fit the J Brand aesthetic?

Susie Crippen: When we launched J Brand, we were the only brand offering clean, dark denim. When that trend evolved into the current trend of destroyed denim we were excited to create our own version of that jean. We always want our customers to have the most current styles with the reliability of the J Brand fit.

SB: What was the inspiration behind the new styles?

SC: We do a lot of research for new washes and use as much vintage as we can. Our whole team collaborated on these styles–everyone participated.

SB: What advice do you have for styling destroyed denim?

SC: Keep it as simple as you can. Let the jean have the attention and keep the top, shoes, and accessories clean and simple.

SB: Will J Brand continue to branch out into new types of styles? What can the J Brand fan look forward to?

SC: Of course! We are always looking for the next new styles and great washes. It keeps us on our toes and makes our customers happy, and we have fun doing it. We have great things coming this spring: lightweight stretch, rigid denim, new bodies with slightly higher rises, and of course more destroyed denim!

--Tonya

get schooled in spring denim

I’m so looking forward to the day when I can shed my winter layers (sweater, coat, hat, gloves, scarf), and just stroll out of my apartment in a simple top, sandals, and jeans. So of course those jeans had better be exceptional. That’s why I turned to shopbop’s spring denim trends video for inspiration.

In the past I’ve pored over our denim fit videos before buying jeans, so I expected much of the same from this video: how spring’s new (and sometimes innovative) silhouettes actually look in motion. And with her usual élan, Senior Stylist Morgan gives us a lesson in styling and shows us how different pairs can transform a look.

Some ideas I want to incorporate into my own wardrobe? I love the fit of my dark-wash Anlo jeans, and in the video I saw how their white version adds polish and a little unstudied glam to a sexy one-shoulder top. I must admit I’ve had my reservations about boyfriend jeans. None of us want to look like a slacker ex-boyfriend (you know you have one), but I like how an artfully distressed pair (like my personal fave, the Genetic jeans) can dress down a preppy striped sweater or a tailored jacket, or keep an airy floral blouse from looking too twee. Craving a more thorough denim education from Morgan? Study the video, and don’t worry, this is homework that’s actually fun.

--Tonya