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Denim Trends: Why denim and what trends to look out for

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Erin Appenzoller Student Contributor, Emerson College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emerson chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

 

Jeans are quite simply an obsession of mine.  The first pair I can remember calling my favorite were from Limited Too (pre-Justice) when everyone wanted cool patches on their denim and rhinestones up the sides.  They were a light wash with a slight flare and a bright yellow happy face sewn into one of the pockets on the back.  From that pair on, I’ve been in love—following all of the trends and making sure to always have the perfect pair in my closet for every occasion. 

Though I can shamelessly count up to 30 pairs of jeans in my closet, denim trends are changing in a way that I cannot possibly imagine.  We’re not just seeing basic light to dark wash and slouchy boyfriend fit to super skinnies.  HC Emerson had the opportunity to talk to bloggers Liz Schneider (Sequins & Stripes) and Alicia Lund (Cheetah is the New Black) about why denim is changing so much and what trends they’re looking forward to most.  First, let’s take a look at what trends in denim you should be on the lookout for during Spring 2013.

This spring, denim is going all out and holding nothing back.  Simple floral patterns from last year are being replaced with psychedelic punchy prints, showcasing every color of the rainbow in saturated hues.

Image via Self

 

 

Pastel lovers don’t fret!  They’re back in an unexpected way.  Your pale pinks and lilacs are here to stay, but this season maybe try a robin’s egg blue or pale orange.  Don’t be shocked to see neon pastels lining the shelves either.

Image via Self

 

I remember the last time I was wearing overalls.  I was playing on the playground after school in 4th grade and some boy spit right at my ankle.  Like most 9-year-old girls I cried for about half an hour, rolled up my pants, and continued to swing on the monkey bars.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think fashion would bring these back.  Well, I was wrong.  Put on a casual tee and slip on the overalls.  Don’t fuss over the outfit or worry about accessories.  All you need are cool sneaks and you’re good to go.

Image via Revolve Clothing

 

This season printed denim is not only going the crazy color route, many denim companies like Paige and Blank Denim are sticking with neutral black and white stripes.  With simple tops and pops of color to offset the neutrals, you’ll be wearing this trend well into the warmer months.

 

Now that we’ve gone through the latest trends in denim, let’s talk about why jeans are such an easy way to spark new trends and change from season to season.  Liz Schneider, Style Consultant and Blogger at Sequins & Stripes, says, “When I think of denim, I think of comfort, like a security blanket.  There isn’t one item in my closet that can’t be paired with a great pair of jeans!”  With denim as a go-to for many woman and men, it’s easy to show off your creativity and style through a fashion staple that is loved the most.  Schneider adds, “[I]t is so much fun to experiment with colored denim, printed denim, distressed denim, coated denim, etc.  It allows people to have fun with their personal style.”

Alicia Lund, Freelance Writer and Blogger at Cheetah is the New Black, says when she typically thinks of denim, she also thinks of comfort and jeans as her “go-to” style.  She believes that the turning point in denim trends stems from designers and style icons.  “Various designers and style influencers have shown us how to wear denim in new ways and we’re embracing that Alexa Chung dressed down, casual-cool look,” Lund says.  She also suggests trying different colors and patterns once you find a brand and style that works best for you.

 

What are these stylish ladies look forward to for spring?

Liz: “I just dabbled in camouflage printed denim, and always love the return of white denim!”

Alicia: “I’m looking forward to wearing lighter washes (of denim) this spring/summer”

 

If you’ve been afraid to try a new denim trend, start slowly with a very light pastel or a basic white pair of jeans; or take the plunge and jump right into one of the crazy trends denim has in store for us this season.  Be creative and have fun!  That’s what style is all about.

Erin is now a senior at Emerson College in Boston, MA pursuing a degree in Print & Multimedia journalism. Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, Erin enjoys fashion, baking, hiking, traveling, and sharks. She is currently Co-Campus Correspondent of Emerson's Her Campus branch, and recently worked as an Editorial/Web Production intern and freelancer for Details.com at Conde Nast in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @appenzo.