How To: Dress Up Denim for Summer

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I have to admit, as much as I love getting all dolled up for a night out on the town, I kind of love the fact that a pair of artfully dressed up jeans will get you in to just about any nightspot in California. Ahh, the beauty of west coast living. After spending my twenties living nomad-style all over California, I'm pretty much an expert at dressing up denim. So, when the good people at Express asked if I'd be interested in sharing my personal style with a post on how to properly dress up denim, I knew they had the right girl for the job.

The secret to dressing up denim, in my opinion, is layering on the luxe with rich textures and fabrics... and avoiding the black top, black shoes cliche. First, you've got to start with the right pair of jeans. Skinny denim in the darkest wash you can find is always a super safe bet. The Express Zelda Skinny Leg Jean in Raw Distress fits the bill perfectly. Add a 100% silk crepe blouse for drapey, luxurious effect. Perfect for all seasons, silk instantly adds polish to any outfit.

When it comes to fabulous footwear, anything tall and strappy will add a sense of occasion. But, these days I'm particularly fond of the uber-trendy high heel, gladiator-inspired sandal. The elaborate straps and leatherwork become almost like jewelry for your feet. These Guess Footwear Karaoke sandals are a great pick that can be dressed up or down. Icing on the cake? A layered chain bracelet in copper and brass to toughen up the look. This ensemble is perfect for midsummer rooftop bar soiree. Bring on the party invites!

Here's where you can find the items I used to dress up the Express Zelda Skinny Leg Jeans:

• Express Zelda Skinny Leg Jean - $49.50
• Rory Beca Crepe Back Zip Top - $143.00 (was $238-- save 40%!)
• Guess Footwear Karaoke Sandals - $120.00
• Twisted Silver River Bracelet - $80.00