The latest Gap ads showing models in head-to-toe denim had me wondering whether I could pull off the look myself. And last week, while in New York and against better judgment, I walked inside a Gap store and tried on exactly the same faded chambray shirt and dark jeans that top model Gabriel Aubry was sporting on the advertisements.
Thinking that I had the same carriage and physique as a male mannequin, I was certain that I would look awesome in one of the season's hottest trends. But I looked in the mirror and what I saw was a disaster not seen since Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears showed up for an awards show in full-on matching denim outfits. Boy, did I mess up. I left the Gap extremely disappointed.
Still, I wanted to get in on the denim mania, especially after seeing a few very stylish young guys wearing variations of the chambray shirt and jean jacket (David Beckham not included). I have also seen guys layering chambray shirts over henleys and plaid shirts. And while walking around IFC Mall recently, I saw a guy wearing an indigo chambray shirt with very dark jeans and classic Ray Ban wayfarers. I thought he looked rather fetching.
If you think you can pull off the chambray shirt, go straight to D&G as they have one of the best shirts of the season (4). It is tailored to the body and has Western-style detail. Be cautious, however, when pairing it with jeans as this can make or break the outfit. Find jeans that are slightly darker than the shirt so that you won't look like you're auditioning for a part on Brokeback Mountain.
Jeans, of course, are the best way to get into the denim trend. There are so many permutations and variations out there - go completely ripped and tattered with a pair from Dolce & Gabbana, or Cheap Monday (2) from Lane Crawford. Or if you want some razzle-dazzle, snap up the studded jeans with matching studded denim jacket from D&G. I'd advise against wearing them at the same time, though, unless you are going to Vegas, or Macau. If you want a retro look, go for a light wash, which is reminiscent of the acid wash jeans from the 1980s made popular by the cast of Saved by the Bell. A lot of fashion editors and stylists are rediscovering the appeal of this type of jeans and Calvin Klein Jeans has replicated the look of acid wash jeans but with a modern slim fit so you won't look like you borrowed a pair from some American suburban mom.
For me, nothing beats a pair of dark jeans, devoid of funky washes and unnecessary accoutrements. They are versatile and can be dressed up with a blazer or even a tuxedo jacket, as Tomas Maier did for Bottega Veneta, or dressed down with just a blue and white gingham button-down shirt or a simple polo shirt from Lacoste.