A model (does anybody else see Barb from Netflix’s Stranger Things?) rocks painted denim on the Gucci Fall 2016 runway; Image: Imaxtree
Fashion’s punk-loving, trend-bending wild children Alessandro Michele and Marc Jacobs have even managed to make so-bad-it’s-good 80s-reminiscent acid wash a thing again (for the time being).
Tastefully acidic looks from the Gucci Cruise 2017 runway (left) and the Marc Jacobs Resort 2017 show (right); Images: Courtesy of Gucci, Marc Jacobs
When updating our seasonal denim selection, however, we’re more concerned with investing in hues with some staying power — and we’re not talking detergent-resistant (we see you and we feel you, proponents of the Church of Denim Washing Abstention). While we totally get it if you spent your last paycheck on a pair of Demna Gvasalia’s frayed, deconstructed straight-leg style or a Matthew Adams Dolan pinstriped jean jacket that will one day have the value of John Galliano’s Dior, every denim wardrobe requires a few color-coded staples.
Click through the slideshow below to immerse yourself in eight essential denim washes to wear now and forever.
Favorite Denim Hues
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True Blue
Creative Directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim showed their appreciation for the now-ubiquitous mom jean on the Opening Ceremony Fall 2016 runway. Those striking 90s blues go with anything from an Aaliyah-esque crop to a chunky, figure-swallowing sweater.
Image: Imaxtree
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True Blue
Tommy Jeans For UO '90s Mid-Rise Mom Jean, $139 at Urban Outfitters
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True Blue
Re/Done Relaxed Straight Jeans, $265 at Barneys
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Brown-y Points
We're aware this Courrèges Fall 2016 look is borderline Euro-tacky and that's what we love about it. In boyfriend cuts, more basic brown styles exude a flashy yet utilitarian vibe (pair with a tailored, easily tucked feminine topper), while casual milk or cream toppers complement bodycon styles.
Image: Imaxtree
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Brown-y Points
MM6 Maison Margiela Cropped Denim Pants, $295 at Opening Ceremony
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Brown-y Points
Liquor n Poker Slim Mom Jeans, $57 at ASOS
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White Out
White denim is the ultimate power move. It shows daring. It's a blank canvas that can be made into anything the wearer wants. As it doesn't vary in tone and therefore doesn't give your leg any added dimension, be sure to choose a pair that complements your shape. We recommend going cropped and pairing with a snappy white tee (a la Bianca Jagger or Andrew W.K., depending on your cultural touchstone). As an alternative, skip the figure-flattering search party and opt for a white denim topper, like the one seen on Julien David's Fall 2016 runway. Team with a metallic bottom, natch.
Image: Imaxtree
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White Out
Madewell Cropped High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $130 at Net-a-Porter
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White Out
Zara High Waist Skinny Trousers, $49.90 at Zara
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Way Indigo
Lady Gaga and Rihanna have more than made the case for deep indigo dusters and oversized jackets, respectively. Supersaturated, streamlined pieces are the new must-haves. Reference these Kenzo coordinates and wear yours as a Canadian tux — and we don’t say those words lightly.
Image: Imaxtree
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Way Indigo
The Fifth Label Fact and Fiction Pant, $90 at Need Supply Co.
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Way Indigo
Levi's Vintage 701 Jean, $198 at La Garçonne
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Red Zone
Bold, tomato-red jeans have surprising staying power. Each year they come out in on-trend shapes and each year we, ready to shake our denim blues, introduce some complementary color into our jean repertoire. As with white jeans, you'll encounter the whole one-color, one-dimensional appearance issue, so opt for pairs that sit high on your waist and finish off your look with a leg-lengthening heel. Last year's LVMH Prize winners Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida favored a monochrome look on their Fall 2015 runway, but we like ours with a preppy cable-knit sweater or printed vintage tee or both.
Image: Imaxtree
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Red Zone
Sonia Rykiel High-Rise Flared Jeans, $460 at Net-a-Porter
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Red Zone
Citizens of Humanity Liya High Rise Jeans, $154.80 at Nasty Gal
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Urban Cowboy
A classic blue with a lived-in feel is a staple of any wardrobe and unlike its decidedly distressed cousins, doesn't have a flavor-of-the-week feel. Style pairs like these whiskered and artfully zippered Off-Whites with a fluid and equally familiar oversized, stripy button-down.
Image: Imaxtree
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Urban Cowboy
AG Jeans The Legging, $220 at AG Jeans
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Urban Cowboy
Alexander Wang Wang 001 Slim Fit, $159 at Alexander Wang
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That 70s Blue
Seventies-style denim with its vibrant stitching and cobalt to cerulean undertones will never go out of style. Play up the retro-inspired hue (seen here on the Paul & Joe Fall 2016 runway) with playful prints or an apropos turtleneck.
Image: Imaxtree
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That 70s Blue
Marc Jacobs Bowie High-Waisted Flared Jeans, $437 at Matches Fashion
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That 70s Blue
Stella McCartney Skinny Jeans, $325 at Farfetch
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Minty Fresh
Super cool mint tones look effortlessly chic with bold graphics and dark tones. Plus, with this bleached hue, there are no Labor Day-contingent fashion rules to follow. Here, See by Chloe supports our denim theory.
Image: Courtesy of See by Chloe
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Minty Fresh
Acne Studios Boy Bleach Jeans, $290 at Acne Studios
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Minty Fresh
Wåven Karin Boyfriend Denim Jacket, $105 at ASOS
