Best Jeans Guide Summer 2012
Our Ultimate Summer Denim Guide — The Best Fit, Prints, and More
Without a doubt, jeans are essential to any style-setter's wardrobe. But like any great fashion staple, there's a new batch of covet-worthy iterations and silhouettes to sift through every season. Thus, we've culled the latest and greatest, along with more classic styles, to offer up a well-rounded mix of cuts, prints, lengths, and everything else in between. But to make this denim rundown even sweeter, we called upon six seriously cool denim experts — the designers (read: masterminds) behind some of our favorite denim labels, including AG Adriano Goldschmied, Gap, Paige, MiH Jeans, and J Brand — to provide you with some pretty jean-ius advice. It's safe to say, we've got the tools and more than 50 pairs of jeans to help you find the best fit for your body. Our ultimate Summer denim guide is just a click away, so jump right in.
Photo courtesy of Lookbook.nu
Why we love it: Boyfriend jeans work on just about every body type and appeal to almost every styling sensibility. You can go ultraslouchy or cuff them for a more fitted finish — it's a relaxed look with flair.
How to wear it: We think the boyfriend cut is best worn with an oversized t-shirt and more polished layers. Dress up your most worn-in versions with a patent leather pump.
Denim expert soundoff: "Boyfriend fits are best for straighter-shaped women, and the slim boyfriend jeans are must-haves." — Mary Pierson, J Brand vice president of denim design
Goldsign Hisjean Cropped Boyfriend Jeans ($202)
Denim expert soundoff: "This boyfriend jean is for a girl who is not too curvy in the hips with a tomboy attitude." — Adriano Goldschmied, Goldsign founder and creative director
Rugby Ripped Boyfriend Jean ($148)
Why we love it: What's not to love about an eye-catching, brighter than bright pair of jeans? Not only are they conversation starters, but this season's rainbow-saturated denim have proved the ultimate outfit accent.
How to wear it: If you're not an avid wearer of bold hues, keep your layers simple and your accessories minimal. If you love a great statement, try a strategic colorblock via equally vibrant sandals or a neon bag.
Goldsign Jenny Spray Coated Relaxed Roll Up Skinny in Ocean ($366)
Denim expert soundoff: "Follow your inspiration, don't be afraid and don't follow rules. Color represents your state of mind and your attitude so all you have to do is look in the mirror and like yourself." — Adriano Goldschmied, Goldsign founder and creative director
Paige Denim Edgemont Ultra Skinny in Deco Rose ($235)
Denim expert soundoff: "Go for an ombré effect — wear light pink to accent bright pink skinnies or a light blue with vibrant turquoise. The key is to not be afraid — choose bold color combinations and opt for unexpected neutrals such as gray, navy, and beige rather than a plain white t-shirt." — Paige Adams-Geller, Paige Denim founder and creative director
Blank NYC Skinny Jeans ($88)
Why we love it: A great skinny jean shows off your stems to perfection, sculpting them in all the right places. Plus, we love a slim cut that elongates our shape.
How to wear it: Tuck in a button-up blouse and rock a sky-high pair of heels if you want to highlight every aspect of the form-fitted skinny style. If you're curvier, and want to emphasize your legs, opt for a loose-fitted blouse on top, to draw attention to the shape of your gams.
Denim expert soundoff: "Skinny jeans are an easy everyday style for all body types. The versatility of being able to wear this style with flats or heels, or even tucked into boots, makes it so appealing to everyone. It's important to find a fabric that works well with your body type. Curvier girls will fare better with stretch styles." — Chloe Lonsdale, MiH Jeans founder and creative director
Why we love it: It's a classic look that never fails us on our low-key styling days. Plus, the straight cut bodes well for most body types and can be worn at every age.
How to wear it: Find a wash that highlights your best attribute. If you want to minimize the appearance of thighs, then avoid anything with too much distressing on the thighs and pick a traditional dark, clean blue. Minimal pocket detailing will flatter your bum, and keep the overall look simple and sophisticated.
Diesel Bootzee Jean ($192)
Why we love it: The printed jean is this season's most beloved patterned must-have, and we have to admit, we're just as obsessed as the next person. From colorful floral iterations to bold optic designs, the printed jean is a statement piece and a serious way to punch up any outfit.
How to wear it: If you're wearing a more muted print, layer on bolder accessories and a great pair of sandals. If you've opted for a loud print, keep your complementing pieces quieter, via an oversized t-shirt, knit topper, or silky neutral-toned blouse.
Denim expert soundoff: "Make sure to choose a print that suits both your personality and your wardrobe – florals can be just as beautiful in muted gray tones as they are in bright palettes. Make sure to have fun styling them with bold accent colors and tougher pieces, such as a cargo jacket or a menswear-inspired top." — Paige Adams-Geller, Paige Denim founder and creative director
AG Adriano Goldschmied Polka Dot Ankle Stevie ($178)
Denim expert soundoff: "Be fun and bold when it comes to shopping for printed jeans. AG offers pin dot and polka dot jeans, which make a nice fashion statement. The most important thing is to mix up the scale on the printed jeans you buy." — Samuel Ku, AG Adriano Goldschmied design director
Zara TRF Tie-Dye Jeans ($60)
Citizens of Humanity Jeans Mandy High Waist Retro Slim ($209)
Denim expert soundoff: "Not every print is good for you, it will depend on your body and the color combinations you like. In general, try to get a print that is sexy and gives emphasis to your femininity. It will also depend on your personal style, so if you are a romantic, go floral, and if you are more artistic, go abstract, and so on." — Adriano Goldschmied, founder and creative director of Goldsign
Why we love it: The cropped silhouette shows off a defined leg shape and more than that, it lets us show off a great pair of shoes.
How to wear it: Since the length of the jean is shortened, you want to make sure what you're wearing on top isn't too long. Otherwise, you'll get lost in the proportions. To finish, go for a classic Audrey Hepburn feel with slick ballet flats or opt for something funkier, like a chunky platform or slingback stiletto.
MiH Monaco Cropped Flare Jeans ($198)
Denim expert soundoff: "There are so many new silhouettes available each season, but we're really loving the cropped kick flare for Summer. It's the perfect update to your ankle-length jean, but with a definite retro-chic vibe. This style can be worn with flats, sandals, and especially a sexy heel. The Monaco is ideal for petite girls who don't want to lose that amazing flare leg opening." — Chloe Lonsdale, MiH Jeans founder and creative director
Why we love it: A high-rise jean done right can not only highlight the flatness of your stomach and length of your legs, it can also accentuate your behind. We're all for a jean that's overtly feminine and just a bit sexy, too.
How to wear it: Channel the high-rise retro vibe by pairing old school prints — think polka dots, black-and-white florals, and so on — on top with the more hip-sculpted jeans. Because of the rise, wearing heels will ensure that you keep a lean silhouette.
Denim expert soundoff: "The most important thing is that the body is well proportioned and balanced. But for a super high-rise jean, a curvier girl with a long torso will look great." — Adriano Goldschmied, Goldsign founder and creative director
Christopher Kane x J Brand High Rise Skinny Jean ($285)
Denim expert soundoff: "All body types can wear high-waisted jeans. With great stretch denim that give and move in the right places, high-waist styles elongate your legs." — Mary Pierson, J Brand vice president of denim design
Why we love it: While denim usually is about the cut and shape, these days we're loving a superembellished silhouette. Think distressed beyond belief, studded at the pockets, cool-girl zipper details, and lots of metallic sheen. A well-executed detail-enhanced jean is all you need to make a serious statement.
How to wear it: Just like you would with bold costume jewelry or an outstanding pair of heels, you have to let your embellished jeans speak for themselves. Thus, not much is needed in the styling department. A neutral t-shirt, a darker complement, or if you're feeling a bit riskier, a bright sandal should do the trick.
J Brand GingerZip Denim ($225)
Why we love it: A flare is super fun to wear on most shapes; plus it hugs curvier bodies in all the right places. The bell-shaped flare helps to balance hips and creates a long, lean shape.
How to wear it: It's a classic style that works dressed up with sexy tops or dressed down with a casual tee. They should skim the ground — translation: if the fabric is dragging, it's time to get them hemmed.
Denim expert soundoff: "It's good to have a variety of denim styles to meet your different needs and moods. But . . . you always should go with a flare for more dramatic moments. I would say most bodies can wear most shapes, it's all about finding the right brand and fit that makes you feel amazing!" — Rosella Giuliani, Gap 1969 creative director
Why we love it: Sure, white denim gets a notorious rep for being the most easily tarnished, but we can't resist a crisp, modernist white jean silhouette. Its clean look instantly lightens up your outfit outlook and while some jean styles can prove casual, the white iteration is totally versatile in its ability to go from day to night.
How to wear it: During the day, style white jeans with a bright gingham print on top and slick ballet flats. Take the look into evening with black ankle-strap sandals and a silky button-up blouse.
Denim expert soundoff: "When wearing white jeans, make sure to buy something that has enough body in the fabric that you don't feel self-conscious. Personally, in terms of color, I think the brighter the white, the better. AG white jeans are known for being non-transparent so there are no wardrobe malfunctions!" — Samuel Ku, AG Adriano Goldschmied design director
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