Style

Head to toe denim picks that go easy on the wallet

Easy and affordable ways to take your obsession with denim to the next level

Easy and affordable ways to take your obsession with denim to the next level

(Credit: asos.com)

We wouldn't be surprised if you were sitting reading this wearing a pair of jeans. And we wouldn't be surprised if very soon, we found you sitting in denim top to bottom.

The global denim obsession runneth over into fall with so much more than your standard pair of jeans. Ever since last Spring, when badgalriri stepped out out in her Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik hip-high embellished boots, everyone remembered that denim can be cut, dyed and decorated a million ways. Denim was even a trend with luxury brands at the fall 2017 runway shows in Paris, especially at Louis Vuitton and Dior — something to keep in your back pocket when you're out shopping for fall staples.

And with that goal  in mind, here are 14 ways to take your love affair with denim to the next level.

With An Easy-Breezy Pinafore Dress

Pinafore dresses are the quintessence of "uncool", that's what makes them so sweet! When you wear a pinafore, you're signalling that you're more interested in painting or gardening or comfortably laying back to read a book than anything else, and honestly, same.

$90, Frank and Oak

With Some Soles To Slide Right Into

Mules are still the choice footwear for straight chillin' and this denim pair by New Classics Studio, one of Canada's coolest new brands out of Alberta, is the most chill we've seen — made from salvaged denim and perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll while the sidewalks are still snow-free.

$110, New Classics

With A Super-Cool Playsuit    

Whether they're flatting is always up for debate but, who cares? Playsuits are so easy to wear, and cute. This one by ASOS has crossed straps in the back and an extra design element we love, fringed front pockets.

$91, ASOS

With All Black Everything

The only thing as classic as a pair of denim is a pair of black denim. These "inspired by vintage" pair by Levis are so good because they're not actually vintage, meaning the fit is modern but the vibe is classic.

$98, Aritzia

Or With A Splash of Colour

If 'all black everything' isn't your thing, chase the rainbow in a pair of coloured denim — they're perfect for the person who hates to be predictable, and there's no better way to fight off the winter blues without, well, any colour besides blue. We love this cranberry red pair by Addition Elle for apple picking season.

$68 (on sale), Addition Elle

With A Far Out 1970s Flare

As the sun rises and sets, flare-bottom jeans will always return. This pair is perfectly 1970s thanks to a faded wash and a high waist. Complete the look with a ribbed turtleneck, a pair of sneakers and a mini skateboard for the full effect.

$49 at Simons

Avec Un Petite Peu De Acid Wash

Since black leather jackets, toques and band shirts never go out of style, you should probably add a pair of marble wash denim to your repertoire — they're like acid wash lite, for the mature punk at heart.

$55 at Reitmans

With Love On Your Sleeve

The embroidered denim trend is not slowing down, it's just evolving to become even cooler. Patchwork denim isn't juvenile when the embroidery paints a bouquet of roses across your sleeve, how romantic.

$100 at Zara

Like A Big Shirt

The shirtdress is non-decorative and classic, like an extension of the classic men's work shirt — sans trousers — to take you from the office to a glass of Scotch, and right into Saturday morning. If glamour is more your thing, you can dial up your accessories and the shirtdress will follow along.

$36 (on sale) at Old Navy

With Denim On The Souls Of Your Shoes

An on-trend shape in an unexpected material with a practical leather toe--the only thing that could make us love these more is that they are (super) on sale right now.

$32 (on sale) at ALDO

Short And Two-Toned

Colour blocking has been in for a while, but this pared down version in black and grey denim is way less OTT than, say, two shades of red. Pair, instead, with red tights and a red bodysuit to keep the fire going.

$64 at Nordstrom

Simply Over Your Shoulder

You can carry around a large soy candle, a few books, about 20 tubes of lipstick, a spare pair of shoes and perhaps a little dog too — denim is one of the most durable textiles you could ask for, though we can't promise the same for your shoulder. This tote by A.P.C. is cool-girl-in-Paris approved.

$96 at Nordstrom

Super Casual Like Sweats

Canadians have got to go to a Uniqlo store to get their hands on these babies but the journey will be worth it. The EZY Jeans by Uniqlo are literally chic sweatpants with an elastic waist and drawstring tie but with all the trappings of 5-pocket pair of denim. Genius.

$50 at Uniqlo locations

Like A Slip Dress From The '90s

Looks from the '90s have come back with a vengeance and they're not going anywhere. Find the perfect little slip dress to wear over a t-shirt or under a flannel like this one by H&M which is made of lyocell, a fabric that is "conscious" because it's made from recycled wood pulp.

$30 at H&M