The cool case of the silver jeans
Are these the new neutral? And why a pair of these should be your next wardrobe investment.
So, a quick note before I start. It has been a hectic two weeks leading up to this delayed issue of The Styled Cortado. which I ideally, I would have wanted to subsequently release after my last newsletter. However, without further ado, here it is! My musings on silver and how to work it into your style and capsule wardrobe. I hope this article inspires you to integrate unexpected pieces to wear with your existing closet heros. That said, I would also like to mention that this will be my first Paid Subscription newsletter and to thank all of you who have decided to follow me and read my style articles, thus far! I am truly grateful for your readership and I look forward to continue providing interesting content on playful, versatile fashion and to grow a dialogue with all of you.
Now, on to the topic of the pair of silver jeans. . .
There is something so effortlessly cool about silver. It is edgy, classic, modern, heritage, calming, invigorating all at once. It’s sleek aesthetic gives any outfit that cool without trying vibe. Not that I don’t like gold, which I do very much!, but something about silver just resonates coolness. Which leads me to the following story of my incredible pair of silver jeans and to which I will add in suggested pieces to shops and build your own metallic winter outfits, many of which are currently on sale. Hooray!
Last year, as I was on my online search for a few new apres ski and ski suit attire for our annual family ski trip, typing in search words like winter neutrals/winter metallics, playful winter sweaters, après ski outfits, fun denim (I wanted an après ski look that was heritage but, playful!), I came across a pair of jeans, which I almost ignored but, to which I granted an extra click to find out more. Little did I know that these pair of jeans would be my pièce de résistance for days when I want to “dress up”but, not really.
Cue THE pair of silver jeans. Confidence boosting, silhouette elongating, and gorgeously cool, the metallic sheen of the denim elevates the look to that whole other level of interesting style. I immediately feel the uniqueness of these metallic statement jeans while maintaining my California casual signature, influenced, no doubt, by multiple seasons of the metallic micro trend carrying over to an official trend starting in ‘22 and carrying through current season FW’23 (and beyond as evidenced by the most recent SS ‘24 runways). A lasting statement trend coming into its own as a style hero, must-have, a closet staple. Or dare I say, evolving into a neutral of sorts? Perhaps, at least in correlation with my closet which is a mix of fun vintage, playful details and minimalist silhouettes.
Silver has the power to boost the elegance of traditional neutrals like beige, camel, cream, gray, white, black. It’s sheen amplifies the effortless luxury implied by say a lush cashmere knit or a vintage designer blazer. It also has the capability to tie together the elevated nature of an evening top with the laid-back characteristics of a pair of Adidas Samba sneakers and create a very coherent comfort meets elegance look. Metallics as separates rings the versatility bell at its most enthusiastic chime.
Like in Miu Miu’s RTW Spring 2024 ensemble, seen above. More of a take on golden metallic hues but, including here to emphasize the fact that metallics (whether silver, gold or any iteration of) have staying and wear power for this current fall/winter season and beyond. I love that metallic elements make for the most sartorially playful casual yet elevated looks which translate perfectly for the Holidays when paired with cozy knits and for spring/summer with a switch into a crisp button down or classic cool t-shirt.
Here I present a few styling options I created this year for the pair of silver jeans. Everything from ski season attire, to business casual and dinner date night cool as a metallic look book of sorts which you can adjust to wear with more golden or bronze (if gold, may I recommend more of a light wash gold or less bright yellow undertone and if bronze, go for more brown undertones vs pink to result in a more elevated take). These would look equally at place in any of these style scenarios.
When worn with an oversized fair-isle sweater and long lush coat they create a modern take on après ski style:
Playful take on fair isle sweater, here and here. For similar straight leg silver jeans, I couldn’t find these Agolde pair I have but!, I found these amazing options that I may even like better than my own for their less stiff metallic coatings. Especially this first one, here and this is also a good pair, here. Finally, for a faux fur coat rendition may I suggest this, this or this one. The first is pricey but, I find that this price point tends to have the softer faux fur and impeccably tailored finish and thus, is my utmost favorite for its neutral chic tone and silhouette (Toteme can do no wrong!) However, the other options are amazing for under $400 and love the cozy teddy coat designs.
Paired with a blazer, silver denim takes office casual to a whole new playful level while still keeping it business:
Similar cardigan blazers here, here. Go for classic cuts with edgy metallic detailing. Maybe even size up if you want a cooler off-duty vibe. If you’re looking for western boots, look no further than these: one, two, three. The last being the most similar to the pair I am wearing.
Silver jeans with a snake print knit tube top styled over a mesh sheer turtleneck and leather best takes on a sophisticated cool girl vibe perfect for a casual week day dinner:
The exact same Khaite top I’m wearing is here, along with a long sleeve version and this grey button down version from 16Arlington. This top works wonders with elongating the silhouette without being matchy matchy with the silver jeans.
And there is just something about pairing silver jeans with a cozy, lush, oversized jumper in red, grey or even camel that is winter cozy (but not frumpy) perfection:
A grey sweater here and here, a camel sweater, a rich red sweater here (this is a men’s sweater but I love the bright red/orange tone and the crew neck is divine) and here (this is the exact one I am wearing from Gap. I would recommend buying at least two sizes over your regular size). Investing in these tones of knits comes with its benefits of high wearability and versatility. I use these sweaters probably once a week once the winter chill hits. (Which, by the way, seems to be approaching Southern California. Cue the cheering and crossing of fingers that it lasts more than a day or two! Patience, patience…)
Plus, how cool would it be to give an evening look a silver lining? Holiday dinner outfit dilemma, resolved!:
This Ganni wrap dress/sheer coat is an amazing find I scored a few years back. I never thought I would get so much wear from an evening piece! Similar sheer evening coat options here (this one is very similar!) and here (this one is such a cool option, doubling as an edgy blazer!) To up the festive holiday factor, pair with red socks and mesh shoes, these are a great find at under $200! Reminiscent of the Chanel 2023 runway pair they let the festive pop of red socks shine through for a playful detail to your casual evening look.
Silver as a festive neutral confirmed. Now, with that said, on to discussing more enticing things like holiday gift guides for you (because who said “a gift for you, a gift for me” wasn’t apropos) and for all your special someones. Coming up next, my top five things to gift for Her, for Him, for Kids, for Pets, for Holiday Dinner Hosts, for the Ski Fam, for the Foodies, for the Techies, for the Wine Connoisseurs, and of course, for You!
-Jazmín