8 Real Women Show Us How to Rock Denim

These stylish women show Cosmo how to work fashion's most versatile fabric and no two looks are even remotely similar!

By undefined
Jul 15, 2019
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“I am obsessed with denim at the moment. The denim on denim look that I’ve worn here is retro-inspired, and one of my favourite ways to wear the fabric. I love rompers, too—they’re easy, comfy, and chic! I’ve made the outfit more fun by adding a pair of socks. The denim dress is another one of my most worn clothes, ever! It has a criss-cross detail at the back, which also makes it super-cutesy, and can be dressed up or down. With flared jeans, I prefer boots or heels. Otherwise, brogues or white sneakers. In fact, what I’ve worn with my jeans here is a mix of brogues and sneakers.
THE EXTRAS : I’m not too big on earrings. I’m more into layered chains and necklaces. I also like fun belts, with tassels or tie-arounds. MY TOP TIPS: Do get a pair of boyfriend jeans this season. They’re stylish and comfy. A white tee with jeans is a classic combo. Whatever the fit of your jeans, keep it clean and minimal with the top. Less print, solid colours. I prefer blacks or whites.
“I usually pick statement denim pieces and pair them with classics. So a statement denim jacket (jackets, actually!) is a must-have for me (as you can probably tell from my looks here). I pay extra attention to my shoes—a pair can make or break your look. I like to team my denims with a nice pair of heels or cool sneakers, depending on the occasion and whether I’m dressing up or down. I’m actually in love with block heels these days. They’re neither too casual nor too formal...perfect for a day to night look."
MY TOP TIPS: Never overdo it! Denim screams effortless. Pairing a denim piece with classic neutral separates will always make you stand out. The best thing about denim is that you can style it any which way. That’s the beauty of it. I don’t think you can go wrong with it. Do invest in a statement, oversized jacket, or a cool pair of boyfriend jeans. They can be classics in your wardrobe (for a decade at least, speaking from experience!).
“My favourite denim pieces currently are these shorts (above) and the jacket (right). The pair of shorts are super-fun, and I like to show off the high waist and other details, like by teaming them with a casual crop jumper. High heels make the look more dressy. The jacket is such a statement piece, with so much character, so many different elements such as the studs, the zippers and the text, etc... I like to keep the attention on the jacket, and usually like to underplay the rest, like a simple bralet and baggy boyfriend jeans."
THE EXTRAS: However you choose to wear your denim, a pair of nice, statement earrings can really add to the look. MY TOP TIPS: Do try the denim-on-denim trend this season...it’s huge! But make sure it’s the right kind of denim—the shades should complement each other. Denim and leather is another one of my all-time favourite combos! Whether it’s by way of shoes, pants, top, jacket or even a bag, a touch of leather always looks great with denim. Finally, keep reinventing your denim pieces. Paint them, rip them up, accessorise them (with badges, studs, etc)...the idea is to have fun with the fabric.
“Comfort comes first! Even here, the looks I’ve picked are very different from each other, but all reflect my personality. I’ve teamed my denims with a summer colour and a pair of sneakers to bring a bit of playfulness to the outfit. For me, a denim jacket is another must. I off-shoulder it, or tie it around the waist to look sporty."
MY TOP TIPS: There’s a type of denim for every woman alive. We just have to commit some trial and error until we find the perfect piece! For women like me with bigger hips, high-waisted denim—jeans, shorts, skirts etc—gives a great shape. For petite women who want to give shape to their hips, a low-rise will make them look fuller.
“When it comes to denim, comfort is most important. I put these looks together keeping in mind that they don’t just have to look great, but also be versatile. In each case, layering allows the denim to add a certain nonchalant toughness, creating looks that are stylish and not overly girly. I love how these looks can transition from day to night, or be great to travel in."
THE EXTRAS: The great thing about denim is that you can go really big and bold with accessories—it plays off the traditionally casual aspects of denim. The current ‘It’ bag or a high-end chunky watch work well. They can help elevate a piece of denim. MY TOP TIPS: Don’t over-think or over-style denim. The idea is to look put-together but effortlessly so. Layering is key, let it be the star, and pair it with other cool separates.
“This is one of my favourite denim looks! We were shooting in LA for my single, Better, when I had put this together with stylist Mecca Cox. I wanted something casual yet chic, which is why we went with simple denims and a fun metallic top! I loved the jeans so much from the shoot, I went and bought them later. A good pair of sneakers or boots, like the ones I’ve worn for the look, go with absolutely anything—jeans and a tee, and even dresses!" MY TOP TIPS: My idea for a fail-proof look is simplicity. If you’re lost, get a nice, loose white shirt and tuck it into a classic pair of blue jeans. Add a pair of sunglasses for a touch of character.
“I like denim on denim, a lot—that’s usually the way I like to wear it, with shoes that are a pop of color or an accent to the Indigo. Both my looks here are super-comfy, relevant and effortless, which is how I like to dress. I repeat individual separates a lot, but style them differently each time, depending on my mood. I like to work my look around one key detail, and team it with basic separates. I also like raw details in my denim, like rips and raw edges, so I also have a bunch of pieces that are more tatters than fabric! "
THE EXTRAS: I’m currently doing minimal accessories. A whole year of doing fanny packs has ruined handbags for me. I prefer to fill my pockets with stuff now, instead of carrying around a bag. MY TOP TIPS: Denim was made to be a comfortable alternative to people’s wardrobes, so pick the comfiest separates and play. Don’t be afraid. Rules are for school children. Break all of them.
“I’m such a denim person, I’m in the fabric all day, every day! Here, I’ve created three completely different looks, showing how you can make denim look so different and new every single time. I love the eccentricity that comes with it. I’ve always liked a mix of sporty and chic, and denim is perfect for that. Utility is a big trend this season, so one of my favourite looks is the overalls I’ve worn here. The classic combination of a pair of vintage-blue, mom jeans with a white shirt is another look that can be repeated a zillion times. Flared or bootcut jeans are also a must-have. I’ve paired mine with a bralet—for a young, fun, easy look."
THE EXTRAS: I don’t usually accessorise my denim because it’s already such a statement. But when I do, I go for some cool silver rings and hoops. Throw in a mini backpack or a miniature sling bag. MY TOP TIPS: Always try out denims before buying. Not just for jeans, even jackets, overalls etc. The fit can make or break any look. Sometimes a bigger or a smaller size than your actual size can get the right vibe going for you.
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