NEW DENIM, SAME CLASSICS
Pairing two denim styles with classics that never leave the rotation
A cropped, tapered leg from COS and a relaxed, worn-in straight leg from MOTHER are the two latest styles I'm putting into my denim rotation. When testing new shapes, I get a better picture of their wearability by pairing them with my wardrobe staples, the pieces I reach for no matter what. Chances are they’re the ones I’ll end up wearing most, so seeing how they work (or don’t) gives me real perspective on how a new style will fit into my day-to-day. Here, I’m using a cropped black jacket and loafers as the anchor pieces, the two things I’d want to wear with any style of denim I own.
First up, a cropped tapered leg from COS. What I like: the highish mid-rise waist (works with a cropped piece on top), the faded mid-blue wash (great into summer), the length (offering versatility in shoe options), and the comfort. Loose, non-constricting, the type of denim I'll want to wear.
A vintage Chanel jacket can be substituted with a number of slightly shrunken cropped styles, whether jackets or knits. The silhouette is more important than the category. A Khaite jacket is almost identical to the Chanel piece in fit and neckline. I'd add this to my closet if I were shopping for a timeless, quality cropped black jacket, confident it would be a long-term keeper.
The same substitution theory applies to a simple black loafer. The Chanel style I'm wearing is available in select boutiques, but any well-made loafer will do. The Prada loafer earns its place on the basis of comfort alone. The moccasin construction is a draw and I appreciate the subtle branding, present without announcing itself. For a pared-back alternative, the suede M.Gemi fits just as well, with a soft, glove-like leather and immediate comfort out of the box.
Taking the same pieces and swapping out the blue for white denim, again from COS. With a loose leg, it's the kind of style that works across a couple of sizes depending on how you want them to fit. I played with a 27 and 28 and kept the smaller size to have them sit higher on my waist. I prefer a cropped barrel leg, so I had these shortened to match the blue pair. I love the shoe options with a cropped style: loafers, ballets, Mary Janes, sandals, most of my shoe wardrobe.
I have two colors of the Alaia Vivienne Mary Jane and know their exceptional comfort, so when I spotted a worn-in brown style (here too), I knew it would be a serious contender for my closet. It's different enough from the black and red Alaia styles I already own and would complement other pieces in my wardrobe. For a quieter option, I like the slim profile, squared off toe box and delicate crisscross bands on this modern ballerina.
I have a bit of a loafer obsession, but warranted because I wear them so much. The styles shown are the ones in rotation most often: a lug-sole Valentino, tasseled Emilia Wickstead, Chanel quilted flap, and classic Triomphe Celine. Different in character, identical in comfort. That's a non-negotiable no matter how much I may love a style. Something slightly offbeat yet still classic would be the next to tempt me. Army green eel skin from The Row or a worn-in brown leather from Dries Van Noten are two on my wishlist.
The same white denim, now styled with a lighter hand and a softer palette. A simple sweater and slim sneakers shift the whole mood without much effort, though suede loafers or woven Mary Janes work just as well here. The only thing I'd add is a single piece of jewelry with some weight to it, something that keeps the look from feeling too easy.
On to the second style of denim for this story. If you follow me on Instagram, you saw me styling MOTHER jeans with a faded wash and relaxed fit. I tried pairing the same cropped jacket and loafers to play with a different set of proportions, but floor-grazing hems aren't for me and the loafers didn't provide enough lift. I swapped them for a heeled style from The Row (sold out).
If shopping for a similar style, the most important element is an elongated toe box to maintain the appearance of a longer leg. I love all of these low-heeled options that would create the same effect with any trouser or denim with a full bottom. My preference is a high vamp, so the Lemaire lace-ups and Khaite pumps are my two favorites.
When shopping for a jacket like this, my focus is on how it looks buttoned up. I like to keep the upper proportions slim, but not tight, to balance the fullness of the jeans. A tightly knit cardigan works just as well, especially if it's mimicking the style of a jacket. Chanel jackets pop up on The Real Real if re-sale is an option. As of today this one is available. I also like this Chanel, and this Celine.
The same idea in a lighter palette of neutrals can be achieved with pieces like these. Even though one is more of a blouson, it would work because of where it hits on the waist. Both shoes are exceptional silhouettes for this look. I have the tan pumps on their way to me now. It's a style and color I could use in my closet.
The simplicity of all of these looks defines how I like to get dressed. Three pieces with distinct personalities, yet understated and quiet. COS and MOTHER have been consistent players in my denim wardrobe for years. The quality is high, the washes are good, and the variety of silhouettes explains why both have earned a permanent place in the rotation.