Summer has officially arrived, but here in San Diego, we are still stuck in June Gloom. My mood perks with the sun, but after a week of fog, I am feeling a little blue. I also hate to admit how much shopping perks my spirits. Summer clothes can put me in the summer spirit even when the weather has yet to cooperate.
Of course, this summer is a little different than other summers. Most people are sticking closer to home and skipping vacations. We are spending a lot more time in leggings and house clothes than we would any typical year. With not as many places to go, even this shopaholic is buying less. So the items I do purchase need to be versatile.
White denim is a summer staple, but this year it is time for something new. If you are going to buy only one item this summer to update your wardrobe for 2020, choose a cream or ivory pair of denim. The look is fresh and modern and as versatile as a good pair of white denim.
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Cream Denim: The One Item Update for Summer
I have been on the search for a good pair of ivory jeans for a while. I found a great pair for summer – Mother The Dazzler Straight Ankle in Ivory. Mother denim offers super-soft jeans and flattering fits. However, I have found that sizing can be tricky. I sized up one size because a lose fit in light-colored jeans is just more flattering.
1. Ivory Jeans + Floral Top
Swap your white denim for off-white and pair with your favorite floral blouse. Anthropologie has mastered the cute top department. The shirt I’m wearing is currently sold out, but I also have the Inge Embroidered Blouse that is so pretty and would also look fabulous with these jeans. Another top I’ve had my eye on is the Blaise Buttondown. It is offered in several different prints, and the style is super flattering. Ivory jeans make the look more boho than day at the yacht club.
2. Ivory Jeans + Graphic Tee
Graphic tees are a summer staple. I am kinda obsessed. A graphic tee and jeans go together like peanut butter and jelly. I’m not a band tee kind of girl, but I love a tee with a positive message or cool graphic. The tee I am wearing is from Clare V. for Anthropologie and is almost sold out. I’m a wolf girl, but finding a good wolf graphic tee is hard.
Anine Bing makes some of my favorite graphic tees. The Hudson Logo tee would be a great alternative to the Clare V. one I have on. Her tees are rigid cotton that has a lot of structure. It gives the tee a more classic look.
3. Ivory Denim + Black Tank + Utility Jacket
Tank and Jacket is a common combination I often wear with white denim. Switching it up with cream-colored jeans softens the vibe. Utility jackets are my summer jacket jam. The one I am wearing is the Fleet Jacket from Madewell. I have amassed quite a collection of utility jackets in lots of different colors and styles. The Sanctuary Liberty Military Jacket is on crazy good sale right now less than $50. It is lighter weight than the Madewell version. I have it in both black and army green.
My shoes are Golden Goose, and I love them. They sell out every time they restock and are an exclusive at Bandier. I stalked them for months before getting my hands on them. They are one of my most comfortable pairs of sneakers, and you know I love all things camouflage.
4. Ivory Denim + White Tank + White Denim Jacket
The monochromatic trend is still going strong. Dressing all in one color is effortlessly chic. The colors don’t need to be an exact match, just complementary or in the same tones. Here I have added a white tank & white denim jacket because I prefer white instead of ivory near my face. I’m wearing my tank pick from my Best White Tank Top post.
The jacket is the L’Agence Celine Jacket from Shopbop. I recently purchased the L’Agence Janelle Jacket and fell in love with the brand. It is a struggle to find a well-fitted white denim jacket. I have tried over the years, but most are either too stiff or too boxy and ultimately aren’t flattering. The Celine Jacket is soft and has a tapered cut that is so flattering. Another great pair of Golden Goose sneakers round out the look. BTW – I am a fan of all the GGDB sneakers except the Hi Star style. They are strangely uncomfortable. I have heard that wearing them without socks makes the shoes better, but that isn’t for me.
5. Ivory Jeans + Striped Popover Top
Not much has changed in my style as I age except for the fact that I now love an excellent button-up top. For years, I considered the style too conservative for me. Now, a good button-up top is a staple in my wardrobe. If you are interested in my favorite brand of a button-up shirt, check out my recent post.
A pop-over shirt is a modern alternative to the button-up shirt. I have several in my closet. The one I am wearing was from The Gap several years ago. The ivory jeans make this look less preppy. I added some beaded bracelets to keep the look more modern than preppy.
The bracelets are Ubuntu Life, a global lifestyle brand based in Kenya, which helps mothers and their special needs children with sustainable employment. Besides bracelets, they make espadrilles and handbags. All of their items make fabulous gifts and benefit the women of Kenya. Check them out!
6. Ivory Denim + Black Shirt + Black Blazer
Even though ivory denim is more laid back than traditional white denim, you can dress it up. Add your favorite shirt and blazer, finish with cute shoes and a belt, and your ivory jeans are ready for a day at the office or drinks with friends. Are you back at the office yet? As we speak, bars are shutting because of C19 in California. My favorite accessory these days is a mask! Wear it and save lives.
Ivory jeans add a softer look than the more crisp look of white denim. It is perfect for 2020 when we all need a little softness in our lives. Am I right?
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