Under $100: Runway Style
Could there be a more iconic pairing than denim and leather? Whether it evokes James Dean or Easy Rider, the combination of sturdy cotton twill and tanned hides has made an indelible mark on American style. The rugged duo enjoyed prominent placement at several key shows this spring, including Alexander Wang and Givenchy, where they combined to convey a casual-cool vibe. While these materials are not new, the way they were deftly mixed together—often in the same outfit—feels fresh. Though the runway looks can seem extreme in both price and style (take Givenchy's Denim Leather Leggings
($2081) for a hot example), it's easy to translate them into everyday outfits. Just follow a few simple rules (outlined below) and check out a few of the budget-friendly pieces we found to help you get the look!
Before we get to the well-priced goodies, we must offer some formal guidelines on how to wear the denim-and-leather combo in the most current way. We love the idea of juxtaposing denim staples in interesting washes with leather separates, but please make sure you add a few neutral pieces to balance the ensemble. Additionally, we encourage you to pick pieces that are embellished with spikes, studs, and swingy-fringe, as these details add a cutting edge and luxurious air to whatever you wear. Another way to incorporate this look into your day-to-day style is to seek out timeless silhouettes in these rough and tough materials. A leather pencil skirt or a crisp camp shirt in a pale denim wash will help you achieve a sophisticated yet sexy vibe.
After surveying all denim/leather options out there, we're thrilled to report that there are many pieces that are both cost-effective and chic. We've gathered the best together for your guilt-free shopping pleasure and promise that while nothing breaks the $100 mark, everything looks like a million bucks!
1. Silence & Noise Satellite Moto Vest ($88)
While we were crushing on the motorcycle-inspired leather pieces, the high price tags can be a turn off. Thankfully, we found this leather vest from Silence & Noise at a more reasonable price-point; we're so completely smitten.
2. Levi's 631 Skinny Premium Jean ($68)
Some of the chicest tastemakers have been testing the waters of acid-washed denim, and are making a serious sartorial splash. We love this classically cut Skinny Premium Jean, which beautifully balances out the more radical wash!
3. Cheap Monday Caroline Leather Skirt
($78)
Cheap Monday, the Swedish purveyor of reasonably priced quality denim, doesn’t disappoint with this leather pencil skirt complete with zipper detail for added attitude.
4. BDG Short Sleeve Chambray Button Up ($48)
The perfect denim shirt is an elusive creature, but we managed to track down what might be the ideal example. The perfectly pale wash offers a subtle entré to this look, while the subtle sleeve details are a thoughtful touch.
5. Hot Topic Shiny Black Rubber Bracelet 20 Pack
($6)
Stack these sleek and shiny bracelets on your wrist to add a touch of tough-chic to your outfit.
6. Topshop Washed Denim Stitch Sling Bag ($55)
This spring, we're falling hard for a bucket-shape bag! Topshop’s Stitch Sling bag, with its perfectly classic wash and multi-purpose handles and body strap, is at the very top of our list!
7. Forever 21 Fringe Open Toe Boots ($35)
These faux-leather fringe booties are as chic as Alexander Wang’s Alexis Fringe Boot (which are $525, and sold out almost everywhere), but at a fraction on the price!
8. Topshop Denim Cup Corset ($65)
Thierry Mugler and Dolce & Gabbana would surely approve of this sophisticated silhouette, while the light denim wash keeps the piece looking fresh, young, and ever so modern!
Before we get to the well-priced goodies, we must offer some formal guidelines on how to wear the denim-and-leather combo in the most current way. We love the idea of juxtaposing denim staples in interesting washes with leather separates, but please make sure you add a few neutral pieces to balance the ensemble. Additionally, we encourage you to pick pieces that are embellished with spikes, studs, and swingy-fringe, as these details add a cutting edge and luxurious air to whatever you wear. Another way to incorporate this look into your day-to-day style is to seek out timeless silhouettes in these rough and tough materials. A leather pencil skirt or a crisp camp shirt in a pale denim wash will help you achieve a sophisticated yet sexy vibe.
After surveying all denim/leather options out there, we're thrilled to report that there are many pieces that are both cost-effective and chic. We've gathered the best together for your guilt-free shopping pleasure and promise that while nothing breaks the $100 mark, everything looks like a million bucks!
1. Silence & Noise Satellite Moto Vest ($88)
While we were crushing on the motorcycle-inspired leather pieces, the high price tags can be a turn off. Thankfully, we found this leather vest from Silence & Noise at a more reasonable price-point; we're so completely smitten.
2. Levi's 631 Skinny Premium Jean ($68)
Some of the chicest tastemakers have been testing the waters of acid-washed denim, and are making a serious sartorial splash. We love this classically cut Skinny Premium Jean, which beautifully balances out the more radical wash!
3. Cheap Monday Caroline Leather Skirt
Cheap Monday, the Swedish purveyor of reasonably priced quality denim, doesn’t disappoint with this leather pencil skirt complete with zipper detail for added attitude.
4. BDG Short Sleeve Chambray Button Up ($48)
The perfect denim shirt is an elusive creature, but we managed to track down what might be the ideal example. The perfectly pale wash offers a subtle entré to this look, while the subtle sleeve details are a thoughtful touch.
5. Hot Topic Shiny Black Rubber Bracelet 20 Pack
Stack these sleek and shiny bracelets on your wrist to add a touch of tough-chic to your outfit.
6. Topshop Washed Denim Stitch Sling Bag ($55)
This spring, we're falling hard for a bucket-shape bag! Topshop’s Stitch Sling bag, with its perfectly classic wash and multi-purpose handles and body strap, is at the very top of our list!
7. Forever 21 Fringe Open Toe Boots ($35)
These faux-leather fringe booties are as chic as Alexander Wang’s Alexis Fringe Boot (which are $525, and sold out almost everywhere), but at a fraction on the price!
8. Topshop Denim Cup Corset ($65)
Thierry Mugler and Dolce & Gabbana would surely approve of this sophisticated silhouette, while the light denim wash keeps the piece looking fresh, young, and ever so modern!
Love love love the Silence & Noise vest. A must have for the Spring. Would look good with a sweet flowery dress or just good ole skinny jeans. To give it some extra edge, consider pairing it with TT's Pearl Gold Fill Hoops.( http://www.tinatang.com/earrings/hoop/hoop_pearl.html ) :)
Posted by: TheTinaTangCrew | 2009-03-26 11:11:30
I LOVE THAT BDG DENIM SHIRT. X NOIR BLANC ET ROUGE PARTOUT NOIR BLANC ET ROUGE PARTOUT
Posted by: NOIR | 2009-03-25 12:26:34
I love the Cheap Monday skirt, endlessly!! x krystal from whatisrealityanyway
Posted by: krystal | 2009-03-24 21:29:02
LUV the jeans....Oh My, I will go inside UO's to see if they fit, The Corset, Amazing, actually saw a VERY cute one in Forever 21, the other day...might go cop that,,,,,Thanks WWW
Posted by: The Illustrious | 2009-03-24 21:00:50
This is probably my entire wish list at the moment. Unfortunately the Forever 21 fringed babies are sold out in Canada since last week when I began drooling over them- officially. That white corset is my idea of the perfect summer 09 piece: white and body-con fantastic!! Thank you WWW! Great research! lots to covet and be inspired by.
Posted by: stephanie | 2009-03-24 15:34:01
here's the jacket on shopbop: http://www.shopbop.com/suede-leather-motorcycle-jacket-alexander/vp/v=1/845524441840868.htm
Posted by: dani | 2009-03-24 15:09:05
the forever 21 wang look-alikes are cool, but the rest is fugly. definitely does not look like 'a million bucks' they all look cheap, and over priced for what they are
Posted by: presleigh | 2009-03-24 15:06:51
great post! just fyi, the Alexander Wang "denim/leather" jacket you pictured is actually light blue suede and leather. great picks though! i'm totally dying for four of the items you showed us.
Posted by: dani | 2009-03-24 14:44:29
Those knock-off Alexander Wang's from Forever21 are so worth it. I would pounce in a flash. The Silence and Noise vest and Cheap Monday skirt are SO affordable, and insanely chic to add! The BDG shirt under the Silence and Noise vest is the PERFECT way to replicate that look from Givenchy! This has really made my day! [K] http://kingchic.wordpress.com
Posted by: kingchic | 2009-03-24 14:04:19
Love the corset. Shoes are cute too, but wondering if they are completely uncomfortable.
Posted by: SheShe | 2009-03-24 13:09:16
Love the vest and the topshop bag... this was an awesome post xx
Posted by: Victoria C | 2009-03-24 12:14:59
I like most everything in this post esp. the corset, fringe shoes, and denim top.
Posted by: shannon | 2009-03-24 11:21:43
next pay check im getting those levis and the corset!
Posted by: jordyn | 2009-03-24 11:10:02
and now that i re-read the article, i can see that it's an OR. I'm officially dyslexic, you guys :-)
Posted by: fashiongirl | 2009-03-24 11:00:21
james dean NEVER was in easy rider, the picture's from 1969 when dean was long dead. dennis hopper comes to mind, though.
Posted by: fashiongirl | 2009-03-24 10:57:35
eeeek. those levis are amaaaazing i think i'd live in them. and the bdg shirt too. supa cool. want want want. x egotrippingatthegates.blogspot.com
Posted by: D | 2009-03-24 09:42:59
i am running out now to snag those forever 21 shoes and levis jeans! amazing!! http://fashionhedonism.blogspot.com
Posted by: Christing | 2009-03-24 07:06:50
Great job! I've been lusting over most of these things but the denim corset is a must buy for me!!!
Posted by: frickys | 2009-03-24 02:30:28