Spring Fashion: The Spring Denim Trend

Denim Biker Jacket
$69.50
Available at: gap.com

I am a denim freak. It's kind of a California thing, I think, this obsession with denim. It's born into us, and the generally laid-back vibe that permeates even the most urban California cities does nothing to change the pro-denim culture. I can count on my fingers the restaurants and other establishments where you literally can't get in wearing denim. As long as your jeans are appropriately refined, you're good to go. So, it's normal for a California fashionista to have a wardrobe of jeans that reaches well into double-digits. I count over 30 pair in rotation in my closet. From skinny to super wide, destroyed to dark rinse, there's a pair for every occasion. With this level of denim devotion brewing, you'd think I'd be super psyched about the new spring denim trend, right? Well, not quite.

For spring, denim has migrated well beyond jeans and the occasional jean jacket to a whole range of fashion items. Spring denim is being found in shoes, handbags, dresses, blouses and more. Even the jean jackets are new and different, with super soft denim chambray replacing traditional rugged denim construction. This denim trend is reaching from the runways, where it was spotted at Jason Wu and others, straight to the mall, with stores like Gap setting up entire spring denim collections. So, how does a smart fashionista take a crack at the spring denim trend without looking like an extra from a spaghetti western? Very carefully.

Tory Burch Beckett Sandal
$295.00
Available at: nordstrom.com

I'd start with picking up a non-traditional denim jacket, like the Gap Denim Biker Jacket. This super soft 100% cotton denim jacket is crafted into a punky, biker-chic silhouette and topped with visually interesting details like zipper cuffs and a snap-bottom hem. Pair this super on-trend jacket with an equally of-the-moment floral dress for a nice contrast, or take on the denim-with-denim challenge and try this jacket with your favorite skinny jeans. But, as a word of warning, don't try to match your denim washes or you risk looking like a Britney Spears-style denim disaster.

Once you've mastered the updated denim jacket, why not plunge head-first into the spring denim trend with a full-on denim look? The Cheap Monday Soft Dress fulfills the spring denim dress requirement, but in a way that is appropriate for those of us over 25. While the racks are flooded with adorable denim mini-dresses, it's been hard to locate a denim dress that is casual workplace appropriate, but still super fashionable. This Cheap Monday find fits the bill with a unique wide gathered waist and 15-button closure.

Finally, what would the new denim trend be without the stand-out accessories? I say, kill two trend birds with one stone by picking up a pair of denim-detail wooden platform sandals. The Tory Burch 'Beckett' Wedge Sandal will be a perfect accompaniment to your spring dress collection and is ideal for an outdoor party because you won't be worrying about your heel sinking into the sod or getting grass stains on a fabric-covered wedge.