Our fashion expert is here to solve all of our denim dilemmas
Ashley Brister is CEO of Style Envy, a personal wardrobe styling business in Greenville, and TOWN’s contributing fashion editor. Her most-asked question from clients and friends, every season, every year: What jeans should I buy?
She hears it from men and women, short and tall, young and “less young.” She’s run her business for 17 years, and while the styles change, her advice remains the same: “The main thing to understand is, there is something out there for everyone; you just need to find what works for you. Just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean it is for you, but you can try it out. Educate yourself on your body shape, and then it’s just trial and error. It’s a matter of recognizing, this is how I’m made, and this is the style that works for me.”
Here, Ashley answers our most pressing denim questions.
Behind the Shoot
- Photography: Will Crooks
- Creative Director: Laura Allshouse
- Stylist: Ashley Brister
- Story: Leigh Savage
- Set Assistance: Anna Walker
- Models: Brittany Winston and Simone Stratman, Directions
- Hair & Makeup: Isabelle Schreier
Denim Q&A
What are the top denim styles this fall?
Acid wash is coming back from the ’90s, though a darker wash is versatile and is usually a dressier jean. Colored denim, or ivory or cream jeans, are a great option. I’m seeing a lot of the exaggerated wide leg that’s baggier and puddles at the bottom. High-rise jeans are here to stay, though low-rise is also available.
If I wore acid wash in the ’90s, should I skip the trend this time around?
You can do it sparingly. Maybe try a blouse or vest instead of jeans, more of an accent piece than a substance piece.
If I’m petite, can I wear baggy jeans?
You can find a version that works for you. It just has to be the right proportion.
Do certain body types look better in high-rise or low-rise jeans?
Larger frames can look great in high-rise. If you have a long torso, it looks more like a mid-rise and the proportions are really nice. The low-slung style is coming back, and it’s a bit younger of a look, but if you have a straighter figure, without as many curves, that can work well.
What about double denim? Yes or no?
It’s fine for a lot of people. It can read younger, but why not try it? A denim suit with the right blazer can look great. I am more classic with a twist, but some people love to follow trends. I say be bold and try it on. If you aren’t feeling it, don’t buy it.
Where do you recommend locally for buying jeans?
Banana Republic and Madewell offer a variety of lengths, especially online. Madewell also has a program where you can bring in your old denim and they take $20 off, which is a great program.
Twill has a denim bar, and something for everyone. They are the largest vendor of Mother denim (a premium line) in the Southeast, and the staff can help guide you.
Maren & Main on Main Street in Greenville carries Hidden and Just Black, popular mid-priced lines.
Mainstream Boutique has a line my clients love, Liverpool, which is a mid-priced brand.
Why do some jeans cost so much more? Are they worth the investment?
Some of the lesser-priced denim has more stretch, so when you try them on, you want them tighter, because 30 minutes later they will be loose and might bag. Premium denim offers stretch but is less likely to bag. It can be cost-effective to invest in a nice pair of premium denim jeans that fit well.
What should men think about when looking for jeans?
The relaxed fit or Dad Jean is not a good look for a mature man. I like to see fitted denim. A lot of men have quads because they work out, or they have a belly. If you buy premium denim, it will fit you better, with stretch and give. Many men don’t buy jeans that fit well. Don’t go too big, or too skinny either. Just that sweet spot, maybe straight denim.
What top goes best with what jeans?
The rule of thumb is a more fitted top with a wide-leg jean, and a more flowy top with a narrower denim, to create balance.
What about jean jackets?
That’s the staple of every Southern woman. They come in different washes, cuts, and lengths. I think a fitted jean jacket is most flattering, and Levi’s makes a great one, the Trucker Jacket, that’s my go-to, with a good bit of stretch and tapered through the waist.
How do I take care of my denim?
Wash denim in cold water (inside out preferred for dark-wash denim) and hang or lay flat to dry. Touch up with a warm (not too hot) iron. Try to wear jeans two or three times before laundering. You may want to have black denim cleaned professionally to maintain color fastness.
Hems and shoes
Baggy wide-leg jeans: Try this style with ballet flat or athletic shoes.
Flared or trouser jeans: Heels or boots work well, but beware heels that are too high. The jeans should almost touch the ground.
Ankle-length or kick-crop jeans: A great length to showcase taller booties or heels. Or try tennis shoes; this length is very versatile.
Straight-leg jeans: A flat, a loafer, or an athletic shoe is perfect.
