Ladies, amp up your denim game from basic to badass. Each garment carries its own rhythm, brought to life with artful stitching, frayed edges, playful prints, and thoughtful contrasts that catch the eye like a collage in motion.
By Christine Cipolla
Riley Vintage Play Shortalls
Capture the perfect blend of laid-back charm and old-school allure with these easygoing short overalls that channel a sense of carefree style through their loose-fitting shape. The all-over patchwork detailing adds a layer of nostalgia, making them feel uniquely personal and effortlessly cool, while adjustable shoulder straps provide versatility and comfort. $370, freepeople.com
Desigual Swan Trucker Jacket
A visual story plays out across sturdy denim panels, with swans and rippling water casting a world of enchantment. Its hues are sun-washed and soft, while its weighted feel and unique appliqué render this jacket a surefire winner. $239, nordstrom.com
Moschino Heart Patchwork Jeans
Eat your heart out! We love the myriad ways these girlie jeans exemplify a sweet yet avant-garde approach to classic denim. Crafted in Italy from 100% cotton, they reveal a mid-rise fit and straight-leg contour. The light-wash base provides an antique-inspired foundation for the collection of playful patches. $795, us.moschino.com
Valentino Garavani Appliqué Shorts
Standing boldly at the intersection of casual Americana and Italian high fashion, these high-rise cutoffs reimagine summer denim through a lens of artistic experimentation with varied textures and artisanal beadwork. $2,800, farfetch.com
Louis Vuitton Capucines BB Handbag
A modern take on patchwork chic, this denim carryall features a block pattern in various shades of blue. It’s trimmed with a Taurillon leather handle, and showcases the house’s iconic LV initials in a gold-toned finish. A Monogram-stamped pocket is the cherry on top. $7,150, us.louisvuitton.com
A.W.A.K.E. Mode Belted Wide-Leg Jeans
Skimming the waist then releasing into a dramatic cascade of denim, these oversized bottoms combine contrasting rinses and stitched panels for an abstract effect. Finished with five-pocket styling, side slash pockets, and an adjustable belt, they elongate and obscure yet invite curiosity. $585, saksfifthavenue.com
Dolce & Gabbana Keira Sandal
When they go low, we go high! These audacious platform numbers are a new season fave, spotlighting a gold-tone logo on the heel and all-over patched-up denim and calfskin construction. The result is an evocative journey back to the brand’s roots, which have been reworked to add a contemporary edge. $1,145, dolcegabbana.com
Kapital Speakeasy Skirt
An intricate, multi-print design elevates the season’s staple jean skirt. Bursting with color, this deconstructed mini is decked out with vivid “eye” embroidery on the front and back. Its distressed aesthetic includes corduroy and leather patches to add raw character, along with a center zip ring pull. $842, haruyama365.com