The history of denim goes back to the late 17th century when “weavers in Nimes, France, accidentally made the first modern denim, a course, sturdy, cotton fabric, while trying to replicate the process of producing another heavy duty fabric called serge. Textiles made during this time were often named based on where they were first manufactured. So, they called the new material “serge de Nimes”, but as the fabric became more widely used, English and French merchants shortened the name to “denim.”” (Ellicott) It didn’t become popular in the United States until the Gold Rush in 1853. Eventually Levi Strauss (a German immigrant) moved from Buttenheim, Bavaria to San Francisco where he opened up a shopping selling dry goods and soon pants that had big pockets and were able to store gold. Denim arrived and here we are many, many years later writing about it and talking about how far it has come and what types of denim YOU should have in your closet. How cool is that???
What I love about denim is how it can be worn all year long and all the way from the early hours of the dawn to the late hours of the night. If you want denim, but are not sure what to purchase or where to shop for it, don’t worry, I have here 11 Denim Items that you NEED in your closet
If you don’t have a Denim shirt, you better go to your nearest clothing store and purchase one. It will go perfect with any leather skirt and booties, or you can dress it down and wear a white t-shirt underneath and leggings. In the winter time, a denim shirt and leggings is one of my many go-to outfits because it’s cozy and comfortable, especially if you’re near a fire.
Denim Button-Up Shirt in Bluffton Wash from Madewell. Price: $85.00
Denim Shirt in signature fit from J. Crew Factory. Price: $44.50
Not only do wide-leg jeans lengthen your legs (I’m 5’4” so this is fantastic), but they also accent your waistline which helps show off the best key features on your body. Not sure how to dress up your wide-leg jeans? It’s easy. Wear a comfy sweater and tuck it in to the front of your jeans, a cardigan, or even a cute blouse with sandals. Whatever your style is, it’s easy to rock it when wearing wide-leg jeans.
Superwide-Leg Jeans in Blaisdell Wash from Madewell. Price: $54.99
Le Baggy Palazzo in Natoma Clean from Frame: Price $82.00
I’m not sure if this is good or bad, but skinny jeans are what I wear almost on a daily basis. I absolutely love them. Many fashion websites would say that skinny jeans are out of style, but I completely disagree. Cropped at the ankle, they’re perfect to pair with a cute blouse and sneakers. If you’re anything like me and love the casual look, than purchase a pair of denim jeans and you’ll be good to go!
Sculptek Ultra Skinny Jean Pant in True Blue from Athleta. Price: $118.00
High Rise Super Skinny Jean from Abercrombie & Fitch. Price: $39.00
Maybe it’s just me, but when I was back in middle school, I would wear a denim skirt ALL the time. I thought I was SO cool. I thought it went out of fashion, but apparently it’s still a hot trend. Wear a button down shirt and cardigan, tank top with sneakers, a light sweater and some booties… the ideas are endless when it comes to this timeless fashion item.
High-Waisted Distressed Jean Skirt for Women from Old Navy. Price: $20.00
Patch Pocket Chino Skirt from Boden. Price: $80.00
I am a lover of all clothing items black and I am also a lover of all clothing items that are white, too. Why? White goes with pretty much everything and you’re bound to look stylish either way. Yes, I know, it gets dirty easily and you might have to do a few more laundry loads than usual, but for me, white makes me feel confident, sexy and casual all the same time. White denim jeans more specifically, also make you stand out and wherever the light is, it’s on you and your jeans.
Women’s True Shape Jeans, Classic Skinny Colored Denim from LLBean. Price: $69.95
The denim jacket, I truly believe, will never go out of style. It’s one of my all time favorite denim pieces that can pair well with almost anything. I have two oversized jean jackets that I’ve had for years and they’ve never done me wrong. You can wear it over a dress, a colored pair of shorts or pants with some canvas sneakers or heels. Or you can wear over a t-shirt with a pencil skirt. Whichever style you prefer, you just can NEVER go wrong with a denim jacket.
Oversized Denim Jacket from Banana Republic Factory. Price: $49.99
Mom jeans were mostly worn back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, but they made a comeback in the 2010’s and again in 2020 and they haven’t gone away since. Although they are called “mom jeans” they’re worn by all women of all ages. From young teens to mothers and every age in between, it doesn’t matter how old you are to rock this trendy item.
AE Stretch Mom Jean from American Eagle. Price: $37.46
When I hear the words “denim dress” I become a little unsure. Have you ever work a denim dress? I haven’t, but after looking at lots and lots of photos with people wearing one, I can understand why people love this look. It’s cute, simple. Wear it with some cute booties and some leggings and you’re about to have all eyes on you as you walk down the streets of your city or town.
Denim Dreams Dress from Altar’d State. Price: $79.95
Owning denim shorts, I believe, is a staple in EVERY woman’s closet. I’ve had at least 3 pairs of denim shorts in my closet for as long as I can remember. Why? They match well with every color of the rainbow, they’re cute, comfy and even though you might have packed all dresses for your summer vacation, I can guarantee that you have a pair of denim shorts somewhere hidden in your suitcase. My go-to outfit? Shorts, a white t-shirt and a pair of comfy (but stylish) kicks. What about you?
Mid-rise denim short in Squash wash from J.Crew. Price: $79.00
I recently just bought my first pair of straight leg jeans and truthfully, I don’t know how I’ve gone so many years without them. You have probably seen models and actresses all across the world rock this style of jeans and so can you. T-shirts, turtle necks and button down blouses go best or even a body suit with loafers.
Ultra High Rise Slim Straight Jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch. Price: $66.75
You’re never too old to wear overalls. Let’s be real, overalls are one of the cutest and simplest outfit that a woman could have in her closet. I love them. I have them in both long length and shorts because I love wearing them in all seasons. Not sure what to wear with them? Try a hoodie, your favorite t-shirt, a chunky sweater or a tank-top. Whatever style you prefer, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Denim Shortalls with Washwell from Gap. Price: $34.99
Levi’s Vintage Overalls from Free People. Price: $128.00
What are some of your favorite denim looks? Tell us below in the comments!
Northeastern has a very diverse student body, and you’ll find a wide variety of people on campus. From Snell to…
Coop at Northeastern is more than just an internship and a break from classes, it’s also a right of passage.…
Winter is New York City’s favorite season. All of the hustle and bustle turns into a maze of colorful, pretty…
Do you find yourself getting lost on campus at SJU? Don't worry! We've put together the ultimate guide to all…
All the college students I know are huge fans of live music and concerts, particularly when the band is made…
Lets face it, as a college student your go to outfit is probably a pair of old jeans, your school…
