I have never cared about the label on my jeans, only about how they fit. I don’t care if the jeans cost $20 or $200, if they don’t fit and flatter, they are tossed to the donate pile. You won’t see me in jeans as often as you will catch me in a dress solely because they just aren’t as comfortable. I was recently contacted by Lee for a Denim Style Challenge, and I couldn’t have been more excited to road test some new fall denim in hopes that I can add it to my favorite list!
The style I was provided with was Riders by Lee– honestly, I had no clue that there were so many different varieties of Lee jeans. I specified a mid-rise, skinny pair in black, and received just that. The fabric is “Heavenly Touch” which you need to actually feel to understand. You know how many pairs of jeans are a bit rough to the touch and unrelenting unless you have worn them in for years? This material is stretchy yet doesn’t lose shape and as soft as a vintage t-shirt.
When styling anything, I like to think outside the box. Many people associate jeans with casual style, but let’s elevate it, shall we? Remember when Sharon Stone wore a Gap turtleneck to the 1996 Oscars or paired her husband’s white button down with Vera Wang? Highs and lows, basics and couture. Get creative. Get fun. That’s what fashion is all about.
Look #1: Vintage Glam
For this look, I paired my Riders by Lee with a thrifted négligée that I scored for a dollar at Village Thrift. I layered a cropped faux fur jacket with rhinestone trim that I have had for years and picked up at a boutique for under $50 in the Detroit area. As for shoes? Silver ankle strap heels to complement the rhinestones, and I skinny cuffed the Riders to just above the strap. Bracelet is actually a necklace that I inherited from my late grandmother- she had amazing style and a common obsession with costume jewelry. Purse is beaded vintage-style clutch from Akira, and how could this look be complete without a red lip?
Look #2: Lovely in Leopard
I went wild with this coat, my absolute favorite item in my closet. To my Riders by Lee, I added black suede wedge ankle booties from Target and wide cuffed the denim. The top is a gold silk button down- I wanted to keep the look upscale yet urban so added massive gold hoop earrings. I kept a red lip to contrast the neutral blouse and gathered my hair in a low messy bun to keep the focus on the outfit.
Look #3: Casual & Comfy
MICKEY! This is my most prized possession in my closet- a true vintage Mickey Mouse t-shirt that used to be my dad’s. It was then handed down to my mom, then to my sister, and it now resides in my closet. I did a half tuck into the Riders, and added lace-up combat boots over them to keep a casual yet edgy vibe. Earrings are teardrop silver and onyx from Mexico and the leather wrap bracelet is accented with polished silver pieces. I threw my hair in a casual ponytail with a few face-framing pieces left out.
How do you style your denim? Upscale and unusual? Casual yet classy? Give these Riders by Lee a test drive- I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
Disclosure: Thank you to Rider by Lee for providing me with a pair of their Heavenly Touch denim! All opinions are honest and my own.
