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Kenzie’s cut: off the record

diverse denim
Jill Hawkins, ‘27, and Josefina Melendez, ‘27, dress their denim jeans down for a more casual, evening look.
Jill Hawkins, ‘27, and Josefina Melendez, ‘27, dress their denim jeans down for a more casual, evening look.
Makenzie Ellison

All views shared in this column of The Chatterbox belong to their respective authors, and may not represent the views of the publication as a whole.

Hey Eagles! As we embark on this new era of fashion, new inspirational outfits can be seen livening up the hallways: namely, denim — a timeless fashion piece that requires no introduction.

A fair middle ground between dark and light wash denim serves as the perfect fall staple for Elena Brown ‘27. (Makenzie Ellison)

 The universal appeal of denim

The endless stylistic ways to make denim your own only adds to the appeal. Specifically, in jeans, we see different silhouettes coming out of all brands this season. While I see loose, slouchy jeans trending, I also see a mix of a semi-revival of slim-fitting jeans making their return. There has also been a rise in a viable middle ground between both baggy and slim-fitting jeans: the LEVI’S 90’s straight style.

Contrary to popular belief, skinny jeans are not going out of style; they’re just being styled differently. While they remain out of my territory, after being included in Isabel Marant’s summer and spring collection, I am predicting an uproar in the previously stylish shape of jeans.

Styling denim for the fall

Personally, I love denim jeans. They pair perfectly with any outfit in the fall, dark-washed or light. You could match a simple dark-wash pair of denim pants  perfectly with a dark, but not blue, thick knit sweater. Or, you could pair light-washed jeans with their contrasting color on a color wheel, like a bright red sweater to fit that fall theme.

My favorite pairs of jeans to elevate a look are those with a white, slouchy demeanor. Though bright white pants usually give me a very summertime vibe, styling a pair of white jeans in the correct, crisp autumn way could transform the look to appear more this season.

A perfect way to cultivate the amber, melancholy feeling of autumn is with a dark denim shirt or a tight-fitting long shirt in a dark or mahogany color. Having a proper base for an outfit is a simple way to make it your own by adding accessories or styling it in your own way — that is what adds the simple artistic aspect to each outfit.

Denim takes new forms

While jeans stand as possibly the most prominent part of fall fashion and fashion trends in general, there’s been a rise in the popularity of the denim jacket. Previously considered dated or last season, denim jackets and shirts have been hitting the Coach and Adam Lippes runways.

These throwback, bedazzled, skinny but flared jeans give off a cool girl vibe. They show the growing inclination to accessorize and bling out jeans. (Makenzie Ellison)

I am a fan of the thin denim shirt; the outfit inspiration currently on my Pinterest board heavily features YSL and Parke’s denim button-ups. The mellow, cool button-up brings a chill vibe to an outfit. In early, warm autumn, a thin denim shirt with a cutoff and a layered navy cardigan over the shoulders would pair perfectly. You could even sneak in a statement piece; dark green or bright red Hunter boots would be perfect. Though the Hunter boot trend hasn’t caught on the way I anticipated, I still have hope.

Denim skirts: a timeless classic

While this vintage denim jacket look is slightly reviving, I haven’t seen it hit the closets of students. Though my personal review of denim jackets in fashion is a yes, I tend to stay away from them in my day-to-day, opting for a more casual light jacket. A denim trend I do follow, in any shape, style or fashion is the denim mini skirt.

The denim skirt is the perfect fashion choice. Similar to the timelessness of jeans, it transcends trends and solidifies itself as a basic among all other fashion choices. I prefer the Edikted or Brandy Melville style of denim skirts, but if these don’t suit your stylistic needs, I’d recommend getting one from a thrift store or custom-making a denim skirt yourself using a pair of worn jeans.

Denim skirts also come in many different patterns and colors, ranging from light-washed, black, leopard print and army green colors. I find myself reaching for my denim skirt at all times of the year, but especially right before it turns freezing — the perfect season. The best way to style a black denim skirt, specifically for fall, is with a dark, moderately tight top and a statement belt to pull the look together.

Many different pairs of jeans, skinny, straight-legged, baggy and low-rise are stored — a mix between fun and classy styles. (Makenzie Ellison)

Denim Accessories

The last part of denim trends hitting the runway this year is the accessories. Denim. Accessories.

I am not completely against the idea of including denim in this category, but I’d never wear it personally. The denim hats, belts and bags are a hit or miss for me. Though when executed perfectly, I can’t bring myself to hate on an outfit; when you’re being uniquely yourself, the opinion of someone else doesn’t matter.

The classic cowboy, New York commuter, high school student, working moms and father dressed for casual Friday strive in their great jeans. It remains wonderful to me how each person in the world finds their own aspect of styling their jeans, a style unique to them.

XOXO, Makenzie

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