Denim pencil skirts

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Trend Alert: Denim Pencil Skirts
These sleek pieces are miles away from their faded country cousins.

Weekend (Left)
Pair with: A tee and flats.
Dittos, $59; LordandTaylor.com

Work (Middle)
Pair with: A blazer and pumps.
McGuire, $180; RevolveClothing.com

Date Night (Right)
Pair with: A cami and strappy sandals.
MiH Jeans, $220; MiHJeans.com

Photo: Keri Ingvarsson

Crazy For It!
When I met Erin Feniger, creative director and founder of the Rialto Jean Project in L.A., I fell in love with the artful designs she and her team hand-paint on vintage Levi's and other brands. I guarantee people will stop and ask where you got them—these jeans are an instant conversation starter. Pair them with a blazer and heels for a messy-fancy look. Bonus: A portion of the proceeds benefit the art therapy program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

$200 each; RialtoJeanProject.com
Relaxed fit jeans

Photo: Peter Rosa

Your New Boyfriend (Jean)
The latest news on this breezy style? There are two new ways to wear it, and they're more flattering than the super-baggy versions of seasons past. The first is a traditional men's-cut jean that's perfect for the weekend, while the second has a bit of slouch through the seat and thighs, but a slim fit on the bottom. Whether you play the field or commit to one boyfriend is up to you.

How to wear boyfriend jeans without looking schlumpy
Evening denim

Photo: Peter Rosa, Jeans: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Denim After Dark
Denim may be the quintessential daytime fabric, but there are lots of ways to dress it up for evening. Overalls are a big trend, but there's a fine line between fashionable and farmhand: Choose a dark or black denim in a slim fit so it has more of a jumpsuit vibe. Other options are waxed denim—which has the look of leather but not the price tag—and the always-classic black jean.

Kimberly Chandler, 32 (Left)
Journalist and philanthropist.
"The best thing about denim is it can go from day to night, which is essential in New York City because you never know where the day is going to take you." —Kimberly

Overalls: Current/Elliott, $348; CurrentElliott.com. Waxed jeans: Two by Vince Camuto, $139; VinceCamuto.com. Black jeans: Jordache, $17; Walmart.com
Zipper jeans

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Trend Alert: Zipper Jeans
Talk about a trend with teeth: Motorcycle-inspired zippers are the hardware of the moment, decorating everything from pockets to side seams.

Spend
Upper left: Frame, $249; NeimanMarcus.com, Upper right: $140; NYDJ.com

Save
Lower left: Nicki Minaj Collection for Kmart, $30; ShopYourWay.com, Lower right: $98; AnnTaylor.com
How to wear a denim jacket

Photo: Peter Rosa

How to Wear a Denim Jacket
Forget the stiff, boxy styles of the past. This season's are versatile and fashion-forward. Wear the jacket like a shirt by layering it under a blazer or throw it over a sheath dress for a casual look.

4 denim jackets that flatter everyone
Form fitting jeans

Photo: Peter Rosa

Body Con Artists
The right jeans are like magic: Legs look longer, thighs look sleeker and the all-important rear view looks perkier. How to find that perfectly slimming pair? We've done the legwork so you don't have to.

The most slimming jeans you'll ever wear
True Fit

Great Idea: True Fit
All jeans are not created equal: One brand's 32 is another's 12. How to solve this denim dilemma when shopping online? Use the True Fit icon on the sites for Macy's, Lord & Taylor and other retailers. Create a profile including the size of your fave jeans and you'll get a size recommendation for whatever brand you're eyeing.
Shoes with jeans

Photo: Peter Rosa

The Shoefie (Shoe Selfie)
Find the best footwear pairings and where the hems should hit for maximum flattery.

9 shoe styles to try with jeans