Your 4 step guide to finally doing denim right

Even though my back to school days are long behind me, a pristine set of pencils, a fresh notebook and a new pair of jeans have topped my fall shopping list since the first grade. As the summer comes to an end, I can’t help but find myself faced with the fitting room mirror charged with the task of updating my jean wardrobe. Time to bring in the big guns. Given Ann Taylor’s new focus on denim, I turned to their creative director, Lisa Axelson, for expert advice on avoiding the dreaded muffin top, transitioning from desk to dinner and dressing like a real New Yorker.

Find your denim ID, rather than striving for trends:
“We’re not striving to be inspired by vintage, authentic denim. We’re really looking to merge our denim aesthetic with our ready-to-wear collection. Clean finishes, lighter, more refined fabrics and stretch is critical.”

It’s all about fit:
“It’s got to feel great on and you’ve got to feel like you look great in it. Stretch is key. If you can get a pair of jeans that feels comfortable and that sucks all the right bits in, it’s magical. Our technicians worked at getting the right waistband so it moves with you and doesn’t gape. We spent a lot of time really making sure that whether you’re standing or sitting you can confidently know you’re covered.”

The quickest way to dress jeans up:
“Your footwear is a huge element. A great pair of pumps or a little ankle bootie dresses the denim up and makes you look more pulled together, and rather than being accessory free, try one fabulous necklace or a great bangle.”

The alternative to black-on-black:
“As a New Yorker, I wear a lot of black, so our indigo-coated jean will easily work with black clothes as well as providing depth to your wardrobe.”

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