Here’s our simple secret to a so-good school-day fit: Start with denim. Pick your go-to shape, then find the complementary ingredients that make it a whole fashion meal. The caf could never.
Start with…Low-rise, Barrel
A modern, downtown low-rise barrel jean calls for slouchy yet structured pieces, like boxy cropped tees and oversized jackets. We also love them with an extreme shoe: a chunky loafer or a delicate but killer block heel.
Jacket, $179, & Other Stories. Belt, $50, Gap. Cardigan, $60, H&M. Loafers, $80, Steve Madden. T-shirt, $60, Outsider Supply. Flats, $148, Schutz. Light-wash jeans, $53, Gap. Beaded bag, $15, Zara. Backpack, $50, Jen & Co. Dark-wash jeans, $158, Madewell.
Start with…Mid-rise, Straight
Straight-leg your go-to? Lean into the ’90s styling with trim, tailored separates. Get thee a fitted jersey and a swingy short trench to score the sporty-prep look. Classic shapes and clean lines win all day.
Jersey, $35, Adidas. Jacket, $140, Abercrombie & Fitch. Bag, $218, Kule. Dark-wash jeans, $188, Pistola. Collared long sleeve, $46, Levi’s. Loafers, $170, Nisolo. Diamond brooch, $70, Blossom Box. Eye brooch, $88, Sequin. Sneakers, $75, Skechers. Red shirt, $84, Lucy Paris. Light-wash jeans, $70, Mango.
Start with…High-rise, Boot
A bootcut jean gets even more romantic with ruffles and fringe. Play up the ’70s silhouette with suede boots and bags, but a borrowed-from-the- boys blazer keeps it edgy. The finishing touch? A knotted sweater or soft scarf.
Jacket, $120, Express. Blouse, $17, Walmart. Scarf, $16, Pacsun. Top, $100, Banana Republic. Sweater, $128, J. Crew. Clogs, $170, Cinq à Sept. Dark-wash jeans, $90, Gap. Shoes, $398, Freda Salvador. Light-wash jeans, $90, Abercrombie & Fitch. Purse, $140, Coach.
Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this originally ran in our August/September 2026 issue. Read our print mag for *free* today when you click HERE!
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Collage 1 Images: @anna__laplaca, @lucy_edwards7, @elizagracehuber, shopeitheror.com, Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Collage 2 Images: @graymatsen, en.grovestore.com, @elodieromy, @lauravidrequin, freepeople.com, @athenskallitheafc
Collage 3 Images: @paujoaristi, locondo.jp/shop, @quentindebriey
