Denim Duty Redefined!..

Denim is the arguably the one wardrobe essential that can be found in every college student’s closet. The right pair of jeans can easily take you from the classroom to date night, making them the ultimate wardrobe must-have. Jeans are comfortable and flattering, and with so many different washes and cuts out there, the choices are endless.

Four of the most popular denim cuts for Fall 2011 are flares, skinny, wide-leg, and boyfriend jeans.

The Top 3 Jean Trends for Fall 2011

If you’re looking for something different than your basic old blue jeans, check out these three denim trends that will be popular for fall.

1. Colored Skinnies

Colored denim was trendy a few years ago and now it’s back in a big way for fall and winter. This season is all about the colorful skinny jeans, which are available in pretty much every hue imaginable. To make them fall-appropriate, though, we suggest picking up a pair in a rich, autumnal hue like the ones below.

Not sure how to wear them? Pairing them with neutrals is a no-brainer, but you could also wear these jeans with a colorful top for a bold, color-blocked look.

Product Info: Purple- Forever 21+, Dark Red- Miss Selfridge, Teal- Delia’s, Magenta- Forever 21, Mustard- Topshop

2. White Denim

Since we all know that the silly little rule regarding “no white after Labor Day” is outdated, bright, white denim is slated to be a popular denim wash throughout fall and winter. Wearing white during colder months definitely makes a bold statement, but white jeans can be one of the trickier denim styles to pull off. These babies definitely best accessorized with tons of confidence!

Product Info: Straight Leg Jeans- Bloomingdales, Skinny Jeans- ASOS, 1969 Curvy Jeans- Gap, Charlie Flare White Jeans- Lucky Brand, Diesel Skinny Jeans- YOOX

3. Patched Jeans

Love destroyed denim? Then you’ll probably love this season’s patched jeans, which are exactly what they sound like — jeans with sewn-on patches. While they’re definitely not for everyone, these jeans give off a cool, grungy vibe that’s sure to be noticed. If you aren’t up for buying a pair of ready-made patched jeans, you could easily DIY your own with an old pair!

Product Info: Contrast Patch Jeans- H&M, Patched Grunge Flares- Wet Seal, Crafted Skinny Flare Jean- Levi’s, Patched Boyfriend Jean- Quicksilver, Pacific Patchwork Jean- Quicksilver

4 Jean-Free Ways to Wear Denim

Jeans aren’t the only denim style that will be popular for fall! Check out these four other denim trends for back-to-school:

1. Skirts

Denim skirts are going to be huge, and we mean H-U-G-E this season. That said, we’re not talking about those basic denim mini-skirts you wore to death in middle and high school. This fall, denim skirts have gotten a chic makeover. Every type of skirt imaginable has a denim version out there right now, so whether you like A-line, midi or pencil skirts, there’s sure to be a denim skirt that matches your personal aesthetic.

Product Info: Stitched Detail Skirt- BCBGeneration, Button-Front Skirt- Old Navy, Pencil Skirt- Nordstrom, Midi Skirt- Madewell, White Skirt- Anthropologie, Side Zip Skirt- Debenhams

2. Jackets

Jean jackets are classic pieces that are perfect for cooler weather – even better, they’re having a major fashion comeback this fall. You can easily throw a denim jacket over your favorite dress to create an instant effortless, all-American look. Invest in a good denim jacket and you’ll have a stylish option that will last you years. However, if you want an of-the-moment moto or cropped denim jacket, look for cheaper alternatives at places like Forever 21 or H&M.

Product Info: Denim Biker Jacket- House of Fraser, Double Breasted Denim Jacket- Urban Outfitters, Cropped Denim Jacket- Topshop, Denim Western Jacket- ASOS, Destroyed Denim Jacket- Forever 21+, Denim Sherpa Jacket- Delia’s

3. Dresses

Denim dresses were popular throughout the summer and they’ll still be trendy for fall. Just like jeans, denim dresses are available in tons of cuts, washes and styles, so find one you love and rock it all winter long.
As far as styling a denim dress goes, wear one with flats and a lightweight cardigan while the weather is still nice, then layer on some thick tights and your favorite coat once it gets cold outside. The denim dress is a super-versatile piece, if you ask us.

Product Info: Coy in Denim Dress- ModCloth, Belted Denim Shirtdress- Forever 21, Faded Strapless Dress- Urban Outfitters, Bleached Denim Prom Dress- Dorothy Perkins, Charmin’ Sandiego Dress- ModCloth

4. Shirts

Since jeans are such a common way to wear denim, shirts made out of this material are a somewhat out-of-the-box way to wear denim for fall. Pair a denim shirt with a nice pair of trousers or a pretty skirt for a sleek look, or be brave and wear some stylish double denim.
Not ready to rock a full-on denim shirt? Try one out made out of denim’s easy-to-wear cousin, chambray.

Product Info: Just as You Are Top- ModCloth, Bow Blouse- ASOS, Pioneer Shirt- Roxy, Snap Up Denim Shirt- Forever 21, Denim Cropped T-Shirt- ASOS, Sunset Chambray Shirt- Quicksilver