Jeans. They date back to the 1870s when they were considered the uniform of the blue-collar workforce—and since their creation, they have completely transformed the landscape of dressing. What was once hardworking attire for miners and steelworkers has become a staple of our modern wardrobes. In fact, the average American owns seven pairs. Yet, as summer appears, we fling our jeans over a chair, neglecting them for dresses, until the first leaves of autumn fall. Not acceptable. Jeans have supported me through the ebbs and flows of life (first dates, breakups, seeing my ex for the first time since the breakup, etc.), and I’m not about to give up on them just because the weather’s warmer. Jeans are a founding element of both my wardrobe and my style—so denim in summer is non-negotiable for me.
The denim-during-summer thing doesn’t need to be complex. I find my best outfits usually have no more than four parts: sculptural earrings, a billowy top, jeans, cute mid-heel shoes. This kind of structure is essential for people, like myself, who are habitually forgetting things and constantly running late. Just remembered you have dinner with a friend at 7pm? Jeans with a cute tank and clogs are a sure bet and no one is ever the wiser that you just got ready 15 minutes prior. Still convinced that you have to shave your legs before you wear a dress but ran out of time? No problem, just reach for your favorite jeans instead and you’re all set.
Now, I know some of you may be skeptical and asking, “But won’t I get hot?” Not at all. Some of my breeziest days have been in straight-leg denim (the key is not to go skintight), light layers and simple sandals. You won’t overheat. I promise. Despite dresses being nice and “easy” in summer, jeans give me the structure I need and the comfort I desire. There’s a reason we’ve been wearing them for over a century.
Consider us convinced. Shop denim to wear all summer long right here.
Yaminah Mayo is a writer and content creator based in New York City.
