Reliable is cool. But with vacay plans on the horizon, we’re craving for more fearless looks
Ah, the Levi’s® 501s. With their clean and classic silhouette, the iconic 501 jeans are a timeless piece that don’t need much to make a statement. Roomy in the thigh and seat, they deliver a look that’s effortlessly cool, and they show off all your curves in just the right way. Plus, denim can be worn with almost anything, making it an ideal and practical everyday uniform.
But chalk it up to the season—we feel like taking style risks. There is something exhilarating about choosing another way to wear your perfectly worn-in jeans, and the same pair of jeans that’s been around for over a century at that. Like Maureen Wroblewitz, we Gen Z can turn to this denim to build outfits we can feel comfortable in while still having the freedom to express our unique style as the 501s offer plenty of styling options. Whatever type of Gen Z you are, these jeans remain to be a must-have wardrobe staple.
Law of balance
One of the most common mistakes people make is wearing too many items from the same era or core. While fashion is all about having fun and expressing yourself, there is a fine line between looking stylish and looking like you are wearing a costume.
We’ve all seen it before: Someone sporting clothing items from the same era, and the whole ensemble looking more like a costume than an outfit. Remember when Bridgerton made half its audience want to dress like a worthy debutante? The period drama’s young aristocrat Daphne Bridgerton flaunted empire-waist maxis, puff sleeves, pearl and feather headbands, and corsets that served the decadent opulence of the Regency era. While her style is iconic, the full look is not exactly something you would wear out to a dinner date.
Similarly, if you wear cowboy boots and a fringed suede jacket, it looks like you’re ready to wrangle some cattle instead of going out for a night out in the city. Sure, you may love the Western-inspired trend, but there is a time and place for it.
Juxtaposition trick
There are ways to incorporate vintage or era-inspired pieces into your wardrobe without looking like you’re wearing a costume. One technique that never fails is the art of juxtaposition. Styling geniuses know that putting two different items together that doesn’t necessarily work makes the best outfits. When done correctly, this technique can take a simple outfit to the next level, adding depth, texture, and intrigue to the overall look.
Think Vivienne Westwood’s rebelliously preppy style: A full tartan skirt with a high waist and A-line shape that flares out at the hem paired with a black blazer or leather jacket. The key is to experiment and have fun!
To make your 501s a little bit more interesting, throw on a sleek vest in a cool-toned beige color. The vest has a different vibe from the jeans, but they somehow still work because of the neutral color palette and the proportions. To drive it home, add more pieces that play into the differences of personalities between these two vibes. Wear heeled lace up boots, a blazer, and finish it off with a structured leather bag with silver hardware to tie in the kind of posh meets tough juxtaposition we have going on.
Catch the Iconic & Classic Levi’s® 501 jeans on their website. For updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.