Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Stella McCartney quilted denim fold-over chain clutch, $1,025.Saks Fifth Avenue.
Q: How can I translate my laid-back, T-shirt and jeans look into a more sophisticated, age-appropriate style?
A: If you love the comfort of jeans and casual separates, you’re in luck. Denim made a major resurgence on runways this spring. At Louis Vuitton, there was a fitted dark-wash denim blazer that would be perfect for the office with tailored pants or with a skirt or dress. Also in the dark wash, Chloe offers a mid-thigh skort, which is youthful but still sophisticated. Michael Kors showed a wonderful lightweight overcoat that comes to the knee. Valentino showed a peacoat style in denim, as well as a showstopping evening gown in lace-splashed denim.
For a more freewheeling sensibility, check out Veronique Branquinho’s dresses, Stella McCartney’s easy-flowing separates, and Burberry’s close-fitting classic jean jacket, trimmed in shearling. J. Crew also offers some terrific pieces, including a top styled almost like a men’s pajama top. And, as always, Gucci harked back to the ’70s with its take on denim, presenting flared short skirts with terrific belt-loop details.
There are also local options for bringing the classic French fabric to the fore. Saks carries Chanel handbags, denim versions of the brand’s eternal classics. Also available at Saks:
Stella McCartney’s most recent collection, which features a denim clutch. AG in the Central West End stocks Alexa Chung’s new collection. Mister Guy offers a denim-twill-and-velvet handbag by Pulvermacher Designs, while Sole and Blues carries a G-Star dark-aged denim sleeveless dress. And J. Crew has the season’s chicest slide—in embellished denim, of course.
By making the right denim decisions, you can embrace your youthful side and add kick to any wardrobe.
