Denim, the all-American fabric, has had many legendary incarnations through the decades, from the rockabilly high-waisted jeans of the 1950s to the stonewashed jackets of the ’80s. This summer’s hottest trends both reflect and reimagine denim styles from years past — and are in no danger of looking dated anytime soon.
SEXY DENIM DRESS
Remember those Guess ads from way back, when all you needed to command attention was a sexy denim dress? Well, that dress is now the key piece this summer — and just as sexy. Recently seen on everyone from model Bella Hadid, while out on the town, to actress Emma Roberts at Coachella, it’s clearly the casual dress of choice of the moment. To keep it cool, style it the way Bella did, with a choker and chic combat boots for a ’90s grunge-gone-right look.
Leave it to Bella Hadid to set this year's trends, including this sexy denim dress.
"Rowana" dress, $178 at TheReformation.comGinsburg
A fitted body with a tiny flair makes this dress a must.
"Jinenne" dress, $229 at ClubMonaco.comHandout
This bra-top style has just the right amount of '80s mixed in.
Dress, $29.99 at HM.comHandout
Dark polka dots + pale denim = FUN!
Stella McCartney dress, $885 at Shopbop.comHandout
PATCHWORK/EMBROIDERED DENIM JACKET
More is more, especially when it comes to jackets. Gucci’s led the way with its head-to-toe, mix-and-match styles, including the denim jacket sported by Dakota Johnson and Rihanna. Patches and embroidery let fashion lovers have fun with the basics. There are no real styling rules here, but if you want to stand out, pair the patchwork/embroidered look with solid colors. If you want to add to a mix-and-match ensemble, throw it on over stripes and patterns.
Dakota Johnson and Rihanna show you just how to top off a casual evening look.
Denim jacket with patches, $4,980 at Gucci, 725 Fifth Ave.GC Images / AKM-GSI
Keep it stylishly youthful with this school-spirit patchwork number.
Denim badge jacket, $95 at Topshop, 608 Fifth Ave.Handout
Ease in on the trend with an embroidered floral style.
Denim jacket, $44 at Boohoo.comHandout
Pin these patches wherever you want for an irresistible DIY ensemble.
Denim jacket, $128, and patch set, $19 at Guess.comBrian Zak/ NYPOST
CROPPED JEANS
The skinny jean is slowly inching its way out of the limelight, replaced with looser legs and cropped jeans. Perfect for women of all shapes, heights and sizes, the cropped is a must for any lover of jeans. They’ve been popping up on street-style blogs for a few seasons now, so there’s plenty of inspiration out there for stylish ways on wearing them. And the best part? You can look sexy and cool in them, whether you’re in heels or flats.
Sophia Bush tops off the latest denim trend with a few rock 'n' roll and ladylike pieces.
Eco-friendly cropped flare jeans, $34.94 at OldNavy.comStartraks
An undone hem adds a devil-may-care feeling to these cropped numbers.
"W25 Crop Baby Boot," $235 at 3x1.usHandout
The cut and wash of these jeans make them a double hit.
American Eagle Outfitters cropped jeans, $39.95 at AE.comHandout
These could literally be your everyday go-to jeans for summer through fall.
GRLFRND Denim cropped jeans, $228 at Revolve.comHandout