Remember when you used to save up (or extend your overdraft) for that pair of $250 jeans? Thankfully, those days are gone but a new season is still the best time to invest in new denim. Here are some key looks youll want to slip into this spring, whether you have a roll of hundreds or just a couple of twenties to spend.
Better hit the gym, boys. Slim and skinny (but not skintight) is still the main denim trend for you this season. A slouchy slim denim and a drop-crotch skinny jean the lower crotch helps balance your silhouette, so you dont look pre-pubescent are the newest fits (both $79.50) at that favourite all-American retailer, Gap (1125 Robson, 604-683-0906, ). Its really about the slimmer cut in fashion denim, says Tara Wickwire, spokesperson for Gap Canada. Adrienne Shoom, head stylist for Joe Fresh Style (540 Granville, 604-681-4200, ), agrees. Think slim or straight cuts not super skinny, she says. She suggests dressing up Joe Fresh slim, dark denim jeans ($39) with a jacket and loafers, or dressing them down with a tee and sneakers.
Gaps drop-crotch denim separates the men from the boys.
Dark denim, coloured denim, and distressed denim ruled the runways, adds Shoom pointing out another major trend in mens denim. Adds Gaps Wickwire, [Were] injecting some new shades into every guys jean wardrobe, she says of the retailers new raw indigo and well-worn, pale blue washes. Look for jeans in more daring colours like olive, grey, and white.
White?! White looks so fresh for men, assures Wickwire. Well have to take her word for it.
If youre looking for something even more unique, check out Vancouver-based Good Society (; available at Dutil, 303 W Cordova, 604-688-8892). According to owner Ryan Shantz, Good Societys organic denim is made from cotton grown by independent farmers in India trained in sustainable farming practices. The farmers are given guaranteed purchase contracts for their cotton. In addition, 25 per cent of Good Societys profits are funneled back into international development projects and local organizations like the Beauty Night. The three styles for guys are slim, straight, and relaxed fits. All start at $109 and are available in raw (almost black), cobalt (dark blue) or a phinney (medium blue) wash.
Stella McCartney showed citrus-printed ensembles on her runway, but she also showed simple, denim pieces in modern silhouettes the perfect antidote, perhaps, to all the crazy prints and bright colours youll inevitably wear at some point this season. In addition to shirtdresses and boxy denim tops, 70s flares are a huge trend for spring.
The flare has been a style staple in fashion for a long time, [and] this season, it was refreshing for a new silhouette to emerge, says Vancouvers Jason Trotzuk, the founder/designer of Fidelity Denim (; at Twigg & Hottie, 3671 Main, 604-879-8595). Hes also a fan of the wide-legged jean and suggests pairing any high-waisted trouser-style (like Fidelitys Aloe, $205) with a playful t-shirt, big sunglasses, and chunky wedges: It makes me think of Farrah Fawcett, he says. Its the perfect look for spring 2011.
Of course, with all the skinny jeans that have flooded the market recently, you cant expect tight denim to simply disappear on command. The skinny jean will continue to be popular, agrees Trotzuk. Much-needed updates to the trend include a cropped variety like the Neli style at Club Monaco ($119; 1034 Robson, 604-687-8618, ).
If youre one of the lucky ones to still have a sky-high, 2004-style denim budget, think of investing in some of the other big trends: pleated denim with a tapered leg, a drawstring waist, utilitarian details, lightweight chambray denim, and white. (For women, its an easier sell.)
White denim is hotits very Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera, confirms Trotzuk. Try Fidelitys Belladonna bootcut ($188) or the Stevie capri ($166), or opt for a pair by Hudson, the brand currently collaborating with model (and daughter of Mick and Jerry) Georgia May Jagger ($235; from 1-800-335-7268). Keeping them dirt-free will be the hardest part of wearing them: looking good in them, the easiest.
