Mood Indigo
Blue is the stuff of skies, ripe berries and, well, denim. The latter, seemingly all-American material is actually rooted in France (as in “De Nimes” or “of Nimes,” a charming French city known for indigo fabrics). The hue and the fabric look particularly fetching this spring, with designers and makers putting new spins on true blue.
Here’s my guide on how to incorporate denim and all sorts of indigo pieces into your spring and summer looks, with a little help from my pal (and our model) Kassie Rempel. Kassie (she’s a natural redhead, y’all) is the CEO and mad shoe genius behind Lillybee, a line of footwear and bags in college team colors.
TIP ONE: Yes, You Can Mix Denim and Denim
Dress and espadrilles, Kiskadee; bracelets, The Shoe Hive; clutch, Coco Blanca.
Ever heard the term “Canadian tuxedo?” It’s a usually derogatory expression for pairing a jean jacket and jeans, which, admittedly, can scream Grand Ole Opry. But more subtle mixing, like this bandana-print indigo dress worn with denim espadrilles, works because the shades are slightly different. The shades of blue complement each other but aren’t boring. You can also wear white denim with a chambray top; it’s just really about contrast.
TIP TWO: Pair Pastels with Denim
Top, shoes, bag and sunglasses, The Shoe Hive; earrings and bracelet, Coco Blanca; jeans, Kiskadee
Sure, you can don jeans and brights — think the Yankee Doodle Dandified idea of a red shirt, jeans and white slip-on sneaks. But this season, I’m mixing denim with fresh-looking pastels like pink and minty green. Pastels have been a big resurgence in recent years, and they’re a terrific way of feminizing the toughness of denim. Try a pale yellow denim jacket over a gray dress or create a Coco Chanel-ish vibe by donning black jeans with a pink jacket and a white shirt.
TIP THREE: Get Back to Black
Jeans, top, jacket and shoes, The Shoe Hive; earrings, Coco Blanca.
The number one item I put on most female clients’ shopping lists? A pair of slim black pants. Their slightly more casual, cool cousin is skinny black jeans, such as the ones Kassie is rocking here with an edgy sweatshirt and jacket. Basically, you can sub in black jeans for black pants in nearly any outfit, except maybe if you’re headed to a job interview. And like dark denim jeans, please wash them as little as possible so they keep their raven hue. (I have even been known to dry clean mine.)
Want help putting your own denim (or other) looks together this spring? Contact DC Style Factory stylist Jenn Barger at jenn@dcstylefactory.com for a free consult.
All photos copyright E. Brady Robinson.
