1 Piece, 5 Ways: How to Make Patchwork Denim Work
Turns out, tattered jeans are rather easy to dress up.
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Every now and then a trend comes along that gives you pause, leaving you slightly confused as to how it should be worn. The latest example? Patchwork denim. We enlisted stylist Kareem James to illustrate five very different ways to pull off the patchwork look. Follow his expert tips and you'll be sold!
Pile on the Textures
"Patchwork denim gets an instant upgrade when paired with richly textured accoutrements," says James. Case in point: A double-breasted statement blazer sets the tone, while the glitzy wing-tipped flats and faux crocodile skin bucket bag pull it all together.
Brandon Sun Blazer, $1,500, mjdenzer.com; Old Navy Boyfriend Chambray Shirt, $25, oldnavy.com; Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, $39.94, oldnavy.com; Elizabeth and James Cynnie Sling Crocodile-Embossed Leather Convertible Backpack, $645, saksfifthavenue.com; Guiseppe Zanotti Black Suede Brogue Flats with Silver Metal Studs, $995, giuseppezanottidesign.com; Melinda Maria Nailhead Triangle Ring, $68, melindamaria.com; Melinda Maria Katrina Pave Ring, $78, melindamaria.com.
Add Pretty Pops of Color
Patched up jeans and a plain white blouse feel anything but basic when layered underneath a dramatic long vest. Another simple styling trick to try: "Go matchy-matchy with vibrant-colored accessories," says James.
Iris & Ink Liberty Shearling and Leather Gilet, $850, theoutnet.com; Jeffrey Dodd Double Layer Silk Georgette Silk Tee, $575, chalkboutique.com; Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, $39.94, oldnavy.com; Longchamp Le Pliage Héritage Luxe Purse, $1,285, us.longchamp.com; Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Heel, $500, monacopops.mc; Melinda Maria Nailhead Triangle Ring, $68, melindamaria.com; Melinda Maria Katrina Pave Ring, $78, melindamaria.com..
Or, Build a Look Around All Black
Alternatively, tattered-on-purpose jeans feel super luxe when styled with all black pieces. "A cute cropped sleeveless sweater worn with a wide-brimmed topper, an oversize tote and over-the-knee flat boots feels downtown cool meets hipster chic," explains James.
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Crop Top Sweater, $735, NET-A-PORTER.com; Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, $39.94, oldnavy.com; Old Navy Reversible Faux-Leather Tote, $29, oldnavy.com; Sensei Studio Hat, $605, beymen.com; Guiseppe Zanotti Black Leather Tall Boot with Buckle Detail, $1,950, giuseppezanottidesign.com.
Mix in a Menswear-Inspired Piece
When in doubt, borrow from the boys. Wear threadbare skinnies with a traditional striped button-down, given an ultra-feminine spin when tied at the waist to show an ever-so-slight sliver of skin. Says James: "Add a touch of polish with a pair of studded flats and a cropped blazer casually slung over the shoulders."
Zadig & Voltaire Blazer, $488, us.zadig-et-voltaire.com; Old Navy Boyfriend Mixed-Stripe Shirt, $12, oldnavy.com; Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, $39.94, oldnavy.com; Belle Sigerson Morrison Vae Studded Flats, $275, SHOPBOP.com; Melinda Maria Nailhead Triangle Ring, $68, melindamaria.com; Melinda Maria Katrina Pave Ring, $78, melindamaria.com.
Layer Unabashedly
Why not weave a few fashion trends into one eclectic look? Add embellished smoking slippers and a Southwestern printed poncho layered over a military-inspired jacket. After all, says James, "It's high time for everyone to step up their outerwear game!"
White & Warren Jacquard Blanket Poncho, $495, whiteandwarren.com; Old Navy Long Parka, $45, oldnavy.com; Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, $39.94, oldnavy.com; Guiseppe Zanotti Black Velvet Loafer with Crystal Embellished Skull and Metal Trim, $995, giuseppezanottidesign.com.
Stylist: Kareem James; Stylist assistant: Natasha Garnett; Makeup artist: Alana Wright; Hairstylist: Dana Bower; Photo assistant: Shadi Best
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