Sunday Deliberations: Colored Denim.

Hanneli for Shopbop. Great lookbook here.

One of the big trends this summer and likely through the fall is colored denim. I did colored denim once. When I was 15, and it was all the rage. It wasn't skinny jeans, however. It was the baggy, ghetto kind like Aaliyah would wear (please say you all know who Aaliyah is or I'm really going to feel old). I didn't think I would go back there again, but I've been seeing some really cute photos of the red jeans on celebrities lately, and I suddenly needed to have them too.

A few tips on helping you figure out how to wear colored denim:

Wear with a neutral colored top to help balance the bright color out. For example, white, black, or grey can work with any color. Even a navy blue could work with red, yellow, orange, etc.
However, don't feel like you need to be limited to neutral colors. Color-blocking has been a big trend as well, so something like a bright orange or yellow tee on top? Go for it!
Something else that works? Prints! Striped, floral, polka-dots, they all "go". When doing prints, you can think of the colored denim as a neutral piece. Also, taking a color out of print that matches the colored denim can really pull the whole outfit together.
I suggest sticking with a skinny denim. Anything wide leg or baggy, or even bootcut is too reminiscent of the '90s. Keep the look clean.
Avoid doing all one color. Yes, you will "match", but looking like a crayon isn't a great look. If you insist on going head to toe in pieces in the same color family, make sure they are in different hues. For example, it is possible to pull off fuchsia jeans with a pale pink top (but with all the different colors out there, I'm not sure why anyone would do this, I'm not judging though :P). Make sure there is some sort of contrast between the denim and the top to break it up.

Are you starting to develop some style ideas in your head? Here's an obvious one and the pointy heels give the look a little edge:

Tank: Express racerback tank (Black/white stripe, size XS).

Denim: Blank Spray-on Skinny Jeans (Rust, size 24).

Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Amaya pumps (Black, size 6).

Belt: ASOS Patent Leather Skinny Belt (Yellow, size S).

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

Necklace: Dogeared Mantra Necklace (Silver).

I know I look a little bit sweaty, it was really hot and humid in the storage locker area.

More photos:

These are Blank Denim Spray On Skinny Jeans in Rust (yes, that's really the name of them), that I purchased from Shopbop for $80 (size 24). They are *very* stretchy, and a little on the smaller side, so someone a size smaller than I am could fit these easily. I would describe them as more of a stretch twill rather than denim because the material is very light and thin. They're more of a rusty brownish-red as opposed to a bright red, which is sort of what I wanted because they are more "subdued" in color (as subdued as red jeans can get). The rise is pretty low, I measure it to be about 7". So if you like your bottoms to sit a little higher to prevent that muffin-top, these aren't for you. The front pockets are faux, which is kind of annoying because I keep trying to put my hands and other things in them. Otherwise, I kind of like the jeans overall, but I've been really trying to be selective about my purchases lately. I've been asking myself, "Will this help complete my vision of the perfect wardrobe?" This question has really reduced the number of purchases I've made recently when it comes to work clothes. However, I do allow myself more leeway when it comes to my casual wardrobe. I don't do a whole lot of trends, but when I do, it's usually limited to casual pieces. I think these jeans may be far too trendy even though they're fun. I would rather spend my money on something else that is more timeless. I can't really see these lasting any longer than the fall/winter season, though I have been wrong before.

I'm also really loving the electric blue version. Check these ones out from J Brand: