This season we’re totally crushing on Denim Momentum because denim is kind of a big deal for us at rue21. Said the winner of the ‘understatement of the year’ award. Truth: we freakin’ love jeans and we know you do too. That’s why we’re promoting denim worn every day, every way, every wear. Today, we’re decoding our denim so that you can find the perfect fit to match your style.
RISE
This look: Vintage Low Rise Fraying Four Button Shorts, Dark Wash Destructed Fraying Midi Shorts, Light Wash Destroyed Midi Shorts
The rise of your jeans goes from the start of the inseam to the top of the waistband and comes in three main types: high-rise, mid-rise and low-rise. Pretty simple, but this one aspect can totally change the look of your denim (for the better, of course!).
Low-rise jeans rest on the lower parts of your hips. This fit is great for showing off a little skin, and if you have slim hips, low-rise denim does a great job of emphasizing the natural curve of your waist. Mid-rise jeans rest below the navel and are super flattering and waistline-slimming, which means eating one more slice of pizza is totally acceptable. Last are high-rise jeans, which sit above the hips on your natural waist. We’re crushin’ on that ‘90s throwback rn and these jeans are perfectly retro. As a second benefit, high-waist denim makes your legs look about 1000 miles long. No complaints here.
WASH
This look: Medium Wash Fraying Side Seam Split Jeggings, White Mid Rise Destroyed & Cropped Jeggings in Regular, Rose Gold Perforated Sneaker
Denim comes in three primary washes and a slew of cool secondary washes. The primary are dark wash, medium wash, and light wash. Our fave secondary wash? Vintage, no contest.
Dark wash denim works well in chilly temps and makes your jeans look a bit more dressed up. But spring means it’s time to break out that light washed denim, so bye all-black-everything, we’ll see you in the fall. Medium wash is a classic look that’s great for any time of the year. Light wash and white denim are perfect for sunny days and boho-influenced looks. Our beloved vintage wash is more reminiscent of the style of the ‘80s and ‘90s and makes your jeans look well-worn. Looking for a wash that makes your jeans look lived in from day one? Go for a medium or vintage wash.
Speaking of lived in jeans—spring and summer are all about being able to show off a little skin, and a good pair of ripped jeans or shorts does that better than anything else. Distressing can be as serious as full blown-out knees or as subtle as nicking down the thigh. Laid-back style, here we come.
HEM
This look: Light Wash 5-Button Fraying Shorties
Cuffs, raw hems, high-low—oh yes. If you want a classic hem this spring, go cuffed. Give those hems a little roll to show off some ankle. Then comes frayed or raw hems, which sub that clean seam at the hem for fun distressing. Step and high-low hems are shorter in the front and longer in the back.
Choosing the right style of hem can totally change the appearance of your denim. Unique hems are a fun way to influence the style you choose for the rest of your outfit. Cuffed hems are casual and work well for taking you from class to afternoon coffee with your girls. Frayed hems can be boho-inspired and are great for festival season. And step hems are such an effortless look, you can pair them with flats, booties or heels and work ‘em for any occasion.
BONUS: We’re totally sprung for spring’s hottest denim trend—button fly jeans (like the ones shown above)! This style incorporates all of our fave spring vibes: high-waisted, vintage wash, frayed hems, and all those buttons 😍 Don’t miss out on this season’s new trends.
Found your fave fit? Get your denim momentum rolling in some stylish new jean shorts!
What are your fave jeans for spring? Tell us in the comments below.
