I Wore the Jeans All the Supermodels Have Been Wearing to Fashion Week
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The trendiest denim of 2019 looks great on the supermodels, but I found myself wondering how easy it would be to pull off leopard print and a baggy boyfriend fit IRL. Would cargos make my abs look like Emily Ratajkowski's? I wanted to know. (Spoiler: not really.) But when I took the freshest crop of styles for a whirl during Fashion Week this season, I did discover a few flattering ways to wear them anyway.
The trends in question? Colored denim, animal pattern, a baggy slouch, ultra-flares (think Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in the early 2000s), and cargos, aka carpenter pants. Now, before I give you the background on my approach to the challenge, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, everyone's body type is different. Yes, I know you're well aware. But what I'm trying to say is I'm 5'1" and petite, but with athletic legs and a booty, so the jeans I slipped into might look totally different on you than they do on me.
But I made it my mission to construct outfits that I could envision on a wide range of figures. I aimed for universally flattering proportions, crafting looks that are effortless and not too involved, but still feel modern. I incorporated a tie-dye top, a rainbow puffer, and even seashell jewelry, since I wanted to keep things on trend. My "Limited Too" combination with bell bottoms might've felt basic in 2004, but now it's a throwback statement we're seeing all over the streets.
While it's easy to stick to your favorite skinnies or mom jeans and throw on a cardigan, I invite you to embrace these five new silhouettes with me and take my tips for pulling them off. I can't promise you'll instantly feel like a supermodel when you look in the mirror, but I can promise you the confidence of that girl, the one who has updated her wardrobe for the new year and is damn proud of it.
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Colored Denim Trend
The best way to wear colored denim is to keep things minimal. Go for plain, complementing shades — I worked these cherry-red POPSUGAR at Kohl's jeans with a lavender Lovers + Friends sweater ($148) — and complete with a sleek, mod bootie. I'm always reaching for this white pair with a sturdy heel from H&M. Other great color combos to try include orange and navy or yellow and teal.
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Animal Print Denim Trend
Since I'm short, I opted for a cropped, structured fit in a bold leopard print from R13. Being able to show off a bit of ankle by slipping on these Kenneth Cole low-top sneakers ($125) elongated my legs. I complemented the vibrant yellow with a vintage graphic Mickey Mouse sweatshirt and leopard camera bag on a chain, which just amped up the pattern on my pants even more. The fuzzy material of this cranberry MKT Studio Coat ($341) keeps things wild and exciting. That should be the look you're aiming for when you're rocking this trend, so don't be afraid to play with texture here.
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Baggy Denim Trend
An oversize coat is one thing, but oversize jeans can be intimidating. What are you gonna do with all that room?! I've got news for you. When you cap this style off with the right shoe — something sturdy and chunky, namely, the aforementioned H&M boots — everything falls just right. This Alexander Wang denim seems to be screaming for a crop top to balance out proportions, so I worked my POPSUGAR at Kohl's Ribbed Crop Top ($22, originally $30) and played up the street wear look with this R13 Down Hoodie ($795), which I highly recommend investing in too.
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Ultra-Flare Denim Trend
These Hudson jeans remind me of my Limited Too days, when I'd style my denim with a tie-dye tank top, stretchy wire choker, and Emma Bunton-approved platform sneakers, scrunchie on my wrist and all. I played up the surfer vibes by accessorizing my Cotton Citizen Long Sleeve Tee ($125) with a Shashi shell necklace ($60) and matching bracelet I picked up in St. Lucia. My Ash Addict Trainers ($275) were the finishing touch. My advice to you? In 2019, you shouldn't be afraid to try a look you would've gone crazy for in middle school.
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Cargo Trend
I'd be lying if I said I liked cargos from the start — I didn't. But as soon as I saw how sexy they could be (I started taking note from brands like I.AM.GIA that style the pants with romantic, ruffled tops, and Emily Ratajkowski, who rocked hers with a midriff-baring muscle tee and belt), I added them to my wish list.
These Dickies Girl carpenter jeans are frickin' comfortable, believe it or not. The best way to wear them now is to channel Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, or any pop star in the early 2000s, and try them with a fancy top. I liked the idea of bringing femininity to my look with this Karen Millen bishop-sleeved blouse ($205, originally $299). If you want to play up the edge, work leather into your outfit, just like I did with my trusty H&M boots and Parisa Wang Addicted Bracelet Bag ($245).
Cargos ended up being my favorite of all the denim trends I tried out. And even though they're tough and more stiff than they are curve-flattering, my boyfriend even told me he thinks they're sexy and cool. Sup, babe?
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