Two weeks ago, I had back-to-back client appointments with two very similar but different clients. The task at hand was creating outfits - one client loves color, while the other client stays in a neutral lane. There was a 30 minute break between the two appointments where I was able to get home and let our dog Dixie out. I thought I should make a small pot of coffee in order to have the stamina and creative energy for my next client. Switching gears from colors to neutrals and knowing I need to produce ambitious results within time constraints has me feeling like a contestant on The Great British Baking Show. By the end of the day, I had styled over 100 flat-lay outfits. I didn't do the math on the actual number of pieces that I used, but I've certainly realized my capacity for categorizing volume.
I mention this because I believe that having too many choices can be paralyzing for many of us. My body actually has a default reaction when I stand in front of a wall of greeting cards. Within minutes, I'll have to pee. Needless to say, there are much fewer cards that get to my family and friends! I've come to understand that people have a similar reaction when shopping for clothing. Too many choices can result in a mental shutdown or analysis paralysis. I've seen it happen in front of the denim bar at The Hive. With the recent mandate being "anti-skinny jeans," we're seeing an entirely new bewilderedness as women try and dissect the variety of washes, rises, inseams, and overall fit.
In my profession, I see a lot of denim. I like to stay somewhat current and explore the new shapes and styles. My most recent purchase has been the Maya High Rise Slim in Raven. Since I get to try on all the styles, it's a double edged sword. It's awesome to explore the styles from all the various brands, but if you're not careful, you can end up with too much of the same thing. The Maya was love at first sight. The color was the draw. Summer translates to lighter colors in your wardrobe. This has applied to my denim from summers past, but I tended toward boyfriend cuts in previous years. This high rise style offered the narrow straight leg and a relaxed fit. I'm sharing this with you because I encourage you to do a couple things when you are feeling overwhelmed with choices.
Start here...
Take a deep breath and lean into the experience.
Ask yourself if you want a finished or raw hem. This is a differentiating starting point - and if you don't know, try on the raw hem. It works great with sandals and sneakers while feeling less formal. Thus, summer is an ideal time to incorporate raw hems into your denim wardrobe.
Determine the best rise for your body. High rise is hard to wear for petites or those who are short waisted. Mid rise is still a favorite among many. And there are murmurs that low rise may be making a comeback - so enjoy where we are before it changes all over again!
Ask for help. Finding someone you trust that can break down the variables in the world of denim is like finding a translator in a country where you don't speak the language. If you ever want a seasoned point of view, come in on Sunday or Mondays when I'm at The Hive.
Finally, keep inviting possibilities into your wardrobe. There's a difference between knowing what works for you and being stuck in a style rut. Fall '21 will offer some new denim silhouettes that I'm looking forward to including in my list of Must-Haves. In order to not be caught feeling way out of touch, start familiarizing yourself with barrel, baggy, straight, boot, and cropped cuts.
