Denim Pairings

Jeans are arguably the number one most worn staple in most everyone’s closet. Stuck in a wash-rinse-repeat cycle, daily denim can become overworked, under styled and generally unimaginative. Oftentimes this happens with wardrobe workhorses (uh, hello black trousers) though simple color pairings can bring them back to life. If you’re wanting to liven up your favorite go-to jeans, try these fresh color pairings to resuscitate your daily denim from ho-hum back to über chic:

1. White
   Before you dismiss this pairing as boring, think again. Jeans are essentially a neutral and, when paired with white up top, the head-to-toe look becomes a blank canvas for a showstopping accessory — statement jacker, belt, handbag or jewelry. Try a simple white tank top and ornate kimono robe in velvet or silk, or a simple white tunic with a wide, bejeweled collar necklace covering a third of your décollatage. This look works even with crisp, clean white shirting and a leopard handbag, red Mary Jane flats and a red lip. From light denim to dark wash, pair jeans with white to set the stage for drop-dead gorgeous statement accessories that steal the show.

2. Orange
   Always consider the color wheel when curating wardrobe pairings, especially to determine complementary colors. Opposite blue on the color wheel is orange, making it denim’s best pairing. Consider the full range of orange hues to find your optimal color — pastel sherbet, orangey-red vermillion, orangey-yellow amber — and wear it as a statement pop of color from casual to dressy: Cotton t-shirt, cashmere turtleneck, puffer vest, silk shell or velvet blazer. Keep accessories minimal so as to not compete with the bold accent color and its balanced pairing with denim.

3. Khakis
   To highlight denim’s rough-and-ready rugged side, wear with classic khakis for a timeless, everyday pairing that never tires. This matched set always looks chic in a cool-casual and polished way no matter how often it’s in rotation. The trick is integrating the full spectrum of khaki in the mix — from tans to browns to greens — to leverage its stunning range of muted tones. Consider pairing jeans with a perennial trench coat in warm camel, silk cargo pants in light mocha or a cropped safari jacket in olive green and watch how wearing after wearing the look remains fresh.

4. Metallics
   It doesn’t get more chic than high-low pairings. For an amped-up, über stylish look, pair denim with a touch of bling to make and unexpected, surprise-and-delight set. Try a matte gunmetal t-shirt, sequin tank top or embellished sweater with either boyfriend jeans or skinnies. Try styling with a half-tuck to maintain flattering proportions, and the more worn, distressed and torn the denim, the better. Add sparkly chandelier earrings and a velvet blazer or capelet for an extra touch of luxe, then finish the look with satin smoking slippers, kitten heels or cowboy boots depending upon context.

5. Denim
   The iconic Canadian Tuxedo is always devastatingly stylish, plus it’s recently made a comeback in 2023. The double denim look is easy, chic and timeless, so make sure you have a suitable chambray shirt at the ready for this pairing. The denims should vary in wash to avoid an overly matchy-matchy look, and try a break at the waist with a belt, half-tuck, full tuck or front knot to create a focal point for eyes to rest. Avoid a cowgirl vibe by elevating the look with a “denim and diamonds” theme — rhinestone drop earrings, bracelets, necklace, hair clip — or try matte silver or gold jewelry to add some swank and sophistication. Further polish the look with an outerwear piece that adds a touch of drama and texture like a bouclé wool cape, fur vest or loop-knit wool jacket.

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