DENIM is the true-blue foundation of wardrobes for the young and young-at-heart. For decades it has starred in most American closets: there you’ll see more denim garments than any other type; more kinds of denim garments, often in a wide range of price points. Think about it: even though torrid summer days call for lightweight, loose garments, denim never misses a beat: kids simply slip into denim short-shorts to keep cool. Denim is king: it spans every season.
So, since accessories have to relate to clothing, it is worthwhile considering what items will add panache to current denim trends.
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW: Because it is a hot commodity, denim is an overcrowded field. Add to that the squeeze that energy prices have been exerting on our economy, and jeans makers feel they have to offer sizzling fresh looks just to maintain current sales levels.
The industry is going gangbusters with fabulous fit, ga-ga styling for every figure:
Fabric: Washes, stressed, new metallic finishes, Spandex, Lycra all-direction stretch, organic cotton, “seasonless” lighter weights with a soft hand, cotton blends for easy care
Colors: Wilder and blue-er than ever, neon-bright electric colors, deep tones, stripes and florals galore, deliberate faded shades, “wet” looks
Hardware: And lots of it! Heavy zippers, flat and 3-D studs, rhinestones.
Embroidery: Zany new age and traditional, wicked placements
Jeans Plus: Denim dresses with gathered skirts, some with overall prints;
Vests – some mini, but very big in fall fashion; denim
Jackets, basically sporty, but edging on classic tailoring;
Denim skirts, shorts, skorts, micro short-shorts. Retro rompers along with country overalls. And hats too.
So. What to deduce from all this?
SILVER is The Metal Accessory, The Chains, The Rings, The Earrings, The Necklaces, The Bracelets. Combine Silver with anything – it works for Denim. And while Big/Bigger/Huge is IN, with the young, small works as well. Color choice now is very personal, and many customers will center on the one color they feel is their emotional match-up.
Another trend that continues to grow in jewelry design is materials mix-precious metals with baser metals or organic materials like wood or feathers. Silver dominates, of course, but with street chic there’s always room for the full range of metals, colors, finishes, stones and beading.
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE …
No need to go far afield with pendant or charm designs-you won’t beat Stars, Skulls or the ever beloved Hearts. And: even though denim manufacturers are larding on garment embellishments, your customers will want still more-silver or color bangles, enough chains for a chain gang, set at the neck or at the waist. Key chains and clip-ons dangle something sparkly from denim belt loops. Silver hoop earrings, perhaps worn in a cluster. Don’t forget the grunge gang-try oxidized silver plated chains, exotic and startling pin designs. Bold, big face watches make for good times at the counter. Other strong looks: Vintage, Ultra-Feminine (especially with pearls and bows), and Luxe Punk.
Oversize sunglasses.
Denim jean waistlines are all over the place…at the waist, hip-huggers, hip-droopers, even some high-waisted numbers perfect for knockout belts/buckles. (The new crop of double-buckled leather belts are moving well.) Jeans’ pant legs offer the same range: super tight, long legged jeans; bell bottoms; crops; wide legged numbers; cuffed, shredded hems, embellished. Each gives a certain silhouette, and accessories should balance or exaggerate the look.
–NO MYSTERY: Get your best clues from your own customers. Whatever they’re wearing, they’re going to want more of, with subtle variations or stark contrasts. Assess how far-out or conservative your regular customers are, and be guided by that reality.
With denim, everyone wants to “belong” and wear the hottest stuff … only each person still wants to look special, wear something in the mood, but different enough to telegraph “This is MY personal style.” There’s a slouch atmosphere, and the laid-back denim communiqué is “I’m not really trying” – when serious fashion effort is being made!
“Winning is a habit.” — Vince Lombardi
